11 Common Medications You Can Get Over the Counter

Whether you’re experiencing pain, allergies, or the common cold, getting a prescription for your symptoms can be a hassle. But oftentimes, there are over-the-counter (OTC) options that you can turn to first. OTC medications don’t require a prescription, and they’re available to treat a variety of symptoms — from dry eye to fever.

If you’ve ever browsed the shelves at your local pharmacy, you’ve likely seen many of these products. Ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and loratadine (Claritin) are a few that may come to mind. Below, we’ll discuss 11 common medications that you can get OTC.

1. Allergy pills, eye drops, and nasal sprays

Many OTC seasonal allergy medications are available to treat symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and red and itchy eyes. Popular categories include antihistamines, intranasal steroids, and decongestants. They’re available in many different dosage forms and combination products, as detailed below.

2. Dry eye drops, gels, and ointments

Artificial tears are available OTC to help provide dry eye relief. They’re available with and without preservatives. You can also find lubricating eye gels and ointments. But these products can cause blurry vision, so it’s best to apply them before bed.

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There are many OTC dry eye options available. Your pharmacist can be a helpful resource in finding the best product for you. Keep in mind that OTC drops are intended to provide temporary relief. Talk to your healthcare provider if you still need relief after a few weeks of use.

3. OTC pain reliever pills, patches, creams, and gels

When you think of OTC pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) likely come to mind. Oral NSAIDs can help treat pain all over your body. Topical NSAIDs work only on the area where they’re applied.

Examples of OTC NSAIDs include:

• Oral NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin

• Topical NSAIDs: Diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain)

Acetaminophen is another common OTC pain reliever. You can find it as an oral pill or liquid, and as a rectal suppository. Other OTC pain options include lidocaine, capsaicin, and menthol. They’re applied to the skin as patches, gels, and/or creams.

OTC pain relievers aren’t safe for everyone. So, it’s best to check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking one.

4. Fever reducers

In addition to treating pain, OTC NSAIDs and acetaminophen can help break a fever. They’re both available as oral dosage forms. And as mentioned above, acetaminophen also comes as a rectal suppository. Options are available for adults and children.

Often, it’s OK to self-treat a fever. But there are certain situations that require medical attention. A few examples include having a very high fever (105 degrees or higher) or a fever that lasts longer than 3 days. And fevers in children can have other considerations, too.

5. Antacids and acid reducers

If you experience occasional acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, there are several OTC options for relief. These include antacids and acid reducers like H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Each type works differently and has specific directions for use.

Examples include:

• Antacids: Calcium carbonate (Tums)

• H2 blockers: Famotidine (Pepcid AC, Zantac 360), cimetidine (Tagamet HB)

• PPIs: Omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), and lansoprazole (Prevacid)

If you need to use any of these medications more frequently or longer than what’s indicated on the label, contact your healthcare provider.

6. Cough and sore throat pills, syrups, and lozenges

OTC cough medications typically contain dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, or both. These ingredients are available as tablets, capsules, and liquids. You can find them on their own and in combination products for multi-symptom relief.

Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is a cough suppressant that may be useful for a dry cough. And if you have a wet cough, guaifenesin (Mucinex) can loosen up mucus so it’s easier to cough up. If post-nasal drip is causing your cough, antihistamines and decongestants can help dry it up.

For a sore throat, OTC NSAID pain relievers can come in handy. And lozenges, sprays, or drops that numb or coat your throat can help lessen the pain.

7. Motion sickness pills

If you experience motion sickness, there are OTC options that can help prevent symptoms like nausea from happening. Most commonly, these motion sickness pills contain one of three antihistamines:

• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

• Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy)

• Diphenhydramine

Keep in mind: Motion sickness pills work best if you take them before a triggering event.

8. OTC sleep aids

In addition to allergy and motion sickness products, antihistamines are often found in OTC sleep aids. These tend to be older, first-generation antihistamines that cause sleepiness as a side effect. Examples include diphenhydramine (ZzzQuil) and doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs).

In general, OTC sleep aids aren’t meant for chronic sleep problems. But your healthcare provider may recommend one for short-term use. Other ingredients you may find in these products include melatonin and cannabidiol (CBD).

9. Urinary pain relief pills

AZO (phenazopyridine) is an OTC medication that can help alleviate urinary tract infection (UTI) pain.

As you’re getting started on UTI treatment, AZO can help with pain and burning until the infection starts clearing up. But you shouldn’t take AZO for more than 2 days. If you still have symptoms after 2 days, you may need different treatment.

10. Bladder control patches

Oxytrol For Women (oxybutynin) is an OTC patch that can provide relief from an overactive bladder. It’s only approved for OTC use in women. A prescription version, Oxytrol, is approved for both women and men.

The Oxytrol patch is worn for 4 days, then replaced with a new patch every 4 days. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t improve after 2 weeks, or if they get worse.

11. OTC water pills

Diuretics, also known as water pills, help your body get rid of excess fluid. While most diuretics require a prescription, Diurex is a line of OTC water pills. These products can help relieve bloating and water retention before and during menstruation. However, not all Diurex products are the same. Some contain caffeine as the diuretic, while others contain pamabrom.

How to use a GoodRx discount for OTC medications

GoodRx discounts aren’t just for prescription medications. You can save on OTC medications, too. These savings can add up, especially if you’re taking OTC products regularly. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Get a prescription. OTC medications don’t require a prescription. But you’ll need one to use a GoodRx discount. Your healthcare provider can call or fax the prescription over to your pharmacy.

2. Get a GoodRx discount. Search for your OTC medication on GoodRx. There are a number of ways to get the discount, either through text, email, or a printed copy. You can also download the free mobile app.

3. Go to the pharmacy counter (not the cash register). Bring the product and discount information to the pharmacy counter. If the product is only available behind the pharmacy counter, your pharmacist can select the right one for you. The GoodRx discount can only be applied at the pharmacy — not at the front of the store.

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Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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