MEDICINE RECOMMENDATION

Paracetamol

First-line for fever, gentle on stomach.

Ibuprofen

Pain reliever + anti-inflamatory, good for body aches and headaches

Mefenamic acid

Stronger pain reliever, best for menstrual cramps, toothache, or moderate pain.

Loratadine

(Itchy throat/dry cough) non-drowsy antihistamine, relieves allergy-related itchy throat or cough. (Can be taken any time of the day)

Cetirizine

Mildly sedating antihistamine for allergies. (Best taken at night before bed)

Diphenhydramine

Sedating antihistamine, relieves itchy throat and helps night time coughs (best taken at night before bed)

Mild Analgesics

Class of drugs used to relieve pain, including paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Antihistamines

Medications that counteract allergy symptoms, like loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine.

Moderate Pain Relief

Pain relief for conditions like menstrual cramps and toothaches, often managed with mefenamic acid.

Non-Sedating Antihistamine

Antihistamines like loratadine that do not cause drowsiness and can be taken during the day.

Sedating Antihistamine

Antihistamines like diphenhydramine that can cause drowsiness, useful for nighttime allergy symptoms.

Dextromethorphan

Suppresses dry cough reflex

Butamirate citrate

Non-opioid drug that suppresses dry cough

Carbocisteine

Reduces thickness of mucus for easier expectoration

Ambroxol

Enhances mucus clearance and airway secretion

Bromhexine

Liquefies thick mucus in respiratory tract

Dextromethorphan + Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Chlorphenamine

Combination medicine for dry cough, colds, pain, and congestion

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol + Amylmetacresol

Kills germs in the throat (lozenges)

Hexylresorcinol

Relieves sore throat by killing germs

Dextromethorphan

Stops dry cough reflex

Asthma / COPD / chronic bronchitis

Long-term lung diseases where cough suppressants may hide worsening symptoms

Cough with too much phlegm

Thick mucus in lungs that needs to be coughed out

Breathing problems (e.g. emphysema)

Condition where breathing is already difficult

Liver disease

Condition affecting drug breakdown in the body

Glaucoma / enlarged prostate / urinary retention

Conditions that may worsen with some cold medicines

Drug abuse history

Past misuse of drugs increases risk of misuse again

Children under 12 years old

Higher risk of side effects from cough medicines

Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Safety of some medicines is not fully known