Ibuprofen 200mg tablets (Advil, Motrin)

• Use: For minor aches and pains including associated with common cold and flu. Fever associated with common cold and flu, or general body aches or minor headaches. 

• Directions: Take one to two tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed with food(max of 6 tables in 24 hours) 

• Side Effects: Generally well tolerated at directed doses. May increase risk of heart attack, heart failure if used more than directed or longer than directed. Always consult your health care professional. Always take with food to decrease potential for GI upset.

• Drug Interactions: Avoid use with other NSAID’s (Aleve- naproxen sodium, Celebrex- celecoxib, Toradol- ketorolac). There are certain drugs that can decrease or increase the effects of ibuprofen, check with your doctor or pharmacy where you get your prescriptions if you are unsure. 

Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

• Use: Second generation antihistamine that will help dry up secretions associated with the common cold and allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. 

• Directions: Take one tablet by mouth once daily at bedtime 

• Side Effects: Drowsiness

• Drug Interactions: Do not take with other antihistamines (ie. Benadryl)Levels of cetirizine may be decreased by acetylcholinesterase  inhibitors; amphetamines; lumacaftor; P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 inducers 

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)​

• Use: First generation antihistamine that will help dry up secretions that cause runny nose, watery eyes and coughing. Fast acting compared to cetirizine. 

• Directions: May take one to two tablets by mouth every 4 to 6 hours, or at bedtime (max 6 doses in 24 hours)

• Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry eyes, dry mouth, constipation

• Drug Interactions: Avoid use with other antihistamines (ie. Cetirizine).Avoid use with any of the following: Aclidinium; Azelastine (Nasal); Bromperidol; Cimetropium; Eluxadoline; Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation); Glycopyrronium (Topical); Ipratropium (Oral Inhalation); Levosulpiride; Orphenadrine; Oxatomide; Oxomemazine; Paraldehyde; Potassium Chloride; Potassium Citrate; Revefenacin; Thalidomide; Tiotropium; Umeclidinium.There are certain drugs that may increase or decrease effects of diphenhydramine, please check with your doctor or pharmacy where you get your prescription medications.​​

Saline Nasal Spray (Ocean Nasal Spray)

• Use: For immediate relief of nasal/sinus congestion or dry nasal membranes

• Directions: Spray two sprays in each nostril as frequently as needed

• Side Effects: None for this indication 

• Drug Interactions: None for this indication 

Generic Tylenol Cough and Cold

• Use: For body aches and fever (acetaminophen), cough suppression (dextromethorphan), and nasal decongestion (phenylephrine). Great for all in one relief to get through the day, does not cause drowsiness. 

• Directions: Take 2 tablets by mouth every 4 hours (max of 10 tablets in 24 hours). 

• Side Effects: See acetaminophen and dextromethorphan above. Phenylephrine: anxiety, dizziness, insomnia. 

• Drug Interactions: See acetaminophen and dextromethorphan above. Phenylephrine: No interactions for nasal inhalation route. 

Neutrogena Sunscreen (6oz bottle of 30 SPF broad spectrum sunscreen) This is a necessity in the warmer months to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Apply 10 to 15 minutes prior to sun exposure for full protection and re-apply every 2 hours or after sweating or getting wet. For more information about sunscreen and sun exposure click here.

Bug repellant (8oz bottle)- This is a necessity in the warmer months to protect against mosquitoes, spiders and ticks, all of which may carry minimal to life threatening diseases (Lyme disease, West Nile Virus and potential skin infections).

Hydrocortisone Cream 1% (2oz tube) This is a must have in every house hold in case you do get a bug bite, or into poison ivy/oak, or suffer from eczema. Can apply two to four times a day as needed for rash/irritated skin.