Because no one wants to run to CVS at 10pm in pajama pants...
Let’s talk about must-have over-the-counter medications everyone should have stocked. Not the ones shoved in the back of your bathroom drawer from 2018 — I mean a curated, actually-useful stash of everyday essentials that can save you stress, money, and unnecessary urgent care visits.
Why Having a Stocked OTC Kit Matters
When a migraine hits or your stomach flips at 10 PM, the last thing you want is to be Googling “Is CVS still open?” Having the right over-the-counter meds on hand means faster relief, fewer panicked store runs, and avoiding unnecessary copays for things you can safely treat at home. It’s not about hoarding random pills — it’s about being prepared for life’s annoying (but common) health curveballs.
Whether you’re battling a surprise headache, seasonal sniffles, or your stomach has decided to ruin your day, your future self will thank you for planning ahead.
This post is all about the must-have over-the-counter medications to keep at home.
5 Must-Have Over-The-Counter Medications
1. Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol)
Your go-to for: pain + fever
Acetaminophen is a staple for a reason. It’s perfect for mild to moderate pain — headaches, sore throats, muscle aches, post-vaccine chills, dental pain — and it helps reduce fever without messing with your stomach.
- Safe dosing: Stick to under 3,000 mg/day to avoid liver issues.
- Watch out: Acetaminophen hides in a lot of combo cold & flu meds, so don’t accidentally double-dose.
✅ Pro tip: Especially good if you’re sensitive to NSAIDs or have stomach issues.
2. Ibuprofen (aka Advil or Motrin)
Your go-to for: inflammation + pain + fever
This one pulls double duty — it reduces pain and inflammation. Think: joint pain, muscle soreness, period cramps, or even that low-key injury you pretended wasn’t a big deal.
Ibuprofen is part of a class called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which work by blocking the body’s inflammation signals.
- Safe dosing: Max 1,200 mg/day OTC.
- Use short-term to avoid kidney strain.
- Great for dental pain or post-workout soreness.
- More effective for injuries than acetaminophen due to anti-inflammatory properties (helps reduce swelling).
✅ Pro tip: Take it with food to protect your stomach lining, and avoid if you have ulcers, kidney issues, or are prone to GI sensitivity. (Hot girls with tummy issues — use sparingly. You know who you are.)
3. Antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine, Diphenhydramine)
Your go-to for: allergies, hives, surprise reactions
Allergens don’t always announce themselves. Whether it’s pollen season, an unexpected cat encounter, or a mystery rash, antihistamines help.
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) or Loratadine (Claritin) = daytime-friendly, non-drowsy. If you have seasonal allergies, you’ll want to take this daily.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) = heavy-hitter for intense reactions (but will knock you out). Think hives, poison oak, or that surprise cat your friend forgot to mention before you came over.
- Bonus: Benadryl can also help with motion sickness or as a sleep aid in a pinch (use sparingly).
✅ Pro tip: Keep one bottle of Benadryl and one non-drowsy option on hand—allergies don’t always show up on a 9 to 5 schedule.
4. Loperamide (aka Imodium)
Your go-to for: diarrhea and “I shouldn’t have eaten that” moments
No one wants to talk about it, but it happens. Whether it’s travel-related, food-induced, or part of a stomach bug, loperamide helps slow things down and gives your gut a breather.
- Travel tip: Pro travelers keep this in their carry-on—because airplane food and foreign water can be… unpredictable.
- Not for long-term use. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, call your provider.
✅ Pro tip: If you have a high fever or bloody stool, skip this and seek medical care.
5. Antacids + Acid Reducers (Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Famotidine)
Your go-to for: heartburn, reflux, indigestion, and maybe that third espresso
From spicy food regrets to anxiety-induced reflux, antacids bring quick relief.
- TUMS (calcium carbonate): Fast but short-acting.
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): Can double as a gentle laxative.
- Famotidine (Pepcid): Longer-lasting acid reducer + bonus support for allergic reactions (when paired with Benadryl).
- TikTok loves Pepcid for pre-taco nights—and they’re not entirely wrong.
✅ Pro tip: If you’re popping antacids regularly, chat with your PCP about longer-term solutions. Occasional use is fine, but if you find yourself needing antacids multiple times a day, it’s time to see a provider and figure out if there is something else going on.
⚠️ What NOT to Keep in Your Medicine Cabinet
Not everything deserves a forever home next to your toothpaste.
- Expired meds: Less effective and sometimes unsafe. If you need a refill, it’s best to just see your provider.
- Old antibiotics: I can’t tell you how many patients I see who tell me they “took a dose of leftover azithromycin” just in case – literally for no reason besides one day of sniffles. This is not effective, contributes to antibiotic resistance, and wreaks havoc on your gut biome for no reason. Have old antibiotics lying around? Ditch them.
- Leftover narcotics: I know it feels practical to hang onto that prescription pain med “just in case” after an injury or surgery — but trust me, it’s not worth it. Old opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone shouldn’t be hanging out in your cabinet. They’re a safety risk (especially if you have kids, teens, or guests around), they can expire, and they invite misuse. If you’re truly in enough pain to need a narcotic again, that’s a conversation for your provider — not a reason to dip into leftovers from 2022. (With love, and a gentle nudge to drop them off at your local med disposal site.)
- Mystery prescriptions: If it isn’t a chronic medication (one you are supposed to take every day) you don’t remember what it’s for, it’s time to let it go.
✨ Pro tip: Clean out your stash every 6 months and restock before cold & flu season hits.
📝 Quick FAQ
How should I store OTC meds?
Cool, dry places—not your steamy bathroom. If you have young kids or pets, also remember to keep your meds out of reach. And yes, ibuprofen is toxic to dogs (don’t ask me how I learned this… sorry, Teddy).
Is generic as good as brand-name?
Yep! Same active ingredients, just easier on your wallet. Most drug stores will have a generic version stocked right next to the name band- and these work just as well.
When should I skip OTC and see a doctor?
If symptoms last too long, worsen, or come with red flags (high fever, severe pain, trouble breathing). These must-have over-the-counter medications can do a lot, but they can’t replace a visit to your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an adult and don’t have these meds on hand, let’s fix that. These five must-have over-the-counter medications are affordable, versatile, and PA-approved to keep in your cabinet or travel kit. They won’t solve everything—but they’ll definitely help you feel better fast and keep you out of urgent care for minor stuff.
🧠 Heads up: Always check with your provider or pharmacist if you’re pregnant, have chronic conditions, or take other medications. When in doubt, use a tool like this drug interaction checker. OTC ≠ risk-free.
Proactive you = future you’s hero. Take five minutes to check your cabinet today, so next time you’re sick, you’re already covered.
Need help stocking your sick kit?
Click here to see my sick day essentials.
