Page 188 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

186 A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES

Method of use Fiber supplements as Migraine remedies
granules or powder, to be mixed with water and
Common brands
drunk; avoid taking at bedtime. Stimulant types
● Excedrin Migraine (acetaminophen, aspirin,
are available as pills, powder, syrup, or as
caffeine)
suppositories, normally taken at bedtime since
they work overnight. Relieves the pain of migraine headache.
Side effects Mild bloating and flatulence Method of use Take 2 pills with a glass
with bulk-forming types; mild abdominal discomfort of water as soon as symptoms or aura begin to
just after taking stimulant types. develop. Do not take more than 2 pills in 24 hours
unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Precautions Drink plenty of fluids with fiber
supplements. Don’t use stimulant laxatives for more Side effects See acetaminophen (see
than 7 days at a time. Overuse may make bowels p.177) and aspirin (see p.179).
ineffective without them. Don’t use if you have another Precautions While taking, limit intake of
digestive disorder. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. drinks containing caffeine. Too much caffeine may
cause nervousness, irritability, and occasionally,
Lip creams, balms, and salves palpitations. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
Common brands WARNING
● Chapstick ● Blistex ● Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer Don’t take remedies containing analgesics with
● Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Therapy other analgesics due to risk of overdose. Children
and teenagers should not use this medication for
Moisturize and soothe sore, chapped, and cracked
chicken pox or flu syndromes before a doctor is
lips and mouth. Petroleum-based products protect
consulted about Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious
against dryness in cold weather. Ski protection types
illness reported to be associated with aspirin.
have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher for
use at high altitudes. Minoxidil
Method of use Available as solid sticks, Common brands
creams, ointments, or gels. Apply as needed. ● Rogaine Regular Strength (for men and women)
Side effects Usually none. ● Rogaine Extra Strength (men only).
Precautions Don’t use on broken skin. May prevent hereditary hair loss or promote hair
growth but must be used continuously to maintain
Lubricating jelly effect. Works best on small areas in younger adults
Common brands with recent hair loss. Extra-strength product
LUBRICANTS: ● Astroglide ● K–Y Jelly available for more advanced hair loss. New growth
VAGINAL MOISTURIZER: ● Replens may take a few months.
Method of use Usually applied twice a
Water-soluble lubricants applied to penis or vagina
day to clean, dry hair and scalp using pump spray or
to ease dryness and soreness. Available as gels or
roll-on applicator. Massage lightly into scalp. Wash
vaginal moisturizers. Safe to use with condoms
hands after use. Don’t exceed stated dose.
(unlike oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly
or baby oil, which can break down latex). Side effects Brief scalp irritation; if it persists,
stop using. Hair loss may increase slightly at first.
Method of use Apply to vaginal entrance
or penis prior to intercourse; longer-lasting vaginal Precautions Avoid eyes and sensitive or
moisturizers applied internally several times a week broken skin. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
to provide continuous moisture.
Side effects Usually none.
Precautions Don’t use vaginal moisturizers
during or just after pregnancy.