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