OTC

• OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MEDICINE are medications that can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor or any other RMP
• These medicines are readily accessible in local pharmacies, convenience stores, and even sari-sari stores, making them an integral part of Filipino life
• From the common cold to headaches and fever, OTC medicine have become a go-to remedy for countless people, providing quick relief from a range of everyday ailments
• With their affordable prices and widespread availability, these medicine have become a staple in every household, and their popularity continues to grow year after year
• Some of the most common OTC meds you can buy anywhere in the country

  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Loperamide
  • Mebendazole
  • Cetirizine
  • Salbutamol
  • Antacid
  • Multivitamins

  
• Paracetamol


  OTC medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever, commonly used for headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and fever, can be consumed on an empty stomach, and can be taken by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and the elderly
• Popular Paracetamol brands


  • BIOGESIC
  • TEMPRA
  • CALPOL
  • TYLENOL

  
• Ibuprofen


  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain, also used for headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain, sometimes used to reduce fever

  
• Popular Ibuprofen brands


  • ADVIL
  • MIDOL
  • MEDICOL
  • ALAXAN

  
• Loperamide


  Antidiarrheal medication used to slow down the movement of the intestines, helping to reduce diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, also used for recurring or longer lasting diarrhea from bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Popular Loperamide brands


  • IMODIUM
  • DIATABS
  • LOMOTIL
  • LORMIDE

  
• Mebendazole


  Anthelmintic medication used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms, including ascariasis, pinworm infection, hookworm infections, guinea worm infections, hydatid disease, and giardia, works by stopping the parasitic worms from using sugar (glucose) to survive in the body
• Popular Mebendazole brands


  • COMBANTRIN
  • ANTIOX

  
• Cetirizine


  Antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose, also sometimes used to relieve symptoms of hives
• Popular Cetirizine brands


  • VIRLIX
  • ALLERKID
  • ALNIX

  
• Salbutamol


  Medication used to relieve asthma symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, making it easier to breathe
• Popular Salbutamol brands


  • VENTOLIN
  • HIVENT

  
• Antacid


  Medications used to neutralize stomach acid, helping to relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and stomach upset, some antacids are also used in the treatment of constipation and diarrhea, come as a liquid or chewable tablets
• Popular Antacid brands


  • MAALOX
  • TUMS
  • GAVISCON
  • KREMIL-S
• Multivitamins


  Combination of many different vitamins normally found in food and other natural sources taken to support overall health
• Popular Multivitamin brands


  • ENERVON
  • CENTRUM
  • STRESSTABS
  • NEUROGEN E
• While these medications are available over-the-counter, it is still recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking other medications