At any large drug store, you’ll find a bewildering number of over-the-counter remedies. Some of them have the same active ingredient but are sold under different brand names. There are also some with supposedly active ingredients that don’t work. And then there are those that don’t have an active ingredient but are packaged and described in a way that suggests they may work, even though they don’t.
Here is a list of OTC remedies that actually work. Since it took me some time to figure out what belongs on this list, I’m sharing it here in the hope of saving others the same effort. The remedies on the list are available without prescription in the United States and have been proven to be effective:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Loperamide (Imodium)
- Oral rehydration salts (or equivalent like Pedialyte)
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D)
- Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Milk of magnesia
- Diclofenac topical (Voltaren)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Zinc oxide ointment
- Cough drops
- Saline nasal spray
In case you’re not sure whether to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, use acetaminophen. It’s safer in most instances. Just don’t take more than the maximum dose.
Other items I’d recommend for a first aid kit:
- Band-Aids
- Wound closure strips (Steri-strips)
- Hemostatic/clotting gauze (QuikClot)
- Roll gauze
- Blister prevention (Leukotape P)
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Thermometer
- Nitrile gloves
- Scissors
Nehaveigur 