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Alternative Uses of 6 Popular Over-the-Counter Medications
Benita Lee - July 10, 2018
We’re pretty familiar with specific uses of popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications — Benadryl treats allergies, Sudafed clears your sinuses. But did you know, active ingredients in many OTC drugs are used to treat other diseases outside of your everyday ailments? Here are six active ingredients in popular OTC drugs and their surprisingly powerful alternative uses.
1) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and most Unisom products)
Benadryl is arguably the most effective antihistamine drug. See More
3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Cold and Flu Meds
Katie Mui - January 19, 2018
By now, you’ve probably heard that this year’s flu season is getting pretty bad (or “moderately severe”, as the CDC puts it), with widespread flu activity all across the U.S. We believe prevention is the best medicine, but certain strains, like this year’s H3N2 virus, are more resistant to the flu shot.
So if you find yourself feeling feverish and with chills, congestion, runny nose, or body aches (among other common cold and flu symptoms), you might be tempted to head to your local drugstore. See More
6 Doctor-Approved Tips For Cold And Flu Season
Katie Mui - January 04, 2018
Although cold and flu season started earlier than usual this winter, you should still brace yourself as peak flu activity in the U.S. typically occurs around February. For the 20% of Americans who’ll come down with the flu this season, or catch one of the billion colds Americans get every year, here are some clinically proven tips that will help you get through the worst of your symptoms.
1. Zinc works
A Cochrane meta-analysis from 2013 showed that zinc lozenges reduce the severity and duration of common cold symptoms. See More
Mixing Over the Counter and Prescription Medications? Here’s What You Need to Know
Roni Shye - February 25, 2017
Americans’ use of supplements, prescriptions and over the counter (OTC) medications has been steadily increasing over the past couple of years. This increase can sometimes put patients at risk for complications and interactions. Believe it or not, a lot of over-the-counter medications can actually interact with your prescription medications (and affect how they work) without you even realizing it. See More
5 Things to Know About Over-the-Counter Antihistamines
Roni Shye - November 13, 2015
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be quick, easy, and convenient options to ease minor aches and pains, the common cold, or seasonal allergies.
Antihistamines are one of the most commonly used OTC medications, including allergy treatments like Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), or a sleep aids like Nyquil (which often contain diphenhydramine—also known as Benadryl).
These 5 facts will help you choose the right OTC antihistamine. See More
Is Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Bad for Your Liver or Kidneys?
Dr. Sharon Orrange - October 16, 2014
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one of the most commonly used medications so you should know if it hurts your liver or kidneys. The short answer: acetaminophen is safe on the kidneys and may damage your liver, but only at high doses. Here is what you need to know.
How much Tylenol can I take?
Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol so they are the same thing. The recommended daily maximum is 4 grams per day, which would be 8 extra strength Tylenol (500 mg) or 12 regular (325 mg) Tylenol tablets. See More
FDA Warning: Rare But Serious Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Reaction
Elizabeth Davis - August 02, 2013
If you notice a rash, blister, or other skin reaction while taking any drug containing acetaminophen, you should stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor or other health provider. The symptoms can be signs of three rare but very serious skin disorders, caused by a reaction to the acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and many over-the-counter combination cough and cold products. See More
