What Are Examples of OTC Drugs?

Over-the-counter drugs, otherwise known as OTC drugs, are medicines that can be bought without a doctor's prescription. OTC drugs can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions and symptoms, everything from a mild headache to the flu. Some, such as ibuprofen (an example is the brand Advil), are designed to relieve pain caused by a range of potential conditions. Others, such as laxatives and decongestants, treat a particular condition exclusively.

Pain Relievers

• Pain relievers are medicines used to treat pain caused by any number of conditions. They can be used to treat headaches, joint pain, muscle cramps or minor injuries. Some examples of OTC painkillers are Anacin, Bayer, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Tylenol and Excedrin. Generic versions of these brand-name medications can also be found. Some generic examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and ketoprofen.

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines are medications used to treat or prevent the symptoms of allergies. OTC antihistamines can be divided into two types: first and second generation. Some examples of first-generation antihistamines are Dimetapp, Dramamine, Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton. Second-generation examples include Alavert, Claritin and Zyrtec. While both types can be used to treat allergies, first-generation antihistamines can also be used to treat colds. Both types can be mixed with other medications, such as painkillers, to treat several symptoms at once.

Cough Medicines

• OTC cough medicines are split into two separate categories: antitussives and expectorants. Antitussives function as cough suppressants. They relieve coughing fits by blocking the reflex to cough. Expectorants thin the mucus that causes coughing, making it easier to break up and lessening the duration of the cough. Examples of OTC antitussives include Triaminic Cold and Cough and Robitussin Cough. Examples of OTC expectorants include Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion.