Page 190 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

188 A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES

Oral rehydration solutions Method of use For adults and children
over 2, pyrantel is available as a pill or liquid to t
Common brands
ake by mouth. It is usually taken as a single dose
● Pedialyte (dextrose, electrolytes)
and may need to be repeated after 2–3 weeks to
● Rehydralyte (dextrose, electrolytes)
completely clear the infection.
Solutions that replace water, fluid, and salts
Side effects Not common, but can
lost from the body due to vomiting, diarrhea,
include stomach upset, stomach cramps, vomiting,
or excessive sweating.
and diarrhea.
Method of use Available as ready-to-use
Precautions Consult a doctor if a baby has
solutions in a variety of flavors. Follow the
pinworms. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
directions carefully.
Side effects Usually none. Salicylic acid
Precautions Don’t use more than 48 hours Common brands
after opening the bottle. ● Clear Away Wart Remover ● Compound W Liquid
● Dr. Scholl’s Corn Removers ● Premier Corn
Peppermint oil Cushions
Helps relax the bowel muscle and relieve pain and
Salicylic acid softens hardened skin, such as calluses
bloating in irritable bowel syndrome.
and corns, and warts, making them easier to
Method of use Available as enteric- remove. Available as liquids, gels, or ointments.
coated capsules, which are resistent to stomach
Method of use Make sure area is clean
acid, so that the peppermint oil is released into
and dry. Wart treatment can take up to 12 weeks.
the bowel directly. Follow the directions carefully;
Side effects May cause mild soreness
usually, the capsules are taken about 30 minutes
when first applied. If severe, stop using.
before a meal, 3 times a day.
Precautions Avoid surrounding skin, broken
Side effects Using peppermint oil may
or inflamed skin, moles, birth marks, warts with hair.
cause heartburn.
Don’t use on the face or genitals. Consult a doctor
Phytoestrogens before use if you have diabetes.
Natural plant chemicals, usually found in soy-based Saline nose drops
foods, that have a similar (but weaker) effect on the
These contain a simple saline solution that moistens
body as the female hormone estrogen. Also found in
the lining of nasal passages and loosens thickened
flaxseed. May help reduce menopausal symptoms
mucus, making it easier to clear nasal passages.
such as hot flashes.
Method of use Blow your nose first.
Method of use Boost diet with soy beans,
Apply a few drops into each nostril. Hold your
soy-based products, such as tofu or soy beans, and
head back for a few minutes so that the drops run
flaxseed bread.
inside your nose.
Side effects Usually none if products are
Side effects Usually none.
taken as part of a normal diet.
Precautions Throw unused drops away at
Precautions None.
end of treatment.
Pinworm treatments
Saw palmetto
Common brands
A traditional remedy for men’s urinary problems
● Pin X (pyrantel) ● Reese’s Pinworm Caplets
made from berries of saw palmetto (Serenoa
(pyrantel)
repens). May improve urine flow and bladder
Pyrantel works by paralyzing the worms, which are emptying in men with benign (noncancerous)
then passed in the stool. prostate gland enlargement.