Page 187 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 185

Precautions Don’t use for longer than Lactase supplements
a week. Don’t use on the face, genital area, or
Common brand
broken or infected skin. Don’t use on children under
● Lactaid
2 years, unless on doctor’s advice. See also GENERAL
CAUTIONS, p.176. May help people to overcome intolerance to milk or
dairy products. Lactase helps to break down lactose
Ibuprofen sugar in the body so that it can be easily absorbed.
Common brands Method of use Take before eating or
FOR ADULTS: ● Advil ● Motrin drinking dairy products.
FOR CHILDREN: ● Children’s Motrin Suspension or Side effects Usually none.
chewable tablets (over 2 years old) ● Infants’
Precautions See a doctor before use if you
Motrin Concentrated Drops (6 months–2 years)
are diabetic or think a child has a food intolerance.
Belongs to a group of medicines known as non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Widely Lanolin ointment
used to treat muscle and joint pains, headaches, cold Common brand
and flu symptoms (and fever), and menstrual cramps. ● Lansinoh
Method of use Usually, pills for adults.
Creams containing lanolin protect skin and soothe
Liquid or chewable tablets babies and children. Take and heal sore and cracked nipples in breast-feeding
after food to minimize stomach irritation. women. Use only medical-grade lanolin products.
Side effects Usually mild; most likely Method of use Apply to nipples.
problems are nausea and indigestion from pills. Does not have to be wiped off before feeding baby.
Precautions Consult a doctor before using Side effects Usually none.
ibuprofen if you have or have had a peptic ulcer or
Precautions None.
asthma. Don’t take if you have had an allergic reaction
to ibuprofen, aspirin, or similar drugs, or a worsening Lavender
of asthma or allergic symptoms. Don’t give to babies
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is a traditional
under 6 months unless advised by a doctor. Discuss
remedy that may help some people sleep.
with your doctor before giving to children and babies.
See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. Method of use Add essential oil to a
warm bath or put drops on a tissue and inhale.
Insect bite and sting relief Place sachets of dried lavender in a pillowcase.
Common brands Side effects Occasionally, skin irritation,
● Benadryl (diphenhydramine) ● Americaine Topical nausea, and headache.
Anesthetic First Aid Ointment (benzocaine) Precautions Don’t use lavender oil if you are
● Nupercainal Cream (dibucaine) pregnant or breast-feeding. Never ingest essential oils.
Contain an antihistamine (see p.178), such as Laxatives
diphenhydramine, to ease swelling and itching, or
Common brands
a local anesthetic, such as benzocaine. Can also
BULK-FORMING FIBER SUPPLEMENTS: ● Citrucel
relieve nettle or jellyfish stings. Hydrocortisone
(methylcellulose) ● Fibercon caplets (polycarbophil)
cream (see left) can be used for bites and stings. ● Metamucil (psyllium)
Method of use Available as creams or STIMULANT LAXATIVES: ● Ex-Lax (sennosides)
ointments. Apply sparingly immediately. ● Senokot (senna) ● Correctol (bisacodyl)
Side effects Usually none. If rash occurs,
Laxatives relieve constipation. Bulk-forming types
stop using.
help stools retain water, making them softer, bulkier,
Precautions Don’t apply to large areas, and easier to pass. Stimulant types make bowel
or to broken or sunburned skin. muscles contract and speed the passage of feces.