Without the miracles that many modern medicines and medical technologies provide, we would still be living in a dark age of humanity. Even seemingly simple, mostly unimportant drugs have actually been literal life-changers for some of their consumers. Unfortunately, there have also been over-the-counter medications that ended up being harmful to their consumers, so some consumers have become more opposed to the over-the-counter marketplace. To help ease your woes, and help you understand the miracles over-the-counter medication continues to provide, here are a few examples of the best and worst over-the-counter medications on (or previously available within) the marketplace:

Miracle Makers:

1. Miralax

Miralax is best known for helping with constipation, but it actually does much, much more to help its users. The laxative can keep bowel movements steady and consistent, which is a crucial need for people with many different serious disorders, physical abnormalities, or diseases. Thankfully, it’s still amazing at doing the main thing it’s advertised for as well. Many doctors recommend Miralax over all competitors for helping patients, making it one of the most crucial, miracle-like over-the-counter drugs to appear on the market in quite a while. Add some prunes and other foods that are healthy for your bowels to keep you even more regular! 

2. Zyrtec

Dealing with daily allergies used to be much more difficult than it is now. High-level prescriptions, more extensive testing, and much more drowse-inducing drugs used to be the only real option. With the release of more accessible, non-drowsy, and over-the-counter affordable options like Zyrtec, however, many Amerians’ lives were changed forever. This miracle over-the-counter drug has allowed people to venture outside more during allergy seasons and even allowed some people to experience the miracle that is dog or cat ownership. Zyrtec can even help with less-traditional allergy issues. Zyrtec’s effectiveness and great track record have kept it as one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medications out there. 

Tragic Medications:

1. Zantac

Zantac used to be one of the most commonly taken over-the-counter prescription medications for acid reflux, heartburn, and upset stomach. It would not be inaccurate to refer to Zantac as a Tums on steroids, as it combined traditional antacids with antihistamines and the controversial ranitidine. The use of ranitidine was ultimately what made Zantac such a tragic over-the-counter medication, as it was eventually discovered to lead to complications in long-time users. Some of these complications were life-threatening diseases, such as many forms of cancer and gastrointestinal afflictions.

Thankfully, the FDA finally took Zantac off the market and pharmacy shelves back in 2020, after several years of the product (and other ranitidine-containing products) facing serious, alarming recalls. The presence of a contaminant known as N-Nitrosodimethlamine (or NDMA) was also key to getting the FDA to finally remove Zantac from the market altogether. If you used to take Zantac, and have developed serious health issues since, contact legal help immediately to see if you qualify for a settlement (and if you still have Zantac at home, throw it away now). For support and legal assistance, the professionals at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have the know-how and experience to give you the help you deserve. 

2. Sudafed

Sudafed is still widely used in the US to help with colds, runny noses, and other upper-respiratory issues. However, there are plenty of countries that have had their doubts about the safety and effectiveness of this popular drug. The ingredient pseudoephedrine is the culprit at the core of the controversy and has been banned in countries as large as Japan. The number of doctors in the US who have become weary of the drug has slowly increased as well, so consider alternate treatments for colds, runny noses, and other upper-respiratory issues next time you find yourself in the pharmacy aisle. 

With the number of people still using the drug around the aisle, Sudafed has become just another over-the-counter medication that is likely to become more and more controversial as time goes by. Due to this, it easily stands out as a tragic over-the-counter medication that should be avoided until it becomes more consistently approved by those within the medical industry. After all, you don’t want to find out several years down the line that it’s having issues akin to Zantac. 

Always Know the Reputation of Over-the-Counter Drugs You’re Taking

Simply knowing the track record and reputation of over-the-counter drugs you’re taking will save you a ton of grief in the long run. Not only will it help you avoid potential disaster drugs like Sudafed and Zantac, but it will allow you to treat your ailments in as effective a way as humanly possible. If you’re ever unsure about an over-the-counter medication choice, simply reach out to your doctor for a professional, reliable second opinion.