Recommended Non-Prescription Medicine Product List
GENERAL: if symptoms persist or get worse, consult DR. Keep out of reach of children. Do not store over 30 degree. Do not use if foil
is damaged or carton seal is broken/missing. Tell DR/pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using it.
Intern Name:
Christine Wanke
Topic:
Gastrointestinal
REFER
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
Nocturnal choking
Suspected gastrointestinal bleeding
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Unintentional weight loss
Cardiac-type chest pain
Symptoms occurring daily
Family history of gastrointestinal cancer or previous peptic ulcer disease
Long-term
NSAID therapy
Symptoms not adequately controlled after a 2-week trial of initial therapy
First-time symptoms in people >55 years of age (Pacific: 40-45years)
People <18
years of age Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell or if symptoms persist or worsen
Product Name
Active
ingredient(s)
Indication
Medicine
Classificat
ion
Recommended
Dose:
Adult / child
Available
Dosage
Form(s)
Gaviscon
(alginate sod +
Cacarbonat
+Nabicarbonat)
Dyspepsia
and gastrooesophageal
reflux
disease
General
sale
Adults / children over
12: 24 tablets up to
4 times daily,
OR 10-20ml
tablet:
chewable
liquid
Can be caused by
medication , check
Check for H.pylori
Child 612 years 12
tablets
OR 5-10ml
Pregnancy: ok
Breastfeeding: ok
reference:
NZ formulary
MIMS
Go
Slippery
600mg
Healthy
Elm
reference:
Go healthy
Website
Alarm Bells e.g.
contra-indications,
drug
interactions,
use in pregnancy,
breastfeeding etc
Contraind: If<6years,
phenylketonuria, if
Na/ Ca restriction
Soothes the
digestive
tract in times
of stress or
discomfort.
General
sale
Adults:
Take
VegeCaps daily.
1-2
tablet
Contraind:
pregnancy
lactation
not
Instructions
for Use
Counselling Points
Additional Lifestyle Advice
Tablets:
chewed
thoroughly
before
swallowing,
after meals and
half an hour
before bedtime
Do not lie down
immediately
after
taking tablets.
Can cause diarrhoea
stop smoking, more regular
meals, ceasing excessive
alcohol
consumption.
reducing
coffee
consumption, avoiding foods
which
trigger
your
indisgestion, reducing stress,
eating a healthy balanced diet
Liquid:
Shake
well
before use
in
and
Interaction: take 2
hours
apart
from
medication, can affect
their absorption
Best
taken
before
food
with a full glass
of water.
REFER: Constipation alternating with diarrhoea
Blood or mucus, or both, in the stools
Persistent or severe abdominal pain Vomiting
Unintentional weight
loss
Tenesmus (a continuous feeling of the need to defecate)
Sudden change in bowel habits >2 weeks duration
Constipation persisting after 1 week of
laxative use or 2 weeks of dietary modifications and lifestyle changes
Suspected laxative misuse
infants <3 months - Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice
anything that is making you feel unwell or if symptoms persist or worsen
Product Name
Active
ingredient(s)
Dulcolax
(Bisacodyl )
Indication
Constipation
Medici
ne
Classif
ication
Recommende
d Dose:
Adult / child
Pharma
cy only
Adults
and
children over
10 years: 1 to
2
coated
tablets at night
(5 to 10mg)
Children 4 to
10 years: One
coated tablet
at night (5mg).
Adults and
children over
10 years: One
suppository
(10mg)
Reference:
Medicine infor
leaflet
MIMS
Available
Dosage
Form(s)
Dragees
5mg
Suppositori
es
10mg
Alarm Bells e.g. contraindications, drug interactions,
use
in
pregnancy,
breastfeeding etc
Instructions
for Use
Contraind: Children <10 with
persistent const. ileus, intestinal
obstruction,
acute
surgical
abdominal conditions including
appendicitis, acute inflammatory
bowel diseases, and severe
abdominal pain associated with
nausea and vomiting which may
be indicative of more severe
conditions.,
in
severe
dehydration , hypersensitivity
Take tablets at
night, so that
they work next
morning
Reference:
MIMS
Product info
Constipation,
also for
irritable
bowel
syndrome
Genera
l sale
Adults/
children >12:
1dose up to 3
times a day
children 6-12
half of adults
dose
Supp.
within
minutes
Work
20
Interaction: digoxin, diuretics,
adreno-corticosteroids
(electrolyte imbalance)
Contraind: not for medicine
induced constipation, intestinal
obstruction, faecal impaction,
swallowing difficulties, not for
childer under 6 years
Interaction: 2 hours apart from
medication
Additional
Advice
Lifestyle
Healthcare Handbook
Not in pregnancy, but in
breastfeeding (medicine leaflet)
Metamucil
(Psyllium husk)
Counselling Points
Stir it into a
glass of water
and drink it.
Do not take
immediately
before going to
bed.
Prolonged
excessive
use may lead to fluid
and
electrolyte
imbalance
and
hypokalaemia..
Side-effects: abdominal
pain and diarrhoea
The
coated
tablets
should not be taken
together with products
reducing the acidity of
the upper GI tract, such
as milk, antacids or
certain proton pump
inhibitors, in order not to
prematurely dissolve the
enteric coating.
Contact doctor if sudden
change in bowel habit
persists for 2 weeks or If
you have abdominal
pain, nausea, vomiting
or rectal bleeding.
Can lead to increased
flatulence,
intestinal,
oesophageal obstruction
Increase fibre in the diet,
increase fluid intake and do
more exercise
Product Name
Active
ingredient(s)
Indication
Vermox
(Mebendazol)
Worm
infection
Medici
ne
Classif
ication
Pharma
cy
medicin
Reference:
Medicine
information leaflet
MIMS
Proctosedyl
(hydrocortisone
and cinchocaine
HCL)
Available
Dosage
Form(s)
Adults
and
children aged
2 years and
over: Take one
tablet.
After
two to four
weeks
take
another tablet.
Tablets
Chocolate
squares
(chewable)
Alarm Bells e.g. contraindications,
drug
interactions,
use
in
pregnancy, breastfeeding
Contraind: hypersensitivity ,
child under 2 years.
Interaction:
cimetidine
Metronidazole,
Not
in
pregnancy
breastfeeding
Haemorrhoid
s
Pharma
cy
medicin
e
Adults
and
children <12:
1.week
use
tds,
( longer use
only in doctors
advice:
then
bd,
3.week
od.)
Ointment
Suppositori
es
Haemorrohid
s
Genera
l sale
Adults/Childr.
Apply once in
the evening
Ointment
Reference:
MIMS
Medicine Info
leaflet
Weleda
Haemorhoidal
ointment (Borago
Calend,Quercus
Aesculus;Hamam
Equiset.,Rosmari
nus,ZnO, Lavend
Pumilio Pine Oil )
Recommende
d Dose:
Adult / child
or
Contraind: hypersensitivity,
Not if infections are present,
Not with TB, not for
children<12,
Instructions
Use
for
Counselling Points
Additional Lifestyle Advice
Healthcare Handbook
Evidence
of
manifestation
should be present.
Can spread very
easily, treat all the
family
(unless
contraind)
are
treated at the same
time and follow
suitable
hygiene
precautions
to
prevent re-infection
Side effects: Skin and
subcutan. Disorders
Rash - see doctor
GI Disorders
Abdominal Discomfort
Diarrhoea
Flatulence
See doctor if severe
Ointment can be
used
on the
surface or inserted
with the noozle.
Suppository
usually once daily
at night.
If severe or prolonged
anal pain or blood in
faeces or if used
longer than 1 week
check with doctor. Also
if change in eye sight
or allergic reaction.
Store supps in fridge.
Ointment can burn
Keep nails short. Discourage
nail biting or fi nger sucking.
Wear
pyjamas
or
underclothes in bed.
Mornings: wash thoroughly
around the bottom.
Every member of the family
has its own towel.
Change clothes regularly.
Regularly wash/iron bed linen
Thoroughly wash hands and
nails after using the toilet and
before each meal.
Do not strain while trying to
open your bowels.
Increasing the amount of fibre
in the diet may reduce your
chance of getting haemorrhoids. Exercise regularly.
Go as soon as you feel the
urge.
Avoid long periods of sitting.
Ointment can sting
Reference:
Weleda
website
REFER: FOR HAEMORRHOIDS Duration of longer than 3 weeks
Presence of blood in the stools
Change in bowel habit (persisting alteration from normal bowel habit)
Suspected drug-induced constipation
Associated abdominal pain/vomiting
REFER in NAUSEA: Suspected gastric outlet or small bowel obstruction Suspected pancreatitis or cholangitis Unexplained nausea and vomiting Swallowing symptoms
(dysphagia, odynophagia)
Evidence of GI bleeding (anemic, hematemesis, melena) Recent caustic ingestion
Paracetamol overdose Suspected inflammatory
bowel disease
Abnormal liver enzymes or jaundice Persistent nausea and vomiting at any time during pregnancy or in 3.trimester
Refractory Mnire's disease
Suspected vestibular neuronitis Suspected cardiac ischemia Small bowel obstruction
Product Name
Active
ingredient(s)
Indication
Nausicalm
(cyclizine)
Nausea/
Travel
sickness
Medicine
Classificat
ion
Recommended
Dose:
Adult / child
Pharmacist
Only med
Adults 1 tabl up to 3
times daily
Child 612 years
tabl up to 3 times
daily
Resources:
NZ formulary
MIMS
Availa
ble
Dosag
e
Form(s
tablets
Alarm Bells e.g. contraindications,
drug
interactions, use in
pregnancy,
breastfeeding etc
Precaution:
anticholinergic effects
(obstr. disease of GI;
prostatic
hypertrophy;
urinary retent.; angleclosure
glaucoma;
epilepsy; severe heart
failure;
subst. abuse;
acute porphyria)
Instructions
for Use
For
motion
sickness, take
12
hours
before
departure
General
sale
Adults/ children > 12y
: 1dose (=4sprays)
Children 2-12y: 1dose
(=2sprays)
Take 1 dose 4 times
daily.
spray
This medicine may
make you sleepy. If
this happens, do not
drive or use tools or
machines. Do not
drink alcohol.
Travelsickness
Keep food light, choose seat
with the smoothest ride,
fresh air, focus on distant
objects, avoid activities like
reading
Nausea:
Keep up fluids. Take small
sips often. Do not any food
that
might
irritate
the
stomach. Bland food is best if
food is tolerated. Rest.
Pregnancy B3 Breastfeeding no information
available
Nausea/
Travel
sickness
Additional Lifestyle Advice
Healthcare Handbook
Interaction:
CNS
depressants, pethidine,
anticholinergics
Martin&Pleasanc
e Nausea Relief
Counselling Points
Avoid dehydration, especially
with vomiting. Careful with
babies and small children.
Take it for best
results 10min
apart from food
Intern Name:
Christine Wanke
Topic: Eye
GENERAL: If symptoms persist or get worse, consult your doctor. If blurring occurs, patients should not drive or operate hazardous machinery untilvision is clear
To avoid contamination, never touch the dropper tip of the container to any surface
What can cause a red eye ? Conjunctivitis Infective Allergic Corneal ulcers Keratitis Iritis/uveitis Glaucoma One or both eyes affected? What is the appearance of the eye?
What are the symptoms pain, gritty feeling, photophobia? Is vision affected? Any discharge from the eye(s) purulent, watery? Does the patient wear contact lenses?. Referral to
optometrist possible.
EXPLAIN how to use eye drops:e.g. Wash hands. Do not touch the eye with the dropper tip. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure. If you are to use more
than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.
Product Name
Active
ingredient(s)
Brolene
(propamidine
isethionate)
Reference:
Med. leaflet
Indication
Eye
infections
(conjunct.,
blepharitis)
Maybe for a
stye
Medici
ne
Classif
ication
Recommended
Dose:
Adult / child
Pharma
cy med
one or two drops
four times a day
for not more than
a week. Ointment:
two or three times
daily for not more
than one week.
Availa
ble
Dosag
e
Form(s
Eye
drops
/ointment
Alarm Bells e.g. contraindications, drug interactions,
use
in
pregnancy,
breastfeeding etc
Instructions
for Use
Contraind: hypersensitivity
not be used
while wearing
soft or gaspermeable
contact lenses
Pregnancy and breast feeding
not recommended
Counselling Points
Additional
Advice
Lifestyle
Healthcare Handbook
Stop if eye irritation occurs.
Discard
30
days
after
opening.
Use a warm eye compress to
ripen the stye.
For blepharitis use Systane
sterile lid wipes to clean the
eye.
Poly-tears
(Dextran70,
hypromellose)
Reference: Med.
leaflet
Dry eye
Genera
l sale
Instil 1 or 2 drops in
the affected eye(s)
as needed
Eye
drops
Contraind: hypersensitivity
Can be used
with
contact
lenses.
Discard
opening
Clear eyes
(naphazoline)
Minor
eye
irritation
Pharma
cy only
Instil 1-2 drops in
the affected eye(s)
every 3-4 hours
Eye
drops
Contraind:
narrow
angle
glaucoma, serious eye infection,
soft contat lenses,
Caution:severe CV disease,
pregnancy and lactation
Remove
contact lenses
and wait for
15min . Apply
pressure
to
tear duct after
administration
Stop, if eye irritation occurs.
Do not use for more than 14
days at a time
Discard 28 days after opening
Protect eyes from
wind and sun by
wearing sunglasses if
eye is irritated.
Break seal to
remove
lid,
squeeze bulb
to expel drops .
Discard 28 days after opening
Protect eyes from
wind and sun by
wearing sunglasses if
eye is irritated.
Reference:MIMS
Interact: MAOIs, b-blockers,TCA
Weleda eye sooth
drops euphrasia
(euphrasia3x)
Minor
eye
irritation
Reference:
Weleda website
Intern Name:
Genera
l sale
Instil 1 to 2 drops
into the affected
area, up to every
two hours, or as
directed by your
health
care
professional.
Christine Wanke
Eye
drops
Topic:
Coughs and Colds
months
after
CHECK IF COMMON COLD OR HAYFEVER OR FLU !!!
REFER COUGH:
>3 weeks duration
Chest pain
Suspected whooping cough or croup
Wheeze and/or shortness of breath Sputum thick, yellow or green blood stained
rust coloured frothy and pink or red
Recurrent nocturnal cough
Pain on inspiration
Suspected adverse drug reaction
Recurring cough - Tell your pharmacist or doctor if
you notice anything that is making you feel unwell or if symptoms persist or worsen
REFER COLD: Ear ache that is severe Vulnerable patient groups e.g. very young, very elderly, heart disease, lung disease, asthma
Chest pain
Fever and cough that is persistent
Shortness of breath that cant be explained
REFER SORE THROAT: Sore throat lasting 1 week or more, Recurrent bouts of infectio
medication
Throat pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils
REFER CONGESTION: Nasal congestion together with blurred vision
Nasal congestion that lasts longer than 2 weeks
Hoarseness of more than 3 weeks duration
Difficulty in swallowing
Nasal congestion along with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose or cheek
Failed
Product Name
Active
ingredient(s)
Indicatio
n
Strong
Pholcodine
Linctus
Dry cough
Medicine
Classificat
ion
Recommended
Dose:
Adult / child
Pharmacy
only
Adults/
>12y:
5ml tds,
6-12y
use
normal one
Availa
ble
Dosag
e Form
Liquid
Reference:
med. Leaflet
MIMS
Alarm Bells e.g. contraindications, drug interactions,
use
in
pregnancy,
breastfeeding etc
Contraind: severe asthma ,other
serious lung problems, child < 6
years , hypersensitivity
Interact:
opioids,
depressants incl.. alcohol
Instructions
for Use
Counselling Points
Healthcare Handbook
CNS
may cause dizziness
in some people. If this
happens, do not drive
or operate machinery.
Avoid alcohol
Avoid dry environment and
drink plenty of water.
Keep warm and rest. Use
honey. Cover your mouth
when coughing and wash
your
hands
afterwards.
Sucking lozenges lubricates
irritated throats.
Can
upset
your
stomach if sensitive
See under dry cough
and humidify the air if it is dry
Pregnancy/ lactation: precaution
Robitussin Chesty
Cough
forte
(guaofenesin,
bromhexine)
Reference: MIMS
Prospan syrup
(Ivy leaf)
Productive
cough
Productive
cough
Pharmacy
only
Pharmacy
only
Pain
fever
and
Reference:
NZ formulary
MIMS
Nurofen (Children
and adults
Reference:
NZ formulary
MIMS
Pain and
fever,
inflammati
on
Liquid
Adults/ children
>12 y: 5ml tds
Children
6-12
years: 5ml bd
Children
2-6
years: 2.5ml bd
Liquid
Tablets
<=20 general sale
>20
pharmacy
only
suspension
pharmacy
only
Adults over 50kg
1-2tablets q46h
max 8
Children 1month
to 18y: 15mg
Tabletsr
apid
caplets,
suspen
sion
Tablets
<=25 general sale
>25
pharmacy
only,
suspension
Adults:
usual
dose 200400
mg 34 times
daily; maxi 2.4 g
Child 3mths18y
510 mg/kg 3 or
4 times daily up
to 30 mg/kg
daily.
Reference:
clinicians website
Pamol (children)
Panadol (adults)
(Paracetamol)
Adults/ >12y:
10 ml max tds,
6-12y: 5ml tds
Contraind: <6years
Precaution:
chronic cough,
history of peptic ulcer, lactation
Avoid antihistamines
since they can dry up.
Shake well before use.
continue to take for 2
to
3
days
after
symptoms
have
disappeared.
Contraind: hypersensitivity
Precaution: children <2years
Not recommended in pregnancy/
lactation
Contraind: hepatocellular failure;
liver disease
Caution:toxic in overdose (liver
and rarely renal damage)
Interact: drugs affecting gastric
emptying, enzyme inducers,
hepatotoxics,
anticoagulants,
probenecid
Tablets,
zavanc
e
caplets,
capletsi
liquid
capsule
suspen
sion
Pregnancy and lactation okay
Contraindications
hypersensitivity
to
NSAIDs
(includes asthma, angioedema,
urticaria or rhinitis precipitated
by NSAID), acute respiratory
depression; COPD; severe heart
failure; active GI ulceration or
bleeding or history thereof.
Interact:
anticoagulants,
salicylates,
aspirin,
drugs
increasing
GI
events,antihypertensive,
anticoagulants
Additional Lifestyle Advice
Max. 8 tablets
adults /children
max. 4 doses
Every 4-6hours
Do not take with any
other medications that
contain paracetamol
Seek medical advice
immediately if you
experience
any
serious skin reaction
including severe rash,
skin peeling, or mouth
ulcers.
Limit alcohol.
Discontuinue
and
consult Dr. if GI
toxicity,
visual
disturbances, allergy,
vomiting of blood,
bloody or blacky stools
occur,
May
affect
reaction time, take
care when driving or
operating machinery
Keep up your fluids and drink
enough. Rest
