Search for a condition or a medication to see what it is generally used for. MedCom does not tell you which medicine to take and never provides dosages.
Educational information only. This website provides general educational information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change medication without professional medical advice.
Common Cold & Allergies
Medicines generally associated with sneezing, runny nose and allergic symptoms.
Cetirizine
Commonly available
Generally used for allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose and hives.
It is an antihistamine that reduces the effect of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions.
May cause drowsiness in some people; caution with alcohol, driving, kidney problems or other sedating medicines.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Loratadine
Commonly available
Commonly associated with seasonal allergies and allergic skin rashes.
A non-sedating antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors to ease allergy symptoms.
Care is advised in liver disease; interactions with certain antifungal and antibiotic medicines are possible.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Xylometazoline nasal spray
Commonly available
Generally used for short-term relief of a blocked nose.
Narrows blood vessels in the nasal lining, temporarily reducing swelling and congestion.
Prolonged use can cause rebound congestion; caution with high blood pressure, heart conditions or in young children.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Headache & Fever
Medicines generally associated with pain and fever management.
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Commonly available
Commonly used for mild pain and fever.
Acts on pain and temperature-regulating pathways in the brain.
Exceeding recommended limits can seriously harm the liver; take extra care with alcohol use or liver disease, and avoid combining multiple products containing it.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Ibuprofen
Commonly available
Generally associated with pain, inflammation and fever.
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) that reduces chemicals causing pain and swelling.
May irritate the stomach or affect kidneys; caution with ulcers, asthma, heart disease, pregnancy or blood thinners.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Sumatriptan
Prescription only
Prescribed in some cases of migraine attacks.
Acts on serotonin receptors to narrow widened blood vessels in the brain.
Not suitable for everyone, especially with heart or circulation problems; must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Acidity & Heartburn
Medicines generally associated with acid reflux and indigestion.
Antacids (magnesium/aluminium salts)
Commonly available
Generally used for occasional heartburn and indigestion.
Neutralise stomach acid to provide short-term relief.
Can reduce absorption of other medicines; caution in kidney disease. Frequent symptoms should be reviewed by a doctor.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Omeprazole / Pantoprazole
Prescription only
Often associated with acid reflux disease and stomach ulcers.
Proton pump inhibitors that reduce how much acid the stomach produces.
Long-term use may affect nutrient absorption and bone health; interactions with some medicines are possible.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Ranitidine-class H2 blockers (e.g. famotidine)
Commonly available
Generally associated with reducing stomach acid.
Blocks histamine receptors in the stomach lining that trigger acid production.
Dose adjustment may be needed in kidney problems; persistent symptoms need medical review.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Cough
Medicines generally associated with dry or productive cough.
Dextromethorphan
Commonly available
Commonly associated with dry, irritating cough.
Acts on the cough centre of the brain to suppress the cough reflex.
Avoid combining with certain antidepressants; not generally advised for young children without medical advice.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Guaifenesin
Commonly available
Generally used for chesty cough with thick mucus.
An expectorant that thins mucus, making it easier to clear.
Drink adequate fluids; seek medical advice if cough lasts more than a couple of weeks or with blood in sputum.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Codeine-containing cough syrups
Prescription only
Occasionally prescribed for severe cough in adults.
An opioid that suppresses the cough reflex.
Risk of drowsiness, dependence and breathing problems; strictly prescription-only and unsuitable for children.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Common Infections
Antibiotics and related medicines — prescription only.
Amoxicillin
Prescription only
Prescribed for certain bacterial infections such as some throat, ear or chest infections.
A penicillin-type antibiotic that stops bacteria from building their cell walls.
Not effective against viruses like colds or flu; risk of allergic reactions and resistance if misused. Always complete the course as directed.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Azithromycin
Prescription only
Prescribed for some respiratory and skin infections.
A macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow.
Can interact with heart-rhythm medicines; may cause stomach upset. Use only when prescribed.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Metronidazole
Prescription only
Prescribed for certain bacterial and parasitic infections.
Damages the DNA of susceptible organisms so they cannot survive.
Alcohol should be avoided during and shortly after treatment; may cause a metallic taste or nausea.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Asthma
Inhalers and related medicines used under medical supervision.
Salbutamol (Albuterol) inhaler
Prescription only
Commonly associated with quick relief of wheezing and breathlessness.
Relaxes the muscles around the airways so they open up quickly.
May cause tremor or fast heartbeat; needing it very often can signal poorly controlled asthma and requires medical review.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g. budesonide)
Prescription only
Generally associated with long-term asthma control.
Reduces inflammation in the airways over time to prevent attacks.
Not for sudden attacks; rinse the mouth after use to reduce oral thrush. Never stop abruptly without medical advice.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Montelukast
Prescription only
Sometimes prescribed alongside inhalers for asthma or allergic asthma.
Blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that cause airway narrowing and inflammation.
Rarely linked with mood or sleep changes; report any behavioural changes to a doctor.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Diabetes
Medicines used for blood sugar control under close medical supervision.
Metformin
Prescription only
Commonly associated with type 2 diabetes management.
Reduces glucose production by the liver and improves the body's response to insulin.
May cause stomach upset; caution in kidney disease and around certain scans or surgery.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Insulin
Prescription only
Used in type 1 diabetes and some cases of type 2 diabetes.
Replaces or supplements the body's own insulin to move glucose into cells.
Risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia); requires training, monitoring and individualised medical guidance.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Gliclazide
Prescription only
Sometimes prescribed for type 2 diabetes.
Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.
Can cause low blood sugar and weight gain; meals should not be skipped. Regular monitoring is essential.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
High Blood Pressure
Medicines associated with long-term blood pressure control.
Amlodipine
Prescription only
Commonly associated with high blood pressure and some types of chest pain.
A calcium channel blocker that relaxes and widens blood vessels.
May cause ankle swelling, flushing or dizziness; do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Losartan / Telmisartan
Prescription only
Prescribed for high blood pressure and kidney protection in some patients.
Blocks angiotensin II, a hormone that tightens blood vessels.
Not suitable in pregnancy; kidney function and potassium levels need periodic checks.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Prescription only
Often associated with high blood pressure and fluid retention.
A diuretic that helps the body remove excess salt and water.
Can affect potassium and sodium levels; caution with gout, dehydration or kidney disease.
Use only as advised by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.