Common drugs available from a pharmacy without prescription
The following list includes drugs that your doctor may
prescribe or recommend. It is often cheaper to buy these over the
counter at the pharmacy rather than using an NHS prescription
with its attendant charge. The list is not comprehensive. As with
all medication, do not exceed recommended doses and if you are
taking other medicines or have a long term illness like kidney
disease or asthma please discuss this with your pharmacist or
doctor. Similar advice applies to pregnant and breastfeeding
mothers.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
Aspirin
Ibuprofen tablets and syrup (e.g. Nurofen)
Paracetamol
Paracetamol and codeine
Paracetamol and dihydrocodeine
Paracetamol/codeine/buclizine (Migraleve)
Mouth care
Bonjela gel
Chlorhexidine gluconate
Lignocaine gel
Anti-inflammatory gels
Felbinac gel
Ibuprofen gel
Ketoprofen gel
Piroxicam gel
Antifungals
Clotrimazole (Canesten) cream and pessaries
Fluconazole (Diflucan) capsules
Miconazole (Daktarin) cream
Steroid ointment
Hydrocortisone 1%
Moisturising creams
Aqueous cream
Balneum
Balneum plus
E45
Emulsifying ointment
Oilatum
Acne treatments
Benzoyl peroxide
Skin irritation
Crotamiton
Drugs for travel
Dioralyte fluid replacement sachets
Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhoea
Anti-acid medication
Cimetidine
Famotidine
Ranitidine
Simple antacids like aluminium hydroxide, magnesium
trisilicate, magnesium hydroxide tablets or liquid
Anti spasmodics
Mebeverine
Alverine
Peppermint oil
Laxatives
Senna tablets or in syrup
Lactulose
Bisacodyl
Fibre
Ispaghula husk
Minerals
Ferrous sulphate
Worm treatments
Mebendazole
Piperazine
Nasal decongestants
Do not use these for more than one week, they can cause
rebound nasal congestion with continued use.
