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14 over-the-counter staples — what they treat, the typical adult dose, and the cautions the strip won't shout about.
Meet the lineup ↓*Educational reference only — not medical advice, a prescription, or a substitute for a doctor or pharmacist.
Educational reference only — not medical advice. Doses below are typical adult label doses. Always read the pack, and confirm with a doctor or pharmacist before taking anything — especially for children, pregnancy, the elderly, or any chronic condition.
Full disclaimer ↓The lineup
Dolo 650 · Crocin Advance · Calpol
Fever, headache, body ache — the safest default first reach for adults.
Typical adult dose*1 tablet every 6–8 hrs · max 4 in 24 hrs (3 g)
CautionCold combos often hide extra paracetamol — never stack brands.
Brufen · Ibugesic
Pain with inflammation — sprains, period pain, toothache.
Typical adult dose*400 mg after food, every 6–8 hrs · short courses only
CautionNever on an empty stomach. Avoid in suspected dengue, ulcers, kidney disease.
Volini · Voveran Emulgel
Localised muscle and joint pain, without swallowing an NSAID.
Typical adult dose*Thin layer on the painful area, 3–4× a day
CautionNot on broken skin. Don't combine with full-dose oral NSAIDs.
Electral · generic WHO-ORS sachets
Rehydration in diarrhoea, vomiting, heat exhaustion. The most life-saving item here.
Typical adult dose*1 sachet in 1 L clean water · sip through the day · discard after 24 hrs
CautionORSL-style tetra packs are fruit drinks, not WHO-ORS. Check the label.
Digene · Gelusil
Heartburn, acidity and gas after meals — neutralises acid on contact.
Typical adult dose*2 tsp (or 2 tablets) after meals and at bedtime
CautionAcidity needing antacids beyond 2 weeks needs a doctor, not more gel.
ENO
Fast, fizzy relief for occasional heartburn — works in minutes.
Typical adult dose*1 sachet (5 g) in a glass of water, as needed
CautionHigh sodium — go easy with BP, heart or kidney issues. Not a daily habit.
Psyllium husk · Telephone brand · Dabur
Constipation — a gentle fibre bulk-former, not a stimulant laxative.
Typical adult dose*1–2 tsp in a full glass of water, at night
CautionMust go down with plenty of water. Skip it if you have severe abdominal pain.
Imodium · Eldoper
Stops acute watery diarrhoea when a toilet isn't an option — travel, transit.
Typical adult dose*2 mg after each loose stool · max 3–4 capsules/day · max 2 days
CautionNever with fever or blood in stool, and never for children. ORS comes first.
Cetzine · Okacet · Alerid
Sneezing fits, allergic rhinitis, hives, itchy skin reactions.
Typical adult dose*10 mg once daily, preferably at night
CautionCan cause drowsiness — skip driving, and skip alcohol.
D'Cold Total · Cheston Cold
Blocked nose, runny nose and cold-day misery, bundled into one tablet.
Typical adult dose*1 tablet every 8 hrs, per pack directions
CautionMost combos already contain paracetamol — count it toward your daily 3 g.
Vicks VapoRub · Amrutanjan
Blocked-nose comfort, cough-y nights, tension-headache rubs.
Typical adult dose*Rub on chest, back and throat 2–3× a day, or add to steam
CautionNot for children under 2, and never inside or under the nostrils.
Betadine ointment / solution
The first-aid antiseptic for cuts, scrapes and minor burns.
Typical adult dose*Clean the wound, apply a thin layer 1–2× a day, cover
CautionDeep or dirty wounds need a doctor (and possibly a tetanus shot), not just ointment.
Candid · Canesten
Ringworm, athlete's foot and fungal itch — rampant in Indian humidity.
Typical adult dose*2–3× a day for 2–4 weeks · continue 1 week after it clears
CautionAvoid steroid-antifungal combo creams unless prescribed — they make ringworm worse.
Lacto Calamine · Caladryl
Prickly heat, itchy rashes, insect bites, chickenpox itch.
Typical adult dose*Shake well, dab on the skin 3–4× a day
CautionSkin only. A rash that spreads or comes with fever needs a doctor.
*Typical adult doses from Indian pack labels, for short-term self-care in otherwise healthy adults. Doses differ for children, pregnancy, the elderly and anyone with liver, kidney or heart conditions — read the pack insert and ask a pharmacist or doctor. Brand names are examples of what's commonly stocked in India, not endorsements.
Label literacy
India doesn't print "OTC" on medicines — it marks the ones you shouldn't buy freely. Flip any strip over and look for the warning box and the red vertical line on the pack edge.
If a chemist hands you a Schedule H drug without a prescription, that's their shortcut — and your risk.
Know when to stop
3 days.
Any of these means the medicine drawer's job is over. See a doctor — same day.
Asked constantly
This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription. Doses shown are typical adult label doses for short-term self-care. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions or on regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist first. If symptoms are severe, unusual, or match any red flag above, skip the self-medication and see a doctor. Read how we work in our methodology.