OTC Medications – Frequently Asked Questions

Pain & Fever Relief
1. Should I take Tylenol or ibuprofen for my headache?
If your headache feels tight, inflamed, or related to your neck/sinuses, ibuprofen usually works better. If your stomach is sensitive or you take blood pressure meds, Tylenol is the safer option.
2. Can I take Tylenol and ibuprofen together?
Yes — you can safely take both as long as you follow correct dosing. Many people find the combo gives stronger relief than either one alone.
3. Why does ibuprofen upset my stomach?
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining. If this happens, stick with Tylenol instead.
4. What should I take if Tylenol didn’t help my pain?
You can switch to ibuprofen, as long as you haven’t taken another NSAID. They work differently, so swapping is fine.
5. Is Aleve stronger or just longer-lasting?
Aleve lasts much longer — up to 12 hours — which some people prefer over taking multiple doses of ibuprofen.
6. When should I avoid ibuprofen completely?
Avoid it if you’ve had ulcers, stomach bleeding, kidney problems, or if your blood pressure is uncontrolled.
7. What’s the safest thing to take for a fever?
Tylenol is typically the gentlest option and works well for most adults.
8. Do lidocaine patches actually help muscle or back pain?
They can. They numb the area and make movement more comfortable for several hours.

Cough, Cold & Congestion
1. What should I take for a dry cough that won’t let me sleep?
A suppressant like dextromethorphan helps quiet that “tickle” so you can rest.
2. What works best for a cough with a lot of mucus?
Guaifenesin helps thin and loosen mucus so it’s easier to cough out.
3. Why is my cough dry in the daytime but full of mucus at night?
Lying down increases drainage into your throat, which makes your nighttime cough wetter.
4. Is it okay to stop a mucus cough with a suppressant?
It’s fine at night so you can sleep, but don’t overdo it — your body needs to clear mucus.
5. What helps a cough caused by allergies or post-nasal drip?
An antihistamine or steroid nasal spray usually works best since the drip is the trigger.
6. My nose is totally blocked. What actually works to open it?
Pseudoephedrine works best. Nasal sprays like oxymetazoline work fast, but don’t use them for more than 3 days.
7. Why doesn’t phenylephrine (PE) do anything for my congestion?
It’s simply not very effective for most people.
8. When should I see a doctor about my cough?
If it lasts more than 3 weeks or comes with fever, wheezing, blood, or shortness of breath.

Allergy Relief
1. Which allergy pill works the fastest?
Most people get the quickest relief with cetirizine (Zyrtec).
2. Why doesn’t Claritin work well for me?
It’s milder — great for light allergies, not always strong enough for severe symptoms.
3. Why does my allergy nasal spray take a few days to help?
Steroid sprays calm inflammation slowly. You’ll feel the full benefit after 3–5 days.
4. Can I take an allergy pill and use a spray at the same time?
Yes — combining them actually works better for many people.
5. Can I take decongestants if I have high blood pressure?
Avoid oral decongestants. Stick to saline or steroid sprays instead.
6. Why are my allergy symptoms worse at night or first thing in the morning?
Dust, pet dander, and natural hormone cycles can make symptoms flare at those times.
7. What helps itchy, watery allergy eyes the fastest?
Antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen.

Digestive Relief
1. I’m so bloated — what can I take to feel better?
Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles and reduces pressure fast.
2. What helps with indigestion after eating too much or too fast?
Antacids help immediately. Pepcid lasts longer without the chalky taste.
3. Should I use Pepcid or omeprazole for frequent heartburn?
Pepcid works quickly. Omeprazole is better for long-term, frequent symptoms.
4. How long does MiraLAX take to relieve constipation?
Usually 1–2 days. It’s gentle and doesn’t cause cramping.
5. Why isn’t Imodium helping my diarrhea?
It won’t work if the diarrhea is caused by infection, fever, or blood in the stool.
6. Can I take Pepcid and omeprazole together?
Yes — many people take omeprazole in the morning and Pepcid at night.
7. Why does fiber make me feel more bloated at first?
Starting too much, too fast can lead to gas. Begin with half a dose.
8. What really works for IBS symptoms?
Simethicone helps gas, peppermint oil eases cramps, MiraLAX helps IBS-C, and Imodium helps IBS-D.

Heartburn & Indigestion
1. What’s the quickest thing for heartburn right now?
Antacids like Tums give the fastest relief.
2. How long does Pepcid usually last?
About 10–12 hours for most adults.
3. When is it time to switch from Pepcid to omeprazole?
If your heartburn happens two or more times per week.
4. Can I take omeprazole every day?
Yes — but only for a 14-day course unless your doctor says otherwise.
5. Why does lying down make my heartburn worse?
Acid moves upward more easily when your body is flat.
6. Can I take antacids and Pepcid together?
Yes — antacids work now, Pepcid keeps symptoms away longer.

Sleep & Relaxation
1. Is it okay to use Benadryl to help me sleep?
It works, but it often causes morning grogginess. Best for short-term use only.
2. Why do OTC sleep aids make me so tired the next day?
They contain long-lasting antihistamines that stay in your system.
3. Is melatonin safe to take every night?
Short-term use is fine. Long-term use should be discussed with your provider.
4. What can I take if I fall asleep fine but wake up all night?
Doxylamine may help you stay asleep longer.
5. Can I mix sleep medicine with alcohol?
No. It increases sedation and can be dangerous.

Eye & Ear Relief
1. Which eye drops are safe if I have glaucoma?
Avoid redness-relief drops. Lubricating or antihistamine drops are safer.
2. Is Lumify safe to use every day?
Yes — but if your eyes are always red, get them checked.
3. Do earwax drops really work?
Yes — carbamide peroxide softens built-up wax so it can come out more easily.
4. What’s the best fix for water stuck in my ear after swimming or showering?
Drying drops with alcohol + glycerin work fast.
5. Should I use Q-tips to clean my ears?
No — they push wax deeper and can cause injury.
6. Why do my ears hurt when the plane takes off or lands?
It’s pressure buildup. Chewing gum or swallowing helps equalize it.

Skin, Rash & Wound Care
1. Should I use hydrocortisone or an antihistamine cream for itching?
Hydrocortisone helps with inflammation. Antihistamine creams help with allergy-based itching.
2. Is it okay to put Neosporin on any cut?
Only small cuts. Using too much or too often can irritate the skin.
3. What works fast for itchy bug bites?
Hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, or cooling menthol gels.
4. What’s the best thing for poison ivy?
Hydrocortisone and oatmeal baths. Calamine helps dry oozing areas.
5. Can witch hazel calm irritated skin?
Yes — it helps reduce redness and mild swelling.
6. What should I use for cracked heels or super dry skin?
Thick creams or ointments like Aquaphor, Vaseline, or ceramide creams. Great overnight.
7. When should I see a doctor for a rash?
If it spreads fast, becomes painful, blisters a lot, or you have fever with it.