The pharmaceutical industry is worth more than $934.8 billion primarily because they discover, produce, develop, and advertise the drugs that many of us reach for when we have a nagging pain or an irritated muscle. Many of these drugs are common otc drugs that can be purchased from your local pharmacy.
During times like these, it can be beneficial to purchase otc drugs online rather than going to the pharmacy to buy them. In this article, we are going to list the drugs that you can buy online without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Common OTC Drugs
OTC drugs are drugs that have been regulated by the FDA and are safe for consumption by people. Some of the OTC drugs may have certain restrictions attached to them, making it so that you've got to have them given to you by the pharmacist rather than found on the shelf.
This is to stop people from abusing the drug if they are as informed about the uses of the product as they need to be. Below are some of the most common OTC drugs that you can find and buy online.
Sleep Aids
At some time or another, we are sure that you've had issues getting to sleep. This may be the reason that you've thought to reach for a sleeping aid from your local pharmacy.
Sleep deprivation can cause issues and disrupt the way that your body functions. Using a sleep aid can help to get you back on a regular schedule and ensures that you get the minimum 7 hours of sleep a night that you need to be productive.
Some OTC sleeping aids include Aleve pm, Benadryl and Melatonin.
Laxatives
Improper use of a laxative can lead to kidney issues and dehydration. This is why they are now an OTC drug. Constipation can be the result of not having a high-fiber diet or not drinking enough water.
In any case of constipation, taking a laxative will aid in freeing up your system so that you're able to use the bathroom without straining. If you're experiencing stomach pains or vomiting, it is not recommended that you use a laxative.
OTC laxatives brands are Metamucil, Fibercon, Benefiber, and Konsyl.
Pain Relievers
These OTC drugs are known to help with relieving headaches, pain caused by arthritis, muscle sprains, and other muscle and joint pain that you may be dealing with. Typically, the medicine shouldn't be taken more than 6 times in 24 hours.
This is because it can potentially damage the liver if too much of the drug is taken. If you begin to notice that your pain symptoms are improving, you can reduce the number of times that you take the medication.
Some pain relievers are naproxen, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Fever Reducer
Fever reducers are used for reducing your fever and should be taken every 4 to 6 hours until the fever has broken. For children, however, it should be taken every 6 to 8 hours.
Typical medications that may help with fever reduction are Tylenol, Advil, Ibuprofen, and Motrin.
Cold or Sore Throat
The use of cold medicine help improve the cold-like symptoms that you may be experiencing. There are different types of cold medications for varying symptoms.
For cough, you should consider Simply Cough, or Delysm. If you're experiencing congestion try nasal sprays, Sudafed, Pseudoephedrine, Afrin, or Sinex capsules. And for a sore throat, you could try phenol, Aleve, or cold throat lozenges.
Medicine Cabinet Check
Over time we can accumulate medicines that we no longer need or medications that have expired. You must do the following when you check your medicine cabinet:
- Check your medicine supply at least once annually
- Store medications in a cool, dry place at all times
- Throw out medicines that have expired
- Keep all medications in the original packaging so that they are taken correctly
OTC Drug Interaction Warnings
On the bottle, you'll find warnings about not drinking alcohol or driving heavy machinery and other interaction warnings when you've taken an OTC drug. We want to ensure that your safe at all times by listing some other warnings that you should be aware of.
- If your taking cough medications or allergy medications refrain from drinking alcohol due to the sedation effect
- If you've been prescribed a tranquilizer steer clear of drugs that induce sleepiness
- If you're taking medications for diabetes, gout, or blood thinners check first with your doctor to ensure the medicine won't negatively affect your current medications
- If you've been experiencing severe stomach pains accompanied by nausea, don't take a laxative
- If you're taking medicine for high blood pressure, thyroid disease, heart disease, prostate issues, refrain from using nasal decongestants.
Of course, this is only a shortlist of warnings that you need to be aware of. It is crucial that if you are on other medications, you check with your primary care physician before starting new medications.
This will keep you from having adverse side effects to the new medications that you may begin to take. Your doctor will be able to explain the different ways new medicines will interact with the current medications that you are taking.
You're in safe hands with Medix
If you're looking for a trusted company to purchase your otc drugs online, we recommend that you shop the products we offer on our website. We can handle all of your refill needs, simply contact us now.