Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in OTC medicines are what make that product treat your symptoms. There are many different active ingredients and we have gathered information about some of the most common. Click on each ingredient below to find out what each active ingredient does and what you need to know for its safe use. Remember, you should always read the Drug Facts label before you use or give any OTC medicine.

Ingredient	Related Treatments
Acetaminophen	Pain Relief and Fever Reduction
Aluminum Hydroxide	Heartburn Relief
Aspirin	Pain Relief and Fever Reduction
Benzocaine	Oral Discomfort Treatment, Vaginal Itch Relief, Hemorrhoid Treatment, and External Pain Relief
Bismuth Subsalicylate	Heartburn, Upset Stomach, and Diarrhea Relief
Cetirizine	Allergy Relief
Chlorpheniramine	Allergy Relief
Cimetidine	Heartburn Relief
Dextromethorphan	Cough Relief
Diphenhydramine	Allergy Relief, Sleep Aid, and Skin Treatment
Doxylamine	Allergy Relief and Sleep Aid
Famotidine	Heartburn Relief
Fluoride	Cavity Prevention
Guaifenesin	Chest Congestion Relief
Hydrocortisone	Skin Irritation, Redness, and Itch Relief
Ibuprofen	Pain Relief and Fever Reduction
Levonorgestrel	Emergency Contraception
Loperamide	Diarrhea Relief
Loratadine	Allergy Relief
Methyl Salicylate	External Pain Relief
Naproxen Sodium	Pain Relief and Fever Reduction
Nicotine and Nicotine Polacrilex	Stop Smoking Aids
Nonoxynol-9	Pregnancy Prevention
Omeprazole	Heartburn Relief
Orlistat	Weight Loss Aids
Phenylephrine	Nasal Decongestant and Hemorrhoid Treatment
Pseudoephedrine	Nasal Decongestant
Psyllium	Laxative
Ranitidine	Heartburn Relief
Sodium Bicarbonate	Heartburn Relief

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