This trace element, commonly added to adult toothpaste for cavity prevention, is intentionally left out of children's toothpaste because excessive ingestion can be toxic and lead to dental fluorosis.
What is fluoride?
These nutrient-rich seeds are packed with magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants. They’ve been studied for their role in supporting prostate health, improving sleep due to natural tryptophan content, and reducing inflammation through their high omega-3 and phytosterol levels.
What are pumpkin seeds?
This condition is characterized by > 4 weeks of nasal symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and rhinorrhea, often triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander.
What is persistent allergic rhinitis (PER)?
This teapot-shaped device is used to flush out nasal passages with saline solution, helping relieve congestion and sinus pressure during cold season.
What is a Neti Pot?
Remember to counsel on NOT using tap water due to the risk of developing brain infection.
This cough suppressant acts as a serotonin uptake inhibitor and blocks the cough reflex center in the brain. It is indicated for dry, unproductive coughs.
What is dextromethorphan?
During pregnancy, the daily requirement for which vitamin increases to 600 mcg to support fetal development and help prevent the pictured defect?
What is B9 or Folic Acid?
This versatile legume is a rich source of complete protein, contains phytoestrogens known as isoflavones, and has been studied for its potential benefits in heart health, bone density, and menopausal symptom relief.
What is soy?
This OTC nasal spray works by stabilizing mast cells to prevent the release of histamine, making it effective for preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms when used regularly.
What is NasalCrom or cromolyn sodium?
This fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin helps stabilize cell membranes and may support immune function during cold season by reducing oxidative stress.
What is Vitamin E?
This first-generation antihistamine is sometimes used in OTC cough products for its sedative and anticholinergic effects, which can help dry up postnasal drip.
What is diphenhydramine?
This trace mineral is crucial for thyroid hormone production and is added to table salt to prevent deficiency-related intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the event of nuclear fallout, this is added to potassium to make a stable form that can be used to block radioactive elements from being absorbed by the thyroid.
What is iodine?
This common over-the-counter electrolyte helps relax blood vessels, counteracts high sodium levels, and supports healthy blood pressure. Its normal serum range is approximately 3.5–5 mEq/L.
What is potassium?
These two first-generation antihistamines are known for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, causing sedation, and are commonly found in OTC allergy and cold medications.
What are diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine?
Doxylamine- NyQuil
Dimenhydrinate- Dramamine
Clemastine- Dayhist-1
Brompheniramine-Children's Dimetapp
This aromatic compound, found in many vapor rubs, provides a cooling sensation and acts as a mild local anesthetic and cough suppressant when applied topically to the chest or throat.
What is camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus?
This mineral, often found in lozenges for cold relief, should not be used for more than 5–7 days due to its potential to cause copper deficiency
What is zinc?
Remember: you should NOT use zinc in nasal swabs due to the potential of losing the ability to smell
This vitamin deficiency, historically known as the cause of “Sailor’s disease,” leads to bone changes, impaired wound healing, and petechiae due to its role in collagen synthesis.
What it vitamin C or ascorbic acid?
This dark purple berry is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, and has been traditionally used to support immune function and reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
What is elderberry?
This OTC nasal antihistamine is known for side effects such as bitter taste, headache, drowsiness, and epistaxis, and contains the active ingredient azelastine.
What is Astepro?
This intranasal decongestant provides rapid relief by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, but prolonged use beyond 3 days may lead to rebound congestion.
What is oxymetazoline or Afrin?
This brand-name OTC medication combines dextromethorphan and guaifenesin to both suppress cough and loosen mucus.
What is Robitussin DM?
This trace mineral is essential for Vitamin B12 synthesis and red blood cell formation. Its deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, neurological symptoms, and in livestock, poor wool or hair quality characterized by rough, brittle texture.
What is cobalt?
This herbal supplement, derived from the bark of a West African tree, has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac and is known for its potential to increase libido and support erectile dysfunction.
What is Yohimbe?
Rinsing the mouth after using this class of inhaled or intranasal medications helps prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida, due to their immunosuppressive effects on local mucosa.
What are corticosteroids?
ie) Fluticasone or Flonase
This OTC cold medication brand is specifically formulated without decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, making it safer for individuals with high blood pressure.
What is Coricidin HBP?
Remember: it is very important to ask about preexisting health conditions and medications when making OTC recommendations
This brand-name OTC product, often formulated as a grape-flavored elixir, contains brompheniramine and phenylephrine to relieve cough and cold symptoms in children. It should be used cautiously in children under 6 due to potential side effects like excitability or drowsiness, and dosing should always be weight-appropriate.
What is Children's Dimetapp?