Are over-the-counter (OTC)
drugs really worth stockpiling? As a family physician my answer is a
resounding yes. Most of the following were actually prescription
medications when first released. (In higher dosages, several still
are.) Although other OTC drugs are worth considering, these ten have been
selected due to their ready availability, affordability, safety in both adults
and children, and multi-use potential. Used alone or in combination, they
can effectively treat dozens of conditions including: headache, fever,
sore throats, ear ache, menstrual cramps, heartburn, arthritis, ulcers,
diarrhea, allergies, hives, congestion, dizziness, mild anxiety, nausea,
vomiting, poison ivy, athlete’s foot, ringworm, eczema, insomnia, backache,
gout, diaper rash, yeast infections, and many more common illnesses.
1.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) – Among the OTC anti-inflammatory medications,
ibuprofen is probably the most versatile. Primarily indicated for pain
and inflammation, it may also be used to relieve headaches, earaches, sore
throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis
including gout, and back pain. It is also effective at reducing fever and
is generally safe for use in children. It is not advisable for most
stomach-related pain, although may decrease the pain of kidney stones, kidney
infections, and possibly bladder infections. The most common side effect
is stomach irritation or heartburn. When combined with acetaminophen it
is nearly as effective as codeine, tramadol, or hydrocodone in relieving more
severe pain.
2.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Acetaminophen is the only OTC pain-reliever that is
not an anti-inflammatory drug. It will not irritate the stomach like
ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. It is useful for the same conditions as
ibuprofen, though effectiveness varies according to patient. As mentioned
above, it may be combined with ibuprofen in full doses for more severe
pain. Side effects are very few, though in high dose, especially when
combined with alcohol, it can lead to liver failure. It is available in
several pediatric dosages, both for pain relief and fever reduction.
3.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – An inexpensive antihistamine, diphenhydramine is
primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and nasal allergies,
in both adults and children. It is also indicated for hives and itching,
including itchy rashes such as poison ivy. Although not all patients
become drowsy when using diphenhydramine, many do so, making this medication
useful for insomnia as well. Some people find the drug relieves nausea or
mild anxiety.
4.
Loperamide (Imodium) – The most effective OTC medication for diarrhea is loperamide,
which is available both as tablet form and liquid for children. It is
often useful for relieving intestinal cramping.
5.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – Pseudoephedrine is effective at relieving
congestion of both the upper and lower respiratory tract due to most common
causes including infection, allergy, chemical irritation, and mild asthma or
bronchitis. It frequently has a stimulatory effect, similar to
caffeine. The most common side effects are those resembling a burst of
adrenaline: rapid heart rate, palpitations, and increased blood
pressure. Years ago this drug was used in young children, even babies,
though now most pediatricians do not advise it in patients younger than about
six years old.
6.
Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) – This antiemetic drug is available both over the
counter and by prescription. It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion
sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness. For some patients it causes
drowsiness, and therefore may be used as a sleep aid. It is related to
medications for anxiety and may help with this as well.
7.
Ranitidine (Zantac) – Although several medications are available OTC for the
treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions, ranitidine
is among the best-tolerated, is inexpensive, and is also useful for relieving
hives. Doctors often advise an acid-reducing medication such as ranitidine for
patients who experience stomach upset when taking ibuprofen, though this must
be done with caution.
8.
Hydrocortisone cream – The 1% version of hydrocortisone is the strongest
steroid cream available over the counter. It is safe for use in both
adults and children in treating inflamed and/or itchy rashes such as eczema,
poison ivy, diaper rash, and other minor genital irritations.
9.
Bacitracin ointment – This ointment is best used to prevent skin infections
when the integrity of the skin has been breached, as by an abrasion,
laceration, insect bite, or sting. It also may be used to treat a
superficial skin infection such as a mildly infected wound or impetigo.
It is less likely to produce a topical skin allergy than other topical
antibiotic preparations that contain neomycin. It cannot be used to treat
deeper infections, however, which generally require an antibiotic by mouth.
10. Clotrimazole
(Gyne-Lotrimin) The same antifungal medication, clotrimazole, is contained in
both Lotrimin and Gyne-Lotrimin. Gyne-Lotrimin may be used to treat both
female yeast infections and any other yeast or fungal infection that Lotrimin
would treat, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, diaper rashes, and
skin fold irritations.
Conclusion
For under $50 total a good supply of all of the above can be purchased. Several of these medications are also available at higher doses by prescription, and may actually be less expensive if obtained from a physician (ranitidine, meclizine, loperamide, and diphenhydramine), even paying full price. All of the above drugs and many more are discussed in detail in my book, 101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care. The book includes dozens of sections on treating yourself. Available for under $10 online, the book offers practical advice on treating: respiratory infections, pink eye, sore throats, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, urinary infections, allergies, arthritis, acne, hemorrhoids, dermatitis, skin infection, lacerations, lice, carpal tunnel syndrome, warts, mental illness, asthma, COPD, depression, diabetes, enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and much more.
For under $50 total a good supply of all of the above can be purchased. Several of these medications are also available at higher doses by prescription, and may actually be less expensive if obtained from a physician (ranitidine, meclizine, loperamide, and diphenhydramine), even paying full price. All of the above drugs and many more are discussed in detail in my book, 101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care. The book includes dozens of sections on treating yourself. Available for under $10 online, the book offers practical advice on treating: respiratory infections, pink eye, sore throats, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, urinary infections, allergies, arthritis, acne, hemorrhoids, dermatitis, skin infection, lacerations, lice, carpal tunnel syndrome, warts, mental illness, asthma, COPD, depression, diabetes, enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and much more.
JWR Adds: Dr. Koelker has recently started a new blog on TEOTWAWKI medicine
at www.ArmageddonMedicine.net.
From the Survival Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment