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Medicines Reference
Our medicines reference explains what common medicines are used for, how they work, typical label dosage, side effects, interactions and when to get help. Information comes from official labels on DailyMed and OpenFDA, NHS medicine guides and WHO recommendations.
Educational only. We never calculate personal doses. Doses depend on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, pregnancy and other medicines. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and the leaflet in your pack, and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
What Each Medicine Page Covers
- Overview and how the medicine works.
- Uses (indications).
- General label dosing information.
- Who should not take it (contraindications) and warnings.
- Side effects and important interactions.
- Storage, counselling tips and when to see a doctor.
All Medicines A-Z
๐Paracetamol 500mgTablet - Analgesic and antipyreticCommon pain and fever reliever. Safe at the right dose, but overdose seriously damages the liver.Paracetamol 500mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Ibuprofen 200mgTablet - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)An NSAID for pain, fever and inflammation. Take with food; not for everyone.Ibuprofen 200mg uses, dosage and side effects❤️Aspirin 75mgTablet - AntiplateletLow-dose aspirin thins the blood to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at risk.Aspirin 75mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Insulin RegularInjection - Short-acting insulinA short-acting insulin used to control blood sugar around meals. Doses are always individual.Insulin Regular uses, dosage and side effects๐Metformin 500mgTablet - Biguanide antidiabeticFirst-line tablet for type 2 diabetes; lowers blood sugar without usually causing hypos.Metformin 500mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Amlodipine 5mgTablet - Calcium channel blockerOnce-daily blood pressure and angina tablet that relaxes blood vessels.Amlodipine 5mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Atorvastatin 20mgTablet - Statin (lipid-lowering)A statin that lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces heart attack and stroke risk.Atorvastatin 20mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Omeprazole 20mgCapsule - Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)Reduces stomach acid to treat heartburn, reflux and ulcers.Omeprazole 20mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Amoxicillin 500mgCapsule - Penicillin antibioticA penicillin antibiotic for bacterial infections. Prescription only; finish the course.Amoxicillin 500mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Azithromycin 250mgTablet - Macrolide antibioticA macrolide antibiotic often given as a short course for chest and other infections.Azithromycin 250mg uses, dosage and side effects☀️Vitamin D 1000 IUTablet/Capsule - Vitamin supplementA supplement for bone and muscle health, especially with limited sun exposure.Vitamin D 1000 IU uses, dosage and side effects๐ฌ️Salbutamol InhalerInhaler - Short-acting beta-2 agonist relieverA blue reliever inhaler that quickly opens airways during asthma or COPD symptoms.Salbutamol Inhaler uses, dosage and side effects๐คงCetirizine 10mgTablet - Non-drowsy antihistamineOnce-daily antihistamine for hay fever, hives and itchy allergies.Cetirizine 10mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Pantoprazole 40mgTablet - Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)Acid-reducing tablet for reflux, ulcers and stomach protection.Pantoprazole 40mg uses, dosage and side effects๐Losartan 50mgTablet - Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Blood pressure tablet that also protects kidneys in diabetes.Losartan 50mg uses, dosage and side effects๐ฆLevothyroxine 50mcgTablet - Thyroid hormone replacementDaily thyroid hormone replacement for an underactive thyroid.Levothyroxine 50mcg uses, dosage and side effects๐Ciprofloxacin 500mgTablet - Fluoroquinolone antibioticA strong antibiotic reserved for specific infections due to serious side-effect warnings.Ciprofloxacin 500mg uses, dosage and side effects๐ฅคORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)Powder sachet - Rehydration therapyWHO-recommended solution that replaces fluid and salts lost in diarrhoea and vomiting.ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) uses, dosage and side effects๐ฉธIron Folic AcidTablet - Haematinic supplementCombined supplement used to prevent and treat iron deficiency, especially in pregnancy.Iron Folic Acid uses, dosage and side effects๐งดParacetamol Syrup 120mg/5mlSyrup - Analgesic and antipyretic (children)Children's paracetamol for fever and pain. Dose by age or weight using the syringe provided.Paracetamol Syrup 120mg/5ml uses, dosage and side effects
Using Medicines Safely
Keep a written list of everything you take, including supplements. Check active ingredients so you do not double up, for example paracetamol in cold remedies. Never share prescription medicines, and complete antibiotic courses as prescribed to help prevent antimicrobial resistance. Related: diseases database and medical disclaimer.
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