Page 179 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 177

Acetaminophen going to bed. It will not wash off the next day, even
if you bathe or shower. One application may prevent
Common brands
sweating for up to 3 days, or longer.
FOR ADULTS ● Tylenol ● Aspirin-Free Anacin ● Bayer
Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Formula Side effects Possible skin irritation. Stop
FOR CHILDREN ● Infants’ Tylenol Concentrated Drops using if this occurs.
(2–3 years) ● Children’s Tylenol Suspension Liquid Precautions Don’t use on irritated or broken
(2–11 years) ● Junior Strength Tylenol Chewable skin, or near the eyes. Don’t use after shaving or
Tablets (6–12 years) using depilatories.
Widely used analgesic for toothache, headache,
Antacids
earache, muscle pains, and to reduce fever. Suitable
for people with stomach problems since less irritating Common brands
than aspirin; also during breast-feeding because traces MIXTURES OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS: ● Maalox Quick
in breast milk are too small to harm a baby. Dissolve Chewable (calcium carbonate) ● Mylanta
Antacid Gelcaps (calcium carbonate, magnesium
Method of use Available as regular,
hydroxide) ● Rolaids Antacid Tablets (calcium
soluble, or chewable tablets; or liquid medicine.
carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
When treating a child, be careful to choose the
WITH SIMETHICONE: ● Gas-X Extra Strength (calcium
correct product for the child’s age (see COMMON
carbonate, simethicone) ● Maalox Liquid
BRANDS, above).
Antacid/Antigas (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium
Side effects Usually none.
hydroxide, simethicone) ● Mylanta Antacid Anti-Gas
Precautions Don’t give to babies under Liquid (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,
2 years, except on a doctor’s advice. simethicone) ● Riopan Plus (magaldrate,
WARNING simethicone)
Don’t take with other drugs containing analgesics,
Relieve indigestion or heartburn by neutralizing
such as cold remedies, due to risk of overdose. In
stomach acid. Contain compounds such as aluminum
case of possible overdose, seek immediate medical
hydroxide, calcium carbonate, or magnesium
attention, even if you feel no ill effects. There is risk
hydroxide, or combinations of these. Some also
of delayed, serious liver damage. Do not drink alcohol
contain simethicone to absorb excess stomach gas.
while taking acetaminophen.
Method of use Available as hard or chewy
Aloe vera tablets, carbonated drinks, or soothing liquids. Method
of use varies; follow instructions on package.
The aloe plant (Aloe vera) is a centuries-old remedy
Side effects Usually none.
for skin conditions such as sunburn and psoriasis.
May help relieve pain and swelling and speed healing. Precautions Antacids can interfere with
absorption of some drugs; check with a doctor
Method of use Available in skin creams,
or pharmacist before use if already taking other
gels, and ointments. Apply as needed.
medicines. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, opposite page.
Side effects Usually none.
Precautions None. Antidandruff shampoos
Common brands
Aluminum chloride
● Neutrogena T/Gel (coal tar) ● Nizoral Shampoo
Common brand (ketoconazole) ● Polytar AF (coal tar, pyrithione zinc)
● Certain Dri
● Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) ● Sebulex (sulfur,
Controls excessive sweating by blocking sweat salicylic acid)
ducts; use when other methods do not help. Selenium sulfide and pyrithione zinc shampoos
Method of use Available as roll-on reduce overgrowth of a type of fungus living on the
applicator. Apply sparingly to clean, dry skin before scalp, a common cause of dandruff. Ketoconazole, an