Acetaminophen and ibuprofen both relieve pain and lower fever, but they work differently. Ibuprofen also reduces inflammation, which makes it useful for swelling, sprains and menstrual cramps. Acetaminophen is gentler on the stomach but can harm the liver if you…
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as their brand-name versions and work the same way in the body. They must match the brand in strength, dosage form and how you take them. The biggest difference is usually price. Generics…
Antibiotics do not cure colds or the flu. These illnesses come from viruses, and antibiotics only work against certain bacteria. Taking antibiotics you do not need will not help you feel better. It can also cause side effects and antibiotic…
The safest way to get rid of old or expired medicines is a drug take-back program. Pharmacy drop boxes and community collection events both count. If neither is available, mix most medicines with something unappealing. Then seal them in a…
Store most medicines in a cool, dry spot that children and pets cannot reach. A high shelf in a bedroom closet works well. Keep them in their original containers with the caps tightly closed. Avoid the bathroom, where heat and…
Every over-the-counter medicine in the United States carries a Drug Facts label. It tells you what is in the product, what it treats, how much to take and when to avoid it. Reading it takes about a minute and can…
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with some medicines. Sometimes they let too much of a drug build up in your blood. Other times they make a drug work less well. Grapefruit does not affect every medicine, and the effect…