Best OTC medicine, by condition
Standing in the pharmacy aisle wondering what actually works? Here’s an honest, source-cited rundown of the over-the-counter options for common problems — what each does, how strong the evidence is, the cautions, and the red flags that mean it’s time to see a clinician instead. We cite the FDA, CDC, NHS and MedlinePlus.
By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against FDA, CDC, NHS & MedlinePlus sourcesHow we research
- OTC for heartburn / acid reflux
- OTC for nausea
- OTC for a cold or the flu
- OTC for diarrhea
- OTC for allergies (allergic rhinitis)
- OTC for constipation
- OTC for a sore throat
- OTC for a sinus infection (sinusitis)
- OTC for hives (urticaria)
- OTC for an upset stomach / indigestion
- OTC for ringworm (a fungal skin infection)
- OTC for acute bronchitis (a chest cold)
- OTC for trouble sleeping (occasional insomnia)
- OTC for pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- OTC for poison ivy / oak / sumac rash (contact dermatitis)
- OTC for hemorrhoids (piles)
- OTC for toothache (dental pain)
- OTC for head lice
- OTC for ear infection / earache
- OTC for dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp)
- OTC for athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
- OTC for jock itch (tinea cruris)
- OTC for common warts and plantar warts
- OTC for swimmer's ear
- OTC for scabies
- OTC for food poisoning
- OTC for pinworms
- OTC for diaper rash
- OTC for Anxiety
- OTC for Cough
- OTC for Gas and bloating
- OTC for Vaginal yeast infection
- OTC for Cold sores (oral herpes)
- OTC for Motion sickness (car, sea, air travel)
- OTC for Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- OTC for a UTI
General reference, not medical advice. Always read the label, mind interactions with your other medicines, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure — especially if you’re pregnant, treating a child, or have a chronic condition.