Over-the-counter (OTC) medications play an important part in our healthcare. They allow millions of Americans to treat their own common health problems with easily accessible, affordable, and effective medicines. But, choosing the right OTC medicine can be confusing. There are many choices, and in order to safely choose the right medicine, you must first know what you’re looking for and how to read an OTC medicine Drug Facts label.
Store shelves are usually arranged according to medicines that treat the symptoms of a certain illness or health problem. The table below lists the most common symptoms or conditions treated with OTC medicines, the category or type of the medicines used to treat these symptoms, along with examples of active ingredients to look for in the Drug Facts label. Always ask your pharmacist if you have questions about OTC medicines.
Table: Finding the right medicine in your pharmacy
| Symptoms or Conditions | Category/Type of OTC Medicine (Purpose) | Example(s) of Active Ingredient(s) |
| Runny Nose, Itching of the Nose or Throat, Itchy, or Watery Eyes Due to Hay Fever or Other Upper Respiratory Allergies | Antihistamine | diphenhydramine loratadine cetirizine doxylamine |
| Heartburn or Indigestion | Antacid or Acid Reducer | famotidine |
| Hair Loss | Hair Regrowth Treatment | minoxidil |
| Fungal Infection (e.g., yeast infection, jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot) | Anti-fungal | clotrimazole miconazole nitrate |
| Upset Stomach Associated with Nausea | Upset Stomach Reliever (antinausea, also known as antiemetic) | phosphorated carbohydrate solution |
| Vaginal Yeast Infection | Vaginal Antifungal (also known as anti-candidial) | clotrimazole miconazole nitrate |
| Diarrhea | Anti-diarrheal | loperamide |
| Eye Care Contact Lens (cleaning) | Peroxide-based Contact Lens Cleaning | hydrogen peroxide 3% |
| Eye Care Contact Lens (hydrating) | Saline-based Contact Lens Solution | saline solution |
| Acne Vulgaris | Acne | benzoyl peroxide and sulfur, plus resorcinol, triclosan, or salicylic acid |
| Mucous or Phlegm in the Trachea or Lungs | Cough Expectorant | guaifenesin |
| Cough | Cough Suppressant | dextromethorphan (commonly found in combination products) |
| Nasal Stuffiness | Decongestant | phenylephrine oxymetazoline pseudoephedrine |
| Diaper Rash | Skin Protectant | zinc oxide |
| Fatigue or Drowsiness | Alertness Aid | caffeine |
| Red Eyes | Redness Reliever Eye Drops | tetrahydrozoline naphazoline (commonly found in combination products) |
| Itchy Eyes | Antihistamine Eye Drop Solution | pheniramine maleate |
| Dry Eyes | Eye Lubricant | dextran 70 hypromellose glycerin propylene glycol |
| Fever | Fever Reducer | acetaminophen |
| Constipation | Laxative Stool Softener |
bisacodyl docusate |
| Hemorrhoids | Protectant for Hemorrhoids Vasoconstrictor (constricts blood vessels) |
mineral oil, petrolatum, phenylephrine HCl |
| Minor Aches and Pains | Analgesic or Pain Reliever | acetaminophen naproxen ibuprofen aspirin |
| Menstrual Period Symptoms | Pain Reliever Menstrual Period Symptom Reliever |
Ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen (pain reliever) used alone or in combination with: pamabrom or caffeine (diuretic) or pyrilamine maleate (antihistamine) |
| Motion Sickness | Antiemetic | dimenhydrinate meclizine |
| Withdrawal Symptoms, Including Nicotine Craving, Associated with Quitting Smoking | Stop Smoking Aid | nicotine |
| Minor Aches and Pains for Muscle and Joints | Topical Analgesic Topical Pain Reliever | camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate |
| Itching Skin | Topical Anti-itch or Topical Analgesic | diphenhydramine hydrocortisone |
| Occasional Sleeplessness or Difficulty Falling Asleep | Nighttime Sleep-aid | diphenhydramine doxylamine |
| Toothache/Teething | Pain Reliever | benzocaine |
| Warts | Wart Remover | salicylic acid |
| Weight Loss | Weight Loss Aid | orlistat |
