Medicines by dosage form

Tablets & Capsules

Examples: paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen and many other prescription or non-prescription medicines.

Common purposes: pain, fever, inflammation, allergy, acidity, blood pressure, diabetes and many other conditions depending on the active ingredient.

Important: the same medicine can have different strengths and contraindications. Follow the product label and professional advice.

Syrups & Suspensions

Common uses: selected cough, allergy, fever, gastrointestinal and other formulations.

Why different? Liquid formulations can be useful for people who cannot swallow solid dosage forms, but dosing is product-specific.

Safety: use the measuring device supplied or recommended. Do not assume a child should receive an adult formulation.

Eye, Ear & Nasal Drops

Eye drops: used for selected dry-eye, allergy, inflammation or infection-related conditions depending on the active ingredient.

Ear drops: may be used for selected ear conditions; some products should not be used with a perforated eardrum.

Nasal drops/sprays: may target congestion or allergy and have product-specific limits on duration of use.

Creams, Ointments & Lotions

Common categories: moisturizers, antifungals, selected anti-inflammatory preparations and other topical products.

Important: a steroid cream, antifungal cream and moisturizer are not interchangeable. Correct diagnosis matters, especially for persistent rashes.

Injections

Injectable medicines can be intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or another route. Correct route and trained administration are essential.

Antibiotic injections, vaccines, hormones and other injectables have different indications and safety requirements. Many are prescription-only.

Sachets & Powders

These include selected oral medicines, electrolyte preparations and other healthcare products. Mixing instructions and quantities vary by product.

Always follow the package instructions and use the correct amount of water where dilution is required.

Vitamins & Minerals

Common categories include vitamin D, iron, calcium, B vitamins and multivitamins. Supplements can be useful in selected deficiencies but are not automatically necessary for everyone.

Excessive intake of some vitamins/minerals can cause harm or interact with medicines.

Digestive & Acidity Medicines

Antacids, alginates and acid-reducing medicines are different categories used for selected symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.

Frequent or severe symptoms may require medical assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Allergy Medicines

Antihistamines and selected nasal/eye products may be used for allergic symptoms. Some can cause drowsiness and interact with other medicines.