PHA 361 - Top 100 Non-Prescription Drugs

Acetaminophen

Tylenol | Class: Analgesic/antipyretic | Indications: Pain, fever | Common side effects: Usually well tolerated; nausea/rash rare | Counseling: Watch total daily dose; overdose can cause liver toxicity.

Adapalene

Differin | Class: Topical retinoid | Indications: Acne | Common side effects: Dryness, peeling, redness, irritation | Counseling: Use at night; use sunscreen; results take weeks.

Alpha D Galactosidase

Beano | Class: Digestive enzyme | Indications: Gas prevention from beans/vegetables | Common side effects: Minimal; possible GI upset | Counseling: Take with first bite of food.

Aluminum Acetate

Domeboro Powder | Class: Astringent | Indications: Poison ivy, rashes, weeping skin irritation | Common side effects: Skin dryness/irritation | Counseling: External use only.

Artificial Saliva

Biotene, Salivea | Class: Saliva substitute | Indications: Dry mouth | Common side effects: Taste changes, mild irritation | Counseling: Use as needed; helps xerostomia symptoms.

Artificial Tears

Systane | Class: Ophthalmic lubricant | Indications: Dry eyes | Common side effects: Temporary blurred vision, irritation | Counseling: Preservative-free preferred for frequent use.

Aspirin

Bayer, Vazalore | Class: NSAID/antiplatelet | Indications: Pain, fever, inflammation, cardioprotection | Common side effects: GI upset, bleeding, bruising | Counseling: Avoid in children with viral illness; avoid with bleeding risk unless directed.

Azelastine

Astepro | Class: Intranasal antihistamine | Indications: Allergic rhinitis | Common side effects: Bitter taste, drowsiness, nasal irritation | Counseling: May cause sedation.

Bacitracin Neomycin Polymyxin B

Neosporin | Class: Topical antibiotic | Indications: Minor cuts/scrapes | Common side effects: Rash, itching, contact dermatitis | Counseling: External use only; avoid deep wounds/large areas.

Benzocaine Topical

Anbesol, Cepacol | Class: Local anesthetic | Indications: Oral pain, sore throat | Common side effects: Numbness, irritation; rare methemoglobinemia | Counseling: Do not overuse; avoid in children under 2 unless directed.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Proactiv | Class: Acne antibacterial/keratolytic | Indications: Acne | Common side effects: Dryness, peeling, redness | Counseling: Can bleach fabric; start low strength.

Bifidobacterium Infantis

Align | Class: Probiotic | Indications: IBS/digestive health | Common side effects: Gas, bloating | Counseling: Take consistently.

Bisacodyl

Dulcolax | Class: Stimulant laxative | Indications: Constipation | Common side effects: Cramping, diarrhea | Counseling: Short-term use only.

Bismuth Subsalicylate

Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate | Class: Antidiarrheal/GI protectant | Indications: Diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach | Common side effects: Black stool/tongue, constipation | Counseling: Avoid with aspirin allergy or children with viral illness.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Menopausal symptoms | Common side effects: GI upset, headache | Counseling: Avoid with liver disease.

Brimonidine

Lumify | Class: Ophthalmic alpha-2 agonist | Indications: Eye redness | Common side effects: Eye irritation, dryness | Counseling: Remove contacts before use.

Budesonide Nasal

Rhinocort | Class: Intranasal corticosteroid | Indications: Allergic rhinitis | Common side effects: Nosebleed, nasal irritation | Counseling: Use daily; full effect takes several days.

Butterbur

Butterbur | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Migraine prevention/allergies | Common side effects: GI upset, drowsiness | Counseling: Use only PA-free products due to liver toxicity risk.

Caffeine

NoDoz, Jet-Alert | Class: CNS stimulant | Indications: Temporary alertness | Common side effects: Insomnia, anxiety, palpitations | Counseling: Avoid near bedtime and excessive caffeine.

Calcium Carbonate

Tums | Class: Antacid/calcium supplement | Indications: Heartburn, calcium supplementation | Common side effects: Constipation, gas | Counseling: Separate from iron, levothyroxine, and some antibiotics.

Calcium Polycarbophil

FiberCon | Class: Bulk-forming laxative | Indications: Constipation/regularity | Common side effects: Gas, bloating | Counseling: Take with full glass of water.

Cannabidiol

CBD | Class: Cannabinoid product | Indications: Pain/anxiety/sleep support claims | Common side effects: Drowsiness, diarrhea, liver enzyme changes | Counseling: Product quality varies; interacts with many meds.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin-P, Zostrix | Class: Topical analgesic | Indications: Muscle/joint pain, neuropathic pain | Common side effects: Burning, stinging, redness | Counseling: Wash hands after use; avoid eyes/mucosa.

Carbamide Peroxide

Debrox | Class: Cerumenolytic | Indications: Earwax removal | Common side effects: Bubbling sensation, irritation | Counseling: Avoid with ear pain, drainage, tubes, or ruptured eardrum.

Cetirizine

Zyrtec | Class: 2nd-generation antihistamine | Indications: Allergies, hives | Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue | Counseling: May still cause sedation.

Chlorpheniramine

Chlor-Trimeton | Class: 1st-generation antihistamine | Indications: Allergies, runny nose | Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention | Counseling: Avoid alcohol; caution older adults/BPH/glaucoma.

Cholecalciferol

Vitamin D3 | Class: Vitamin D supplement | Indications: Vitamin D deficiency, bone health | Common side effects: Usually minimal; toxicity can cause hypercalcemia | Counseling: Avoid excessive dosing.

Clotrimazole

Gyne-Lotrimin, Lotrimin AF | Class: Azole antifungal | Indications: Yeast infection, athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm | Common side effects: Burning, itching, irritation | Counseling: Complete full course.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Aveeno | Class: Skin protectant | Indications: Dry/itchy skin, eczema irritation | Common side effects: Rare irritation | Counseling: External use only.

Cromolyn Sodium

NasalCrom | Class: Mast cell stabilizer | Indications: Allergic rhinitis prevention | Common side effects: Sneezing, nasal irritation | Counseling: Works best before allergen exposure; use consistently.

Cryotherapy

Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away | Class: Wart remover | Indications: Common/plantar warts | Common side effects: Pain, blistering, skin irritation | Counseling: Do not use on face/genitals/diabetic feet unless directed.

Dextromethorphan

Delsym, Robitussin, Triaminic | Class: Antitussive | Indications: Dry cough | Common side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea | Counseling: Avoid with MAOIs; caution with serotonergic meds.

Diclofenac Topical

Voltaren, Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel | Class: Topical NSAID | Indications: Arthritis pain | Common side effects: Skin irritation, itching | Counseling: Do not apply to broken skin; avoid excess NSAID use.

Dimenhydrinate

Dramamine Original Formula | Class: 1st-generation antihistamine/antiemetic | Indications: Motion sickness | Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision | Counseling: Take before travel; avoid alcohol.

Diphenhydramine Systemic

Benadryl, ZzzQuil | Class: 1st-generation antihistamine/sleep aid | Indications: Allergies, itching, short-term insomnia | Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention | Counseling: Avoid alcohol; caution older adults.

Diphenhydramine Topical

Benadryl | Class: Topical antihistamine | Indications: Itching, insect bites, minor rash | Common side effects: Skin irritation; systemic effects if overused | Counseling: Do not use with oral diphenhydramine or on large areas.

Docosanol

Abreva | Class: Antiviral cold sore treatment | Indications: Cold sores | Common side effects: Local irritation, dryness | Counseling: Start at first symptom; apply multiple times daily.

Docusate

Colace | Class: Stool softener | Indications: Prevention of constipation/straining | Common side effects: Cramping, diarrhea | Counseling: Not best for acute constipation.

Doxylamine

Unisom Sleep Tabs | Class: 1st-generation antihistamine/sleep aid | Indications: Short-term insomnia | Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness | Counseling: Avoid alcohol/driving; short-term use.

Echinacea

Echinacea | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Cold symptom support | Common side effects: GI upset, rash, allergic reaction | Counseling: Avoid if allergic to ragweed family.

Esomeprazole Magnesium

Nexium | Class: Proton pump inhibitor | Indications: Frequent heartburn/GERD | Common side effects: Headache, diarrhea, nausea | Counseling: Take before breakfast; OTC course usually 14 days.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Menopausal symptoms, eczema, breast pain (limited evidence) | Common Side Effects: GI upset, headache | Counseling: Avoid if seizure disorder; discontinue before surgery due to possible bleeding risk.

Famotidine

Pepcid, Zantac 360 | Class: H2 receptor antagonist | Indications: Heartburn, acid indigestion, GERD | Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea | Counseling: Can be taken before meals that trigger heartburn; works faster than PPIs.

Ferrous Sulfate

Feosol, Fer-In-Sol | Class: Iron supplement | Indications: Iron deficiency anemia | Common Side Effects: Constipation, nausea, dark stools | Counseling: Best absorbed on an empty stomach with vitamin C; separate from calcium, antacids, levothyroxine, and tetracyclines.

Fexofenadine

Allegra Allergy | Class: 2nd-generation antihistamine | Indications: Seasonal allergies, hives | Common Side Effects: Headache, nausea, dizziness | Counseling: Avoid apple, orange, and grapefruit juice; non-drowsy.

Flaxseed Oil

Omega-3 | Class: Dietary supplement | Indications: Heart health, constipation (limited evidence) | Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, bloating | Counseling: May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants.

Fluticasone Nasal

Flonase | Class: Intranasal corticosteroid | Indications: Allergic rhinitis | Common Side Effects: Nosebleeds, headache, nasal irritation | Counseling: Use daily; maximum benefit may take several days.

Garlic

Garlic | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Cardiovascular health (limited evidence) | Common Side Effects: Garlic odor, GI upset, heartburn | Counseling: May increase bleeding risk; discontinue before surgery.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Memory support (limited evidence) | Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, GI upset | Counseling: May increase bleeding risk; avoid before surgery.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Cold symptoms (limited evidence) | Common Side Effects: GI upset, irritation | Counseling: Limited evidence for effectiveness; avoid prolonged use.

Guaifenesin

Mucinex | Class: Expectorant | Indications: Chest congestion, productive cough | Common Side Effects: Nausea, dizziness, headache | Counseling: Drink plenty of water to help loosen mucus.

Hydrocortisone Topical

Cortisone 10, Preparation H | Class: Topical corticosteroid | Indications: Itching, eczema, insect bites, hemorrhoids (Preparation H) | Common Side Effects: Burning, dryness, skin thinning with prolonged use | Counseling: Do not use longer than 7 days unless directed.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Peroxyl | Class: Oral wound cleanser | Indications: Minor mouth sores, oral irritation | Common Side Effects: Temporary foaming, irritation | Counseling: Swish and spit; do not swallow.

Ibuprofen

Advil, Motrin | Class: NSAID | Indications: Pain, fever, inflammation | Common Side Effects: GI upset, bleeding, kidney injury | Counseling: Take with food if stomach upset occurs; avoid combining with other NSAIDs.

Ketoconazole Shampoo

Nizoral A-D | Class: Topical antifungal | Indications: Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis | Common Side Effects: Scalp irritation, dryness | Counseling: Leave on scalp 3–5 minutes before rinsing.

Ketotifen Ophthalmic

Zaditor, Alaway | Class: Antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer | Indications: Allergic conjunctivitis | Common Side Effects: Burning, eye irritation | Counseling: Remove contact lenses before use.

Lactobacillus

Culturelle, Lactinex, Floranex | Class: Probiotic | Indications: Digestive health, prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea | Common Side Effects: Gas, bloating | Counseling: Take consistently; separate from antibiotics by about 2 hours.

Lansoprazole

Prevacid 24 HR | Class: Proton pump inhibitor | Indications: Frequent heartburn, GERD | Common Side Effects: Headache, diarrhea, nausea | Counseling: Take before breakfast; OTC treatment is 14 days.

Levocetirizine

Xyzal Allergy 24 HR | Class: 2nd-generation antihistamine | Indications: Allergies, hives | Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth | Counseling: Usually taken in the evening due to possible drowsiness.

Levonorgestrel

Aftera, My Choice, Plan B One-Step | Class: Emergency contraceptive | Indications: Emergency contraception within 72 hours (up to 120 hours with reduced efficacy) | Common Side Effects: Nausea, fatigue, menstrual changes | Counseling: Take as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse; not for routine contraception.

Lidocaine Topical

Solarcaine | Class: Local anesthetic | Indications: Minor burns, sunburn, insect bites, skin pain | Common Side Effects: Skin irritation, numbness | Counseling: Do not apply to large areas or broken skin.

Loperamide

Imodium A-D | Class: Antidiarrheal | Indications: Acute diarrhea | Common Side Effects: Constipation, abdominal cramps, dizziness | Counseling: Stop use if diarrhea lasts more than 2 days or if fever/bloody stool develops.

Loratadine

Claritin, Alavert | Class: 2nd-generation antihistamine | Indications: Allergic rhinitis, hives | Common Side Effects: Headache, dry mouth | Counseling: Non-drowsy for most patients.

Magnesium Hydroxide

Milk of Magnesia | Class: Saline laxative; antacid | Indications: Constipation, heartburn | Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, cramping | Counseling: Avoid in significant kidney disease.

Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium Oxide | Class: Mineral supplement | Indications: Magnesium deficiency, occasional constipation | Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, abdominal cramping | Counseling: Separate from antibiotics and levothyroxine.

Meclizine

Dramamine Less Drowsy, Bonine | Class: Antihistamine/antiemetic | Indications: Motion sickness, vertigo | Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision | Counseling: Take about 1 hour before travel.

Melatonin

Melatonin | Class: Sleep aid | Indications: Insomnia, jet lag | Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, vivid dreams, headache | Counseling: Take 30–60 minutes before bedtime.

Menthol Oral

Halls Cough Drops | Class: Oral anesthetic/antitussive | Indications: Sore throat, cough | Common Side Effects: Mouth irritation (rare) | Counseling: Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly; do not chew.

Methyl Salicylate + Menthol Topical

Bengay, Icy Hot | Class: Topical counterirritant | Indications: Muscle and joint pain | Common Side Effects: Burning, redness, skin irritation | Counseling: Do not apply heat over treated area; wash hands after use.

Miconazole

Desenex, Lotrimin AF | Class: Topical azole antifungal | Indications: Athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm | Common Side Effects: Burning, itching, irritation | Counseling: Continue treatment for full course even if symptoms improve.

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Liver health (limited evidence) | Common Side Effects: GI upset, diarrhea | Counseling: Evidence is limited; may interact with medications.

Minoxidil Topical

Rogaine | Class: Hair growth stimulant | Indications: Androgenic alopecia | Common Side Effects: Scalp irritation, itching | Counseling: Hair growth takes about 4 months; continued use is required.

Moisturizers

Eucerin, Lubriderm, Cetaphil | Class: Emollient | Indications: Dry skin, eczema | Common Side Effects: Rare skin irritation | Counseling: Apply immediately after bathing for best results.

Naloxone

Narcan, Kloxxado | Class: Opioid antagonist | Indications: Suspected opioid overdose | Common Side Effects: Opioid withdrawal symptoms, nasal irritation | Counseling: Call 911 immediately after use; repeat dose every 2–3 minutes if needed.

Naphazoline Ophthalmic

Clear Eyes, Naphcon A | Class: Ophthalmic decongestant | Indications: Eye redness | Common Side Effects: Burning, rebound redness with overuse | Counseling: Remove contacts before use; avoid prolonged use.

Naproxen

Aleve | Class: NSAID | Indications: Pain, fever, inflammation | Common Side Effects: GI upset, bleeding, heartburn | Counseling: Longer duration than ibuprofen; take with food.

Niacin

Vitamin B3 | Class: Vitamin supplement | Indications: Niacin deficiency | Common Side Effects: Flushing, itching, GI upset | Counseling: Flushing is common; taking with food may help.

Nicotine

Nicorette, Nicoderm CQ | Class: Nicotine replacement therapy | Indications: Smoking cessation | Common Side Effects: Depends on dosage form—skin irritation (patch), hiccups/jaw soreness (gum), nausea | Counseling: Do not smoke while using nicotine replacement.

Norgestrel

Opill | Class: Progestin-only oral contraceptive | Indications: Pregnancy prevention | Common Side Effects: Irregular bleeding, headache, breast tenderness | Counseling: Take at the same time every day; if >3 hours late, use backup contraception for 48 hours.

Olopatadine

Pataday | Class: Ophthalmic antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer | Indications: Allergic conjunctivitis | Common Side Effects: Eye irritation, blurred vision | Counseling: Remove contact lenses before use.

Omega 3 Acid Ethyl Esters

Omega-3, Fish Oil | Class: Omega-3 fatty acid supplement | Indications: Hypertriglyceridemia, heart health | Common Side Effects: Fishy aftertaste, GI upset | Counseling: May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants.

Omeprazole

Prilosec OTC | Class: Proton pump inhibitor | Indications: Frequent heartburn, GERD | Common Side Effects: Headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain | Counseling: Take 30–60 minutes before breakfast; 14-day OTC treatment.

Orlistat

Alli | Class: Lipase inhibitor | Indications: Weight loss | Common Side Effects: Oily stools, fecal urgency, flatulence | Counseling: Take with fat-containing meals; take multivitamin at bedtime.

Oxybutynin

Oxytrol for Women | Class: Antimuscarinic | Indications: Overactive bladder | Common Side Effects: Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision | Counseling: Avoid overheating; may cause drowsiness.

Oxymetazoline Nasal

Afrin, Dristan | Class: Topical nasal decongestant | Indications: Nasal congestion | Common Side Effects: Burning, rebound congestion | Counseling: Do not use longer than 3 consecutive days.

Permethrin

Nix | Class: Topical pediculicide | Indications: Head lice | Common Side Effects: Scalp itching, redness | Counseling: Repeat treatment in 7–10 days if live lice remain.

Phenazopyridine

AZO Urinary Pain Relief | Class: Urinary analgesic | Indications: Dysuria, urinary discomfort | Common Side Effects: Orange/red urine, GI upset | Counseling: Use only for short-term symptom relief; urine discoloration is expected.

Phenylephrine Oral and Nasal

Sudafed PE, Nasal Four | Class: Decongestant | Indications: Nasal congestion | Common Side Effects: Nervousness, insomnia, increased blood pressure | Counseling: Use cautiously in hypertension.

Phenylephrine Topical

Preparation H | Class: Vasoconstrictor | Indications: Hemorrhoids | Common Side Effects: Local irritation | Counseling: For external/rectal use only.

Phosphorated Carbohydrate

Emetrol | Class: Antiemetic | Indications: Nausea due to upset stomach | Common Side Effects: Hyperglycemia, GI upset | Counseling: Contains large amounts of sugar; use caution in diabetes.

Polyethylene Glycol 3350

MiraLAX | Class: Osmotic laxative | Indications: Constipation | Common Side Effects: Bloating, gas, cramping | Counseling: Dissolve in 4–8 oz of liquid; may take 1–3 days to work.

Pramoxine

Proctofoam, Caladryl | Class: Topical anesthetic | Indications: Itching, hemorrhoids, minor skin irritation | Common Side Effects: Mild burning, redness | Counseling: External use only.

Prenatal Vitamin

Prenatal Vitamin | Class: Multivitamin/mineral supplement | Indications: Pregnancy, preconception nutritional support | Common Side Effects: Nausea, constipation, stomach upset | Counseling: Take with food if stomach upset occurs; contains folic acid and iron; keep out of reach of children.

Pseudoephedrine

Sudafed | Class: Sympathomimetic decongestant | Indications: Nasal congestion | Common Side Effects: Nervousness, insomnia, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate | Counseling: May increase BP; avoid near bedtime; purchase restrictions apply due to CMEA.

Psyllium

Konsyl, Metamucil | Class: Bulk-forming laxative | Indications: Constipation, bowel regularity, fiber supplementation | Common Side Effects: Gas, bloating, abdominal fullness | Counseling: Take with at least 8 oz of water; may also help lower cholesterol.

Pyrethrins

Rid | Class: Pediculicide | Indications: Head lice | Common Side Effects: Scalp itching, redness, irritation | Counseling: Avoid if allergic to chrysanthemums or ragweed; repeat treatment in 7–10 days if needed.

Saccharomyces boulardii

Florastor | Class: Probiotic yeast | Indications: Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea | Common Side Effects: Gas, bloating, constipation | Counseling: Avoid in severely immunocompromised patients or those with central venous catheters.

Salicylic Acid

Oxy Pads, Stridex, Compound W | Class: Keratolytic | Indications: Acne, warts, corns, calluses | Common Side Effects: Dryness, peeling, skin irritation | Counseling: Avoid applying to broken skin or large body areas.

Saline Nasal

Ayr, Ocean | Class: Nasal saline moisturizer | Indications: Dry nasal passages, nasal congestion | Common Side Effects: Mild nasal irritation | Counseling: Safe during pregnancy and for frequent use; no rebound congestion.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto | Class: Herbal supplement | Indications: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms (limited evidence) | Common Side Effects: GI upset, headache, dizziness | Counseling: May increase bleeding risk; evidence of benefit is mixed.