Smart OTCs
Smart Over-The-Counter Solutions 

Find pharmacist-reviewed OTC remedies for diarrhea at Smart OTC Solutions. Learn how to manage non-infectious diarrhea with simple and trusted tips. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Diarrhea Relief Management of diarrhea involves several options based on the cause and severity and if it a part of other symptoms. Use Imodium® for fast symptom relief in sudden, non-infectious diarrhea. Pair with rehydration solutions (Pedialyte®, Liquid I.V.®, or DripDrop®) to replace lost fluids. Choose Pepto-Bismol® or Kaopectate® if nausea, gas, or stomach upset are also present. Always seek medical care if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. Find on Amazon Imodium® A-D (Loperamide) Pedialyte® Oral Rehydration Solution Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier DripDrop® ORS Pepto-Bismol® (Bismuth Subsalicylate ) Kaopectate® (Bismuth Subsalicylate) Want to learn more, read the product description below. Imodium® A-D (Loperamide) – Best for sudden, non-infectious diarrhea such as mild food-related issues or traveler’s diarrhea. Works quickly to firm stools but should not be used if fever, blood in stool, or infection is suspected. Pepto-Bismol® (Bismuth Subsalicylate) – Helpful for diarrhea with stomach upset, mild nausea, or gas. Can also support some infectious causes. Avoid in children under 12 and those sensitive to salicylates. Kaopectate® (Bismuth Subsalicylate) – A similar option to Pepto-Bismol for calming diarrhea and digestive upset. Often chosen for multipurpose relief during travel. Pedialyte® Oral Rehydration Solution – Strongly recommended for children, older adults, or anyone at risk of dehydration. Replaces electrolytes and fluids effectively during diarrhea. Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier – A convenient option for adults needing hydration support, especially during travel or outdoor activities. Works well alongside an anti-diarrheal for added fluid balance. DripDrop® ORS – Best for quick and reliable rehydration when fluid loss is more significant. Meets WHO standards for oral rehydration therapy and is suitable for moderate dehydration from diarrhea.

Treat minor burns quickly with trusted remedies from Smart OTCs. Fast relief, safe care at home. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Skin Burns For burns, the first steps are to cool down the area, use local numbing agents, apply topical antibiotics if needed, then protect the area with dressings. Pain medications can be also used to alleviate the pain For immediate cooling, use aloe vera gel, Mebo® Burn Cream, or a lidocaine spray. Use burn hydrogel dressings or burn kits for added protection and healing support. Take ibuprofen (or acetaminophen if you can’t take NSAIDs) for pain relief. Always seek medical care if burns are large, deep, blistering over a wide area, or appear infected. Find on Amazon Mebo Burn Cream Aloe Vera Gel Lidocaine Burn Spray Hydrogel Burn Dressings Bactine Max® Pain/Cleansing Spray Ibuprofen (Advil®) Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) Burn Care Kits Aloe Vera Gel – Provides soothing, cooling relief while hydrating the skin to support barrier repair. Best for sunburn, mild heat burns, or kitchen burns. Lidocaine Burn Spray – An alcohol-free numbing spray that quickly eases stinging pain. Often combined with aloe or allantoin for added soothing. Bactine Max® Pain Relieving Cleansing Spray – Combines lidocaine for fast pain relief with benzalkonium chloride to help prevent infection in minor burns, scrapes, or cuts. Mebo® Burn Cream – A natural ointment with herbal extracts that promotes healing, soothes pain, and helps minimize scarring in minor burns. Widely used for first- and small second-degree burns. Ibuprofen (Advil®) – Reduces both pain and inflammation from burns. Best taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) – A gentle alternative for pain relief if NSAIDs cannot be used. Controls discomfort but does not target inflammation. Hydrogel Burn Dressings – Moist, cooling dressings that protect burns, reduce sticking, and create an optimal healing environment. Some contain silver for antimicrobial protection. Burn Care Kits – Ready-to-use kits with burn gel packets, sterile gauze, and non-stick dressings. Useful for quick at-home or kitchen first aid.

Explore non-medicated remedies at Smart OTC s. Safe, gentle solutions for everyday relief without drugs, delivered fast and discreetly. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Insect Bite (Non-Medicated) In addition to medications, some non-medicated options are available to help with insect bite management such as suction tools, cold compresses, witch hazel and more. Start with cold compresses right after the bite to limit swelling. Use aloe vera or witch hazel for natural soothing relief. Consider suction or electronic tools if you’re frequently outdoors and want non-cream solutions. If itching or swelling is severe, you may need OTC medicated options (like hydrocortisone or oral antihistamines). Find on Amazon Cold Compresses Aloe Vera gel Witch Hazel Bug bite suction tool Electronic bite relief devices. Kids bug bite relief patches Want to learn more, read product description below. Cold Compresses – Applying a cool compress or ice pack helps numb nerve endings, reduce swelling, and slow inflammation shortly after the bite. Aloe Vera Gel – A natural option that cools, hydrates, and calms irritated skin. Best when alcohol-free to avoid further irritation. Witch Hazel – A gentle astringent that tightens skin and reduces redness. Works well for bites that blister or ooze. Bug Bite Suction Tools – Mechanical tools that remove saliva or venom shortly after a bite, helping reduce irritation before it worsens. Electronic Bite Relief Devices – Small handheld devices that use heat or vibration to stop the itch signal and support faster recovery without creams or medications.

Visit the Smart OTCs FAQ page for trusted answers on OTC medicines, safe usage, orders, shipping, and pharmacist-reviewed health guidance. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is Smart OTCs? Smart OTCs is a pharmacist-led resource designed to help you choose safe, effective over-the-counter (OTC) medications and health products. We offer symptom-based guides, product comparisons, and tips for common conditions like allergies, pain, eye issues, and more. 2. Do you sell medications directly? No, we do not sell any medications or products. We provide unbiased information and product suggestions to help you make informed choices at your local pharmacy or online retailer. 3. Are the recommendations pharmacist-approved? Yes. All content is curated and reviewed by a licensed pharmacist with years of experience in community and clinical pharmacy. We aim to make healthcare information practical, accurate, and easy to understand. 4. What types of conditions do you cover? We currently focus on common self-treatable conditions, including: Allergies & sinus Pain & fever Eye care (dry eyes, allergies, redness) Skin issues (insect bites, burns, wounds) Motion sickness and digestive relief More categories are coming soon. 5. What if I’m not sure which product is right for me? Our goal is to simplify your choices. Each page includes pharmacist-recommended options by symptom, product type, and key ingredient. Still unsure? You can contact us with your question. 6. What are preservative-free eye drops? Should I use them? Preservative-free (PF) drops are gentler and better for people with sensitive eyes or those using drops frequently. They're available in single-use vials and reduce the risk of irritation caused by preservatives in regular bottles. 7. Do you recommend natural or non-medicated options too? Yes! We include both traditional and natural solutions—like saline sprays, ginger for nausea, menthol patches, and herbal teas—whenever they have evidence or practical benefits. 8. Is this information safe for kids or during pregnancy? We aim to highlight age-appropriate or pregnancy-safe products when relevant, but always recommend checking with a healthcare provider before use, especially in children or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. 9. Can I request a topic or product guide? Absolutely! We welcome suggestions. Send us a message through our contact page and let us know what you’d like to see covered.

Find safe, effective insomnia solutions at Smart OTCs . Restful sleep remedies and tips for better nights, with fast, discreet delivery Pharmacist Recommended Products for Insomnia Insomnia can be managed with many over the counter products including different antihistamines, natural products and magnesium. For occasional sleeplessness, start with diphenhydramine or doxylamine. Use melatonin for sleep cycle disruptions (like jet lag). Add magnesium glycinate if restlessness or muscle tension makes it harder to sleep. Choose Advil® PM or Tylenol® PM if pain is what keeps you awake. Some Herbal teas found to be helpful in relxation and sleep induction. Avoid frequent use of antihistamine-based sleep aids, as they may cause tolerance or next-day drowsiness. Find on Amazon Diphenhydramine Doxylamine (Unisom®) Melatonin containing products Magnesium Glycinate Advil® PM (Ibuprofen + Diphenhydramine) Tylenol® PM (Acetaminophen + Diphenhydramine) Herbal Teas Want to learn more, read the product description below. Nighttime Sleep-Aid (Diphenhydramine 25–50 mg) – A non-habit-forming nighttime option that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Take 30–60 minutes before bedtime. May cause dry mouth or grogginess. Unisom® SleepTabs (Doxylamine 25 mg) – A sedating antihistamine effective for occasional sleeplessness. Stronger than diphenhydramine, but more likely to cause next-morning drowsiness. Melatonin– A natural supplement that supports your sleep-wake cycle. Best for resetting circadian rhythm (e.g., jet lag) rather than strong sedation. Magnesium Glycinate (100–400 mg) – A gentle mineral supplement that promotes relaxation, eases restlessness, and supports overall sleep quality. Advil® PM (Ibuprofen + Diphenhydramine) – Combines pain relief with a sleep aid, ideal for nights when aches, muscle pain, or cramps interfere with rest. Tylenol® PM (Acetaminophen + Diphenhydramine) – Provides mild pain relief plus a sleep aid, suitable for insomnia linked to headaches or other discomforts.

Learn how to select the right over the counter medicine for dry cough, make an informed decision based on pharmacist recommendations. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Dry cough Dry cough suppressants contain one essential ingredient that is dextromethorphan, that could be combined with antihistamines for night formula, honey cough syrups and chest rubs are deemed to be effective too. For a simple dry cough during the day, start with dextromethorphan (Robitussin® or Delsym®). If the cough is disrupting sleep, nighttime formulas with doxylamine can help you rest—but avoid them during the day, as they may cause drowsiness. For children, stick to age-appropriate syrups, honey products, or throat soothers, as adult formulas are not safe. Chest rubs are a useful add-on for nighttime comfort. Remember: avoid cough suppressants if mucus or phlegm is present, since they can make it harder to clear the chest. Find on Amazon Robitussin Liquid gel capsules Dylsem 12-hr cough liquid Robitussin Soft Chews Nighttime Nighttime Cough Syrup Children's Dylsem 4+ Kids Throat Soothing Lollipops Honey Cough Syrup Daytime for Kids Chest Rubs Want to learn more, read the product description below. Robitussin® Gel Capsules (Dextromethorphan) – Suppresses the cough reflex in the brain. Best for dry, hacking coughs without mucus. Delsym® (Dextromethorphan Polistirex) – A long-acting cough suppressant that provides up to 12 hours of relief with less frequent dosing. Robitussin® Nighttime Soft Chews – Chewable tablets combining dextromethorphan and doxylamine succinate for bedtime cough relief and improved sleep. Adult Nighttime Cough Syrup (Cherry Flavor) – Liquid formula with dextromethorphan and doxylamine for nighttime use. Helpful if tablets are not preferred. Child-Safe Formulas – Options include Children’s Delsym®, throat-soothing lollipops, and honey-based syrups designed for safe, gentle relief. Chest Rubs – Topical rubs that provide soothing vapors to ease coughing and improve comfort, especially at night.

Find trusted pharmacist insights on oral antihistamines at Smart OTCs. Learn effective OTC treatments, allergy relief strategies, and safe usage tips. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Multi-symptoms Allergy Allergies can trigger sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and throat irritation. Choosing the right antihistamine depends on whether you need fast relief, nighttime support, or a non-drowsy option for daytime use. If you need stronger antihistamines, choose diphenhydramine, doxylamine, cetirizine, or levocetirizine—though some sedation is expected depending on individual tolerance. For a once-daily, non-drowsy morning option, fexofenadine (Allegra®) or loratadine (Claritin®) are best. Always match your choice to your lifestyle—nighttime relief vs. daytime alertness—and avoid doubling up unless recommended by your healthcare provider. Find on Amazon Benadryl® (Diphenhydramine) Unisom® (Doxylamine Succinate) Zyrtec® 24 Hour (Cetirizine) Xyzal® 24 Hour (Levocetirizine) Allegra® 24 Hour (Fexofenadine) Claritin® 24 Hour (Loratadine) Want to learn more, read product description below. Sedating Antihistamines Benadryl® Allergy Ultratabs (Diphenhydramine) – Fast-acting first-generation antihistamine that relieves sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and hives. Strongly sedating, best used at night or when rest is possible. Unisom® SleepTabs (Doxylamine Succinate 25 mg) – A sedating antihistamine that eases nighttime allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, post-nasal drip) while promoting deeper sleep. Reserved for evening use due to next-day drowsiness risk. Second-Generation Antihistamines (Mild or Low Sedation) Zyrtec® 24 Hour (Cetirizine) – Works within about an hour and provides full-day control of allergy symptoms. May cause mild drowsiness in some users. Xyzal® Allergy 24HR (Levocetirizine) – Active isomer of cetirizine, offering faster onset and steady 24-hour relief. Generally low sedation risk, but some people may still feel drowsy. Non-Drowsy Antihistamines (Best for Daytime) Allegra® 24 Hour (Fexofenadine) – True non-drowsy option, strong relief for both seasonal and year-round allergies without affecting alertness. Claritin® 24 Hour (Loratadine) – A daily, non-sedating antihistamine effective for sneezing, runny nose, and itchy/watery eyes.

Smart OTCs guides you with trusted sore throat answers. Learn about effective OTC treatments, soothing care, and pharmacist-recommended tips. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Sore Throat A sore throat may be caused by infections, allergies, or dry air. While most cases are mild, over-the-counter remedies can help reduce pain, soothe irritation, and improve comfort. For adults, medicated lozenges or sprays give fast relief, while pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen provide extra comfort. Natural remedies such as honey, saltwater gargles, and humidifiers can further ease irritation. For children, stick to kid-safe acetaminophen or ibuprofen, use honey if over 1 year old, and rely on humidifiers and soothing lollipops instead of strong medicated lozenges or sprays. Always consult a doctor if a sore throat is severe, lasts more than a week, or is accompanied by a high fever or trouble swallowing. Find on Amazon Cepacol®(Menthol + Benzocaine) Halls® Mentho-Lyptus Lozenges Chloraseptic® Sore Throat Spray Manuka Honey Lozenges Saltwater Gargle Packets Cool Mist Humidifiers Want to learn more, read the product description below. Lozenges and Sprays Cepacol® Extra Strength Lozenges (Menthol + Benzocaine) – Cooling and numbing action for moderate to severe throat pain. Sugar-free options available. Halls® Mentho-Lyptus Lozenges – Release menthol vapors to soothe mild irritation and calm cough. Sugar-free versions available. Chloraseptic® Sore Throat Spray (Phenol) – Fast-acting numbing relief by coating the throat. Available in multiple flavors. Natural and Supportive Care Manuka Honey Lozenges – Naturally coat the throat and may offer mild antimicrobial support. Saltwater Gargle Packets – Convenient way to reduce swelling and ease irritation. Cool Mist Humidifiers – Add moisture to the air, preventing dryness that can worsen soreness. Pain Relievers- go to Pain and Fever section Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) – Gentle on the stomach, relieves throat pain and fever. Ibuprofen (Advil®) – Reduces pain and inflammation; best taken with food if swelling is present. Children’s Relief Options Children’s Acetaminophen (Tylenol® Suspension) – Safe and effective for sore throat pain and fever. Children’s Ibuprofen (Motrin®/Advil® Suspension) – Helps with pain, fever, and inflammation; must be taken with food. Honey – A spoonful before bedtime can coat the throat and calm cough (for children over 1 year old only). Cool Mist Humidifier – Helps keep air moist to reduce dryness and irritation. Throat-Soothing Lollipops or Lozenges (age-appropriate) – Designed for children to ease discomfort safely.

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Smart OTCs provides pharmacist-reviewed guidance on dental pain and mouth sores. Discover safe OTC remedies, symptom relief tips, and expert advice for dental care. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Mouth Sores These options include topicals for mouth sores, crankers covers and local anesthetic agents. Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are for both for sore throat pain and dental pain. For immediate relief, apply a numbing gel such as Orajel®, Anbesol®, or Benzodent® directly to the sore. Add a protective paste to shield against irritation and use antiseptic rinses to reduce bacteria and promote healing. For dental pain or swelling, ibuprofen (Advil®) is the first choice—always take with food. If NSAIDs aren’t an option, Tylenol® Extra Strength provides safe, effective pain relief. Find on Amazon Anbesol®, Orajel® oral gels Benzodent Max Strength Antiseptic Mouth Rinses Canker Cover®, Kank-A® barriers Advil® (Ibuprofen 200 mg) Tylenol® (Acetaminophen 500 mg) Want to learn more, read the product description below. These options include numbing agents, protective pastes, antiseptic rinses, and oral pain relievers that reduce irritation, ease discomfort, and support healing. Numbing Agents (e.g., Anbesol®, Orajel®, Benzodent®) – Benzocaine gels or liquids that numb the sore temporarily and make eating or talking more comfortable. Protective Pastes and Barrier Films (e.g., Canker Cover®, Kank-A®) – Coat the sore, shielding it from irritation caused by food, drinks, or brushing. Antiseptic Mouth Rinses (e.g., Colgate Peroxyl®, Oral-B Mouth Sore®) – Contain hydrogen peroxide or salt-based solutions to clean sores, reduce bacteria, and lower infection risk. Advil® (Ibuprofen 200 mg) – NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation. Works well for dental pain with swelling and can also ease discomfort from mouth sores. Best taken with food. Tylenol® Extra Strength (Acetaminophen 500 mg) – Pain reliever that’s gentle on the stomach. A good option for mild to moderate dental pain when NSAIDs are not appropriate.

Find trusted pharmacist insights on menstrual health at Smart OTCs . Learn effective OTC remedies, pain management strategies, and safe care tips. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Menstrual Pain These include oral pain relievers, combination products, and supportive therapies that ease cramps, reduce bloating, and improve comfort. For fast relief, ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) are the most effective options when taken early in the cycle. If NSAIDs aren’t suitable, Tylenol® provides a safe alternative but won’t reduce inflammation. Combination products like Midol® or Pamprin® help when bloating or irritability are also issues. Heat therapy—whether with ThermaCare® wraps or reusable heating pads—is a safe, natural option that works well alongside medications. Supplements like magnesium glycinate may help reduce cramp severity when used consistently over time. Find on Amazon Ibuprofen 200 mg (Advil®) Naproxen 220 mg (Aleve®) Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) Midol® Complete Pamprin® Multi-Symptom ThermaCare® HeatWraps Reusable Heat Therapy Pads Magnesium Glycinate Want to learn more, read the product description below. Midol® Complete – Formulated for menstrual discomfort with acetaminophen for pain relief, caffeine to reduce bloating, and pyrilamine maleate to ease cramps and irritability. Pamprin® Multi-Symptom – Contains acetaminophen for pain, pamabrom as a mild diuretic to reduce bloating, and an antihistamine for added comfort. Advil® (Ibuprofen 200 mg) – NSAID that reduces cramping and inflammation by lowering prostaglandin levels. Works best when taken at the first sign of menstrual discomfort. Take with food. Aleve® (Naproxen 220 mg) – Longer-lasting NSAID providing up to 12 hours of relief from cramps and related back pain. Less potent than ibuprofen but longer acting. Tylenol® (Acetaminophen 500 mg) – Gentle on the stomach, suitable for those who cannot take NSAIDs. Effective for mild to moderate cramps, especially in those with sensitive stomachs or cardiac concerns. ThermaCare® HeatWraps for Menstrual Cramps – Air-activated wraps designed for the lower abdomen, providing up to 8 hours of soothing warmth that relaxes muscles and eases cramps naturally. Reusable Heat Therapy Pads – Electric or microwavable pads that can be applied to the abdomen or lower back to improve blood flow and relieve cramps. Magnesium Glycinate – A gentle, well-absorbed magnesium form that helps relax muscles and may reduce cramp intensity when taken regularly.

Find trusted pharmacist insights on red & itchy eyes at Smart OTCs. Learn effective OTC solutions, symptom relief strategies, and safe eye care tips. Pharmacist Recommended Products for Red/Itchy Eye Eye allergies and irritation can cause redness, itching, tearing, and swelling, often triggered by pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, or environmental factors. The right choice depends on whether your main concern is itching from allergies or redness from irritation. For allergy-related itching, start with an antihistamine eye drop such as Zaditor®, Pataday®, or Lastacaft® depending on how long-lasting you need relief. If redness is your main concern, Lumify® is the safest choice for repeated use, while Visine® and Clear Eyes® are best for occasional cosmetic improvement. Use Opcon-A® when both itching and redness are present but keep it short-term. Always wash your hands before using eye drops, and avoid sharing bottles to prevent contamination. Find on Amazon Zaditor® Eye Drops (Ketotifen) Pataday® Once Daily(Olopatadine) Lastacaft® Once Daily (Alcaftadine) Opcon-A®(Pheniramine+Naphazoline) Visine® Original (Tetrahydrozoline) Clear Eyes® (Naphazoline) Lumify® (Brimonidine) Want to learn more, read the product description below. Allergy Eye Drops Zaditor® (Ketotifen) – Works within minutes to block histamine release and prevent symptoms like itching, tearing, and swelling. Provides up to 12 hours of relief and is safe for daily use in adults and children ages 3+. Pataday® Once Daily Relief (Olopatadine) – A long-acting antihistamine that offers 24 hours of relief with a single daily dose. Effective for both seasonal and year-round allergies, safe for children ages 2+. Lastacaft® (Alcaftadine) – Fast-acting, with itch relief in as little as 3 minutes and effects lasting up to 16 hours. Designed for once-daily use, safe for children ages 2+. Combination Drops (Antihistamine + Decongestant) Opcon-A® (Pheniramine + Naphazoline) – Relieves itching and reduces redness by shrinking blood vessels. Works quickly, best for short-term use during peak allergy flare-ups. Redness Relief Drops Visine® Original (Tetrahydrozoline) – Fast-acting redness reliever that works within a minute but best reserved for occasional use to avoid rebound redness. Clear Eyes® Redness Relief (Naphazoline) – Provides visible redness reduction with added lubrication for dryness. Works quickly for several hours. Lumify® (Brimonidine) – FDA-approved redness reliever that brightens eyes within a minute and lasts up to 8 hours. Lower risk of rebound redness compared to older vasoconstrictors. When to See a Doctor Seek medical advice if eye redness or itching is persistent, worsens despite treatment, or is accompanied by severe pain, vision changes, sensitivity to light, or thick discharge. These may signal infection or another eye condition requiring professional care.