Minor injuries and illnesses can happen at home anytime. That doesn’t mean you have to rush to the nearby pharmacy every time you feel a headache or have some digestive issues.
A mini-clinic at home with a few over-the-counter medicines can help you avoid last-minute panic and adequately treat your medical condition without stepping out of your home.
Introducing your Home Clinic: Must-have OTC Medicines
Over-the-counter medicines are gaining popularity as they do not require a prescription and can be purchased from a local pharmacy or an online medical store in Pakistan.
These medicines generally have minimal side effects and are commonly used to treat everyday ailments such as body aches, skin irritations, rashes, digestive issues, and gastric discomfort.
Let’s explore the top over-the-counter (OTC) medications you should keep on hand at home.
1. Pain Relievers
Whether you are tired from too much studying or a busy day at work, painkillers can help ease the stress and pain that come with it.
This category of medicines is also found effective against muscular pain, minor injuries, and period cramps.
The most commonly used pain reliever across the country is Disprin, a soluble aspirin administered orally by dissolving in a glass of water. Panadol is also available for children and adults to get quick relief from pain and fever.
2. Anti-Allergies
Dust hidden in your home’s furniture, carpets, or corners can lead to sneezing, the flu, and related allergies.
This condition is especially severe for individuals with dust allergies, who are more prone to allergic reactions when in contact with dust. Moreover, many people might have developed hives, itching, and allergic rhinitis.
3. Laxatives
Chronic constipation can contribute to various health issues, including feeling full, bloated, and uncomfortable. Laxatives can help regularize bowel movements by stimulating the intestinal muscles and absorbing water from the intestines.
Laxatives or stool softeners may help relieve the condition temporarily. But if you encounter constipation for a long time, consult a doctor before it worsens.
4. Antacids
The spice-packed Pakistani food is undoubtedly mouth-watering, but it can lead to heartburn and acidic sensations in the stomach.
Thanks to antacids and emergency heartburn relievers, which help ease digestion and heartburn, these over-the-counter medications neutralize stomach acid and thereby give fast relief from indigestion. Antacids are among the most common medicines in Pakistani homes.
CitroSoda can help with heartburn or acid reflux. Moreover, Gaviscon is an oral suspension and one of the most popular antacids taken throughout Pakistan due to its effective and immediate action.
5. Cold and Flu Remedies
Cold, flu, and cough might not require consulting a doctor, and you can repeat the medicine that suits your condition. Common and seasonal flu can also be treated with herbal supplements like Joshanda.
In addition, Hydrillin syrup is used for the oral symptomatic relief of common coughs, such as dry and tickly, or troublesome cough, associated with upper respiratory tract congestion.
Having a few sachets of Joshanda and a syrup bottle of Hydrillin or other immediate cold relief medicines can help tackle medical conditions, especially during the onset of winter.
6. Anti-Diarrheal Medications
While flavor-packed meals with a burst of spices feast your taste buds, it can result in diarrhea. Consuming leftovers can also lead to bowel disturbances and loose motion.
Anti-diarrheal medicines slow bowel movements and lessen the frequency of diarrhea to get you well again. One of the best OTC drugs for home use, especially for diarrhea, is Flagyl. You can also keep it in your home to treat diarrhea.
Additionally, stay hydrated and replenish lost nutrients by taking oral rehydration salts like Glaxose D to combat weakness caused by fluid and electrolyte loss.
7. Topical Antibiotics
You might get cuts or scrapes while working in the kitchen or doing other household chores. Before sealing your wound, apply a topical antibiotic to the injury site to prevent infection.
They promote faster and cleaner wound healing and reduce the risk of scarring. Antiseptics like Dettol can be used to clean the injury site and help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
8. Eye and Ear Drops
Eye and ear drops typically have a short shelf life and must be discarded several days or months after opening the bottle.
However, you can keep it in the refrigerator for emergencies. These drops relieve painful sensations and help clear the eye or ears of any foreign material.
9. Nutrient Supplements
Nutrient supplements like Cac-1000 plus and Calcee-plus are a must-have medicine in Pakistani homes. These essential over-the-counter medications treat low blood calcium levels and can be taken for chronic calcium deficiency.
Glaxose D is an oral rehydration salt that provides instant energy and replenishes lost glucose levels. It helps combat fatigue and can be taken in diarrheal conditions to give the body a good amount of nutrients.
10. Decongestants
Decongestants such as VICKS VapoRub can cure clogged sinuses or a stuffed nose. These over-the-counter drugs shrink swollen nasal tissues and narrow blood vessels in the nose to reduce congestion, making breathing easy.
Special Considerations for OTC Medicines
While over-the-counter medicines are handy and offer immediate relief from a variety of medical conditions, there are still some considerations when using them.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Go through your first-aid box once every month, look for the expiry date of each medicine, and discard any drug that reaches the expiry date.
- Take the medicines in the prescribed amount, considering your age, and never overdose on any medicine.
- Consult a doctor when taking medicines in combinations to avoid potential side effects and reactions.
- If any OTC medicine harms you in any way, immediately stop the use and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Wrap-Up: Desi First Aid for Pakistani Households
Over-the-counter drugs can help treat several minor injuries and illnesses accurately without the need to consult a doctor.
Pain relievers, antacids, cold and flu remedies, anti-diarrheal medications, ear and eye drops, decongestants, and topical antibiotics are a few of the most common medicines in Pakistani homes.
If you are looking for a reputable online pharmacy in Pakistan, your search ends here. At Jasmeds, we deliver premium medicines nationwide at highly affordable rates. Grab your required OTC by placing your orders today.