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Over-the-counter (OTC) ingredient names can sound confusing. To help you find the ingredients that can best help treat you or a loved one’s symptoms, we have provided some examples of common symptoms and some of the OTC active ingredients that treat them. Remember some medicines contain more than one active ingredient in order to treat more than one symptom at a time. When using a multi-symptom product, pick one that treats your specific and simultaneously occurring symptoms. Read and follow the label with particular attention because it contains information in the "Uses," "Warnings," and "Directions" sections applying to all of the product’s active ingredients. And never take a multi-symptom product in addition to another medicine at the same time if they contain one or more of the same active ingredients. Included in the list below are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when using certain products. The list is not comprehensive and should not replace the instructions on medicine labels or of a healthcare professional, and is provided for informational purposes only. Choose a Symptom: Allergies
Allergy medicines are known as antihistamines Oral active ingredients include: brompheniramine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, and loratadine. Special Tips: - Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so read the label and exercise caution, especially when considering whether to drive or not.
Back to top Common Cold/Flu Special Tips: - Understand that each of the OTC active ingredients treats a specific common cold symptom, such as fever, runny nose, or cough.
- Select and use products that treat only the symptoms you have, and get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and wash your hands often.
- Many cold and flu products treat a range of symptoms and contain more than one active ingredient. Be especially mindful of active ingredients when taking these multi-symptom or combination products to be sure you do not take more than one medicine with any of the same active ingredient.
- Do not give oral cough and cold medicines to children under age 4. Click here for more information about oral cough and cold medicines and children.
Back to top Congestion, Runny Nose, and Sinus Pressure
OTCs used for congestion are called nasal decongestants Oral nasal decongestants include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine.
Topical nasal decongestants include phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline. Special Tips: - People with heart disease or high blood pressure need to read labels carefully and talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking decongestants.
- Do not use topical nasal decongestants (nasal sprays or gels) for more than 3 days, becuase frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.
- Talk to your doctore before using an oral nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription drug for treating depression, or psychiatric or emotional conditions. Taking an oral nasal decongestant can lead to a dangerous drug interaction if you art taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for one of these conditions.
Back to top Cough
There are different types of coughs and different types of cough medicines. These can be called antitussives, cough suppressants, or expectorants. Oral active ingredients include dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and guaifenesin.
Topical active ingredients include camphor and menthol. Tips: - Cough medicines may contain additional active ingredients to treat more than just cough; be sure to read the label carefully.
- Drink plenty of fluids—unless a doctor tells you not to—while taking products containing guaifenesin.
- Dextromethorphan sometimes is abused by young people, so be aware of the possibility for abuse if you have a teen in the house. More information is available at www.StopMedicineAbuse.org.
Back to top Fever Fever reducers are called internal analgesics. Active ingredients include: acetaminophen, aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid is another name for aspirin), ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium General information: - Internal analgesics are available in both OTC and prescription strengths and generally are used to help relieve pain or reduce fevers.
- Many OTC cold medications treat multiple symptoms of the common cold. These are called multi-symptom relief or combination products and contain more than one active ingredient, sometimes including an internal analgesic for fever or aches and pains from a cold or flu.
- The internal analgesics aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium also can reduce inflammation and are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAIDs.
- Always keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Important tips: - Always read and follow the label before use, paying particular attention to the warnings section and directions for use.
- Never use an analgesic product longer than the label instructs or at higher doses, unless your doctor specifically tells you to.
- Do not use more than one acetaminophen-containing medicine (prescription or OTC) at the same time. Taking too much acetaminophen could put you at risk of an overdose and liver damage.
- If you think you may have taken or given too much of an active ingredient, contact a healthcare professional or the national poison control hotline (800.222.1222) immediately.
- Do not take more than one medicine containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium) at the same time.
- NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium) can cause bleeding problems.
- If fever gets worse or last more than three days, see your healthcare professional.
- Talk to a healthcare professional before using more than one internal analgesic medication at the same time, regardless of the particular active ingredient.
- Aspirin-containing products should not be given to children or teenagers for cold or flu symptoms, unless under the direction of a doctor.
- If symptoms get worse or you experience an allergic reaction, stop use and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
More information on acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium can be found here. Headaches and Minor Aches and Pains
These medicines are sometimes broadly called pain relievers but fall into two categories: internal analgesics and external analgesics. Internal analgesics are taken by mouth for headaches and minor aches and pains from such issues as headache, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. External analgesics are applied to the skin and include creams, ointments, rubs, and patches for muscle or joint pain, or pain associated with minor skin irritations. Oral Pain Relievers (Internal Analgesics) Oral Pain Reliever (nternal analgesic) active ingredients include: acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium. OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (also known as NSAIDs) include the active ingredients ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin. (Acetylsalicylic acid is another name for aspirin.) All these ingredients also are fever reducers and can be found in both OTC and prescription medicines. General information: - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (also known as NSAIDs), those ingredients that also reduce inflammation, refer to aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium.
- Many OTC medications treat multiple symptoms. These are called combination products and contain more than one active ingredient, sometimes including an internal analgesic for minor aches and pains or fever. Be aware of what ingredients you are taking at all times.
- Check with a healthcare professional before using more than one internal analgesic product at the same time.
- Always keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Important tips: - Always read and follow the label before use, paying special attention to the warnings section and directions for use.
- Never use longer than the label instructs or at higher doses, unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so. All OTC internal analgesics tell consumers to stop use and talk to a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days.
- Do not take more than one medicine containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium) at the same time unless told to do so by a healthcare professional. The risk of severe stomach bleeding can increase if you are taking more than one NSAID medication.
- Do not use more than one acetaminophen-containing medicine (prescription or OTC) at the same time. Taking too much acetaminophen could put you at risk of an overdose and liver damage.
- If you think you may have taken or given too much of an active ingredient, contact a healthcare professional or the national poison control hotline (800.222.1222) immediately.
- Aspirin-containing products should not be given to children or teenagers for cold or flu symptoms, unless under the direction of a doctor.
More information on acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium can be found here. Topical Pain Relievers (External Analgesics) Topical pain relievers are also called external analgesics and are creams ointments, rubs, or patches applied to the skin for muscle or joint pain, or pain associated with minor skin irritations. Topical Pain Reliever (external analgesic) active ingredients include: benzocaine, dibucaine, lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine, benzyl alcohol, camphor, menthol, phenol, resorcinol, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, and capsicum. General information: - These medicines are for external use only, and you should avoid contact with the eyes.
- If swallowed, contact a healthcare professional or the national poison control hotline at 800.222.1222 immediately.
Important tips: - Because the ingredients in this category treat a wide range of conditions, there is no substitute for reading the label carefully. Choose and use the right product for a specific condition. Never guess, and do not mix and match various products on your own. If the condition worsens, or if symptoms last for more than 7 days, ask a doctor.
- While some of these ingredients are used to relieve pain or itching from minor scrapes or cuts, some should not be applied to wounds or damaged skin, so read the label closely and choose the right product for your condition.
- Be sure to pay special attention and follow any warnings against using many of these medicines over large areas of the body. This includes warnings against bandaging the affected areas.
Heartburn, Acid Indigestion, or Upset Stomach
Depending on the specific ingredient, these medicines also can be referred to by different names, including acid reducers (also called H2 receptor antagonists or H2s), antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (or PPIs) Active Ingredients:
Acid reducers include famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine, ranitidine, and omeprazole. Special Tips: - Antacids include sodium or potassium bicarbonate; aluminum phosphate or hydroxide; magnesium carbonate, trisilicate, hydroxide, or oxide; and calcium carbonate. Check the “warnings” section carefully for symptoms to guard against, as some can be signs of a problem more serious than heartburn.
- Make lifestyle changes since certain foods and medicines, caffeine, smoking, and overeating can make heartburn worse.
- If taking a prescription drug, be sure to read the insert you get when you fill the prescription or talk to your pharmacist or doctor to know when, how, and if you can take an antacid.
- Be sure to check antacid labels for sodium content if you are on a low-salt diet.
- Do not give acid reducers to children under 12 years of age unless under a doctor’s advice.
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