Common Medicines Cheat Sheet - India Edition (Part 3) 🏥

🟣 PAINKILLERS & NSAIDs (Analgesics)

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

• Salt/Composition: Paracetamol 500mg / 650mg
• Used For: Fever, mild-to-moderate pain, headache
• How It Works: Acts centrally in the brain to reduce pain and fever; NOT anti-inflammatory
• Dosage: 500-650mg every 4-6 hours (max 3-4g/day)
• Cost: ₹10-₹30 per 10 tablets
• Note: Safest painkiller for stomach; overdose harms the liver

Ibuprofen

• Salt/Composition: Ibuprofen 200mg / 400mg
• Used For: Muscle pain, pain with inflammation, mild fever
• How It Works: NSAID — blocks prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling
• Dosage: 200-400mg every 6-8 hours after food
• Cost: ₹15-₹40 per 10 tablets
• Note: Avoid in ulcers, kidney disease, and asthma

Diclofenac

• Salt/Composition: Diclofenac Sodium/Potassium 50mg
• Used For: Joint pain, arthritis, back pain
• How It Works: Strong NSAID — reduces inflammation and pain
• Dosage: 50mg 2-3 times daily after food
• Cost: ₹20-₹50 per 10 tablets
• Note: Use lowest effective dose; caution in heart disease

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

• Salt/Composition: Aspirin 75mg (low-dose) / 325mg (pain dose)
• Used For: Headache & fever (high dose); blood-thinning to prevent heart attack/stroke (low dose)
• How It Works: NSAID that also makes platelets less sticky
• Dosage: 75mg once daily (cardiac); 325-650mg for pain
• Cost: ₹10-₹30 per 14 tablets
• Note: Not for children (Reye’s syndrome risk)

Mefenamic Acid

• Salt/Composition: Mefenamic Acid 250mg / 500mg
• Used For: Period (menstrual) pain, dysmenorrhea, mild fever
• How It Works: NSAID — relieves cramps and inflammation
• Dosage: 250-500mg 2-3 times daily after food
• Cost: ₹25-₹60 per 10 tablets
• Note: Popular for menstrual pain relief

Naproxen

• Salt/Composition: Naproxen 250mg / 500mg
• Used For: Back pain, arthritis, long-lasting pain relief
• How It Works: Long-acting NSAID
• Dosage: 250-500mg twice daily after food
• Cost: ₹40-₹90 per 10 tablets
• Note: Longer duration than ibuprofen

Ketoprofen

• Salt/Composition: Ketoprofen 50mg / 100mg (also gel)
• Used For: Sprains, strains, sports injuries
• How It Works: NSAID — anti-inflammatory and pain relief
• Dosage: As prescribed, after food
• Cost: ₹50-₹120 per 10 tablets
• Note: Topical gel useful for localized sprain pain

Piroxicam

• Salt/Composition: Piroxicam 20mg
• Used For: Arthritis pain, chronic joint inflammation
• How It Works: Long-acting NSAID
• Dosage: 20mg once daily after food
• Cost: ₹30-₹70 per 10 tablets
• Note: Once-daily dosing; higher GI risk with long-term use

Nimesulide

• Salt/Composition: Nimesulide 100mg
• Used For: Fever and pain, inflammation
• How It Works: NSAID
• Dosage: 100mg twice daily after food (short-term only)
• Cost: ₹20-₹50 per 10 tablets
• Note: Not recommended for children; short-term use only (liver caution)

Aceclofenac

• Salt/Composition: Aceclofenac 100mg (often with Paracetamol)
• Used For: Pain and inflammation, muscle and joint pain
• How It Works: NSAID — well-tolerated anti-inflammatory
• Dosage: 100mg twice daily after food
• Cost: ₹40-₹90 per 10 tablets
• Note: Commonly combined with paracetamol for stronger relief

Tramadol

• Salt/Composition: Tramadol 50mg / 100mg
• Used For: Moderate-to-severe pain (post-surgery, injury)
• How It Works: Opioid analgesic — acts on brain pain pathways
• Dosage: As strictly prescribed
• Cost: ₹30-₹80 per 10 tablets
• Note: Prescription-only; can cause dependence, drowsiness, nausea

🔴 BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINES (Antihypertensives)

Amlodipine

• Salt/Composition: Amlodipine 2.5mg / 5mg / 10mg
• Used For: High blood pressure, angina (chest pain)
• How It Works: Calcium channel blocker — relaxes and widens blood vessels
• Dosage: 2.5-10mg once daily
• Cost: ₹20-₹60 per 10 tablets
• Note: May cause ankle swelling; take at the same time daily

Telmisartan

• Salt/Composition: Telmisartan 20mg / 40mg / 80mg
• Used For: High blood pressure, heart & kidney protection
• How It Works: ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) — relaxes blood vessels
• Dosage: 20-80mg once daily
• Cost: ₹40-₹120 per 10 tablets
• Note: Long-acting; good for diabetics with BP

Losartan

• Salt/Composition: Losartan Potassium 25mg / 50mg
• Used For: High blood pressure, kidney protection in diabetes
• How It Works: ARB — blocks vessel-narrowing hormone
• Dosage: 25-100mg once daily
• Cost: ₹30-₹90 per 10 tablets
• Note: Often combined with hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic)

Atenolol

• Salt/Composition: Atenolol 25mg / 50mg
• Used For: High blood pressure and heart-rate control
• How It Works: Beta-blocker — slows heart rate, reduces workload
• Dosage: 25-50mg once daily
• Cost: ₹15-₹50 per 14 tablets
• Note: Avoid abrupt stop; caution in asthma

Metoprolol

• Salt/Composition: Metoprolol 25mg / 50mg
• Used For: Heart rate and BP control, after heart attack, palpitations
• How It Works: Beta-blocker — protects the heart
• Dosage: 25-100mg once or twice daily
• Cost: ₹30-₹80 per 10 tablets
• Note: Do not stop suddenly (rebound risk)

❤️ HEART MEDICINES (Cardiac)

Digoxin

• Salt/Composition: Digoxin 0.25mg
• Used For: Heart failure, irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
• How It Works: Strengthens heart contractions, controls rhythm
• Dosage: As precisely prescribed (narrow safety margin)
• Cost: ₹15-₹40 per 10 tablets
• Note: Requires monitoring; watch for nausea/visual changes (toxicity)

Nitroglycerin (GTN)

• Salt/Composition: Glyceryl Trinitrate 0.5mg (sublingual) / spray
• Used For: Acute chest pain (angina)
• How It Works: Widens coronary arteries, improves blood flow to heart
• Dosage: 1 tablet under the tongue during chest pain (repeat as advised)
• Cost: ₹40-₹100 per bottle
• Note: Sit down before use (can cause dizziness); seek help if pain persists

Isosorbide Dinitrate

• Salt/Composition: Isosorbide Dinitrate 5mg / 10mg
• Used For: Heart disease and angina prevention
• How It Works: Nitrate — relaxes and widens blood vessels
• Dosage: As prescribed
• Cost: ₹20-₹60 per 10 tablets
• Note: Headache is common initially; do not stop abruptly

🔵 DIURETICS (Water Pills)

Furosemide

• Salt/Composition: Furosemide 40mg
• Used For: Removing excess fluid (heart failure, swelling, high BP)
• How It Works: Loop diuretic — makes kidneys remove salt and water
• Dosage: 20-80mg once or twice daily (morning preferred)
• Cost: ₹10-₹40 per 10 tablets
• Note: Take in the morning to avoid night-time urination; can lower potassium

Spironolactone

• Salt/Composition: Spironolactone 25mg / 50mg
• Used For: Swelling and fluid retention, heart failure, high BP
• How It Works: Potassium-sparing diuretic — removes water while keeping potassium
• Dosage: 25-50mg once daily
• Cost: ₹30-₹80 per 10 tablets
• Note: Monitor potassium; also used for hormonal acne/PCOS

🟠 CHOLESTEROL MEDICINES (Statins)

Atorvastatin

• Salt/Composition: Atorvastatin 10mg / 20mg / 40mg
• Used For: Lowering cholesterol, preventing heart attack & stroke
• How It Works: Statin — blocks liver enzyme that makes cholesterol
• Dosage: 10-40mg once daily (night preferred)
• Cost: ₹40-₹120 per 10 tablets
• Note: Report unexplained muscle pain to your doctor

Rosuvastatin

• Salt/Composition: Rosuvastatin 5mg / 10mg / 20mg
• Used For: Lowering cholesterol, cardiovascular protection
• How It Works: Potent statin — reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Dosage: 5-20mg once daily (any time)
• Cost: ₹60-₹150 per 10 tablets
• Note: More potent than atorvastatin at lower doses

🟣 BLOOD THINNERS (Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets)

Clopidogrel

• Salt/Composition: Clopidogrel 75mg
• Used For: Preventing blood clots after heart attack, stroke, or stent
• How It Works: Antiplatelet — stops platelets from clumping
• Dosage: 75mg once daily
• Cost: ₹40-₹120 per 10 tablets
• Note: Often combined with aspirin (dual therapy)

Warfarin

• Salt/Composition: Warfarin 1mg / 2mg / 5mg
• Used For: Preventing/treating blood clots (DVT, atrial fibrillation, valves)
• How It Works: Anticoagulant — blocks vitamin K clotting factors
• Dosage: Individualized based on INR blood test
• Cost: ₹20-₹60 per 10 tablets
• Note: Requires regular INR monitoring; watch diet (vitamin K foods)

Heparin

• Salt/Composition: Heparin Sodium (injection)
• Used For: Preventing blood clots (hospital/surgery, DVT)
• How It Works: Fast-acting injectable anticoagulant
• Dosage: As prescribed (IV/subcutaneous)
• Cost: Varies (hospital use)
• Note: Hospital/clinical use; monitored closely

🚨 THE “LOADING DOSE” IN A HEART ATTACK

A heart attack is a medical emergency. When someone has a suspected heart attack (acute coronary syndrome / STEMI), doctors give a one-time high dose of specific medicines immediately — called a loading dose — to rapidly thin the blood, stop the clot from growing, and stabilize the artery. This is much higher than the normal daily (maintenance) dose.

The Classic Loading Dose Combination

Why a Loading Dose?

• Speed: A single large dose reaches an effective blood level within minutes-to-hours instead of days. In a heart attack, every minute of delay means more heart muscle dies (“time is muscle”).
• Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT): Aspirin + Clopidogrel block platelets by two different pathways, powerfully preventing the clot from growing.
• Chew the aspirin: Aspirin is chewed (not swallowed whole) so it’s absorbed faster through the mouth.
• High-dose statin early: Atorvastatin 80 mg does more than lower cholesterol here — it stabilizes the fatty plaque and reduces inflammation in the artery wall.

How the Loading Dose Is Given (First-Response Steps)

In a clinic or first-contact setting, the sequence matters. A typical approach:

1. Recognise & call for help — suspect a heart attack, call an ambulance (India: 108).
2. Aspirin 325 mg — chewed (faster absorption).
3. Attach an ECG and check vitals (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen).
4. Clopidogrel 300 mg (or as advised) — an antiplatelet.
5. Atorvastatin 80 mg — high-intensity statin.
6. Sublingual nitroglycerin — only if blood pressure is adequate and there is no contraindication (see below).
7. Oxygen only if oxygen levels are low; treat pain as advised.
8. Arrange rapid, safe transfer to a hospital that can do angioplasty (PCI).

🟢 ANTIFUNGAL MEDICINES

Clotrimazole

• Salt/Composition: Clotrimazole 1% cream / powder
• Used For: Itching and fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete’s foot)
• How It Works: Antifungal — damages fungal cell membranes
• Dosage: Apply 2-3 times daily for 2-4 weeks
• Cost: ₹40-₹90 per tube
• Note: Continue a few days after symptoms clear to prevent relapse

Miconazole

• Salt/Composition: Miconazole 2% cream / gel
• Used For: Fungal infections of skin and mouth (oral thrush)
• How It Works: Antifungal — inhibits fungal growth
• Dosage: Apply 2 times daily
• Cost: ₹50-₹100 per tube
• Note: Oral gel available for mouth infections

Ketoconazole

• Salt/Composition: Ketoconazole 2% shampoo / cream
• Used For: Dandruff and fungal infections (seborrheic dermatitis)
• How It Works: Antifungal — clears fungus on skin/scalp
• Dosage: Shampoo twice weekly; cream once/twice daily
• Cost: ₹120-₹280 per bottle
• Note: Leave shampoo 3-5 minutes before rinsing

🟤 DEWORMING & ANTIPARASITIC MEDICINES

Albendazole

• Salt/Composition: Albendazole 400mg
• Used For: Intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm, pinworm)
• How It Works: Anthelmintic — starves and kills worms
• Dosage: 400mg single dose (may repeat after 2 weeks)
• Cost: ₹15-₹40 per tablet
• Note: Chewable; deworm whole family together

Mebendazole

• Salt/Composition: Mebendazole 100mg
• Used For: Intestinal worms
• How It Works: Anthelmintic — blocks worms’ sugar uptake
• Dosage: 100mg twice daily for 3 days (or as advised)
• Cost: ₹20-₹50 per pack
• Note: Effective for mixed worm infections

Levamisole

• Salt/Composition: Levamisole 50mg / 150mg
• Used For: Intestinal worms, especially in children
• How It Works: Paralyses worms so they are expelled
• Dosage: As prescribed by weight
• Cost: ₹15-₹40 per pack
• Note: Single-dose convenience for roundworm

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)

• Salt/Composition: Diethylcarbamazine 100mg
• Used For: Filariasis (elephantiasis-causing parasite)
• How It Works: Kills microfilariae (parasitic worm larvae)
• Dosage: As prescribed (weight-based course)
• Cost: ₹15-₹40 per pack
• Note: Part of national filariasis elimination programs

Ivermectin

• Salt/Composition: Ivermectin 6mg / 12mg
• Used For: Scabies, lice, and parasitic worm infections
• How It Works: Paralyses and kills parasites
• Dosage: Single weight-based dose (repeat as advised)
• Cost: ₹30-₹80 per tablet
• Note: For scabies, treat close contacts and wash bedding

🟠 MUSCLE RELAXANTS

Chlorzoxazone

• Salt/Composition: Chlorzoxazone 250mg / 500mg
• Used For: Muscle pain and spasm
• How It Works: Central muscle relaxant — reduces muscle stiffness
• Dosage: As prescribed, after food
• Cost: ₹40-₹90 per 10 tablets
• Note: Often combined with paracetamol/NSAID (e.g., “MR” tablets)

Tizanidine

• Salt/Composition: Tizanidine 2mg / 4mg
• Used For: Muscle tightness and spasm
• How It Works: Relaxes muscles via the nervous system
• Dosage: 2-4mg 2-3 times daily
• Cost: ₹30-₹80 per 10 tablets
• Note: Can cause drowsiness and dry mouth

Thiocolchicoside

• Salt/Composition: Thiocolchicoside 4mg / 8mg
• Used For: Neck pain and muscle spasm, back stiffness
• How It Works: Muscle relaxant — relieves painful spasms
• Dosage: 4-8mg twice daily (short-term)
• Cost: ₹60-₹140 per 10 tablets
• Note: Short-term use only

Cyclobenzaprine

• Salt/Composition: Cyclobenzaprine 5mg / 10mg
• Used For: Back pain and muscle spasm
• How It Works: Central muscle relaxant
• Dosage: 5-10mg up to 3 times daily
• Cost: ₹50-₹120 per 10 tablets
• Note: Causes drowsiness; avoid driving

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH & NEURO-PSYCHIATRIC MEDICINES

Fluoxetine

• Salt/Composition: Fluoxetine 10mg / 20mg
• Used For: Depression, OCD, anxiety
• How It Works: SSRI — increases serotonin in the brain
• Dosage: 20mg once daily (as prescribed)
• Cost: ₹30-₹80 per 10 tablets
• Note: May take 2-4 weeks to show benefit

Sertraline

• Salt/Composition: Sertraline 25mg / 50mg / 100mg
• Used For: Anxiety and depression, panic disorder, PTSD
• How It Works: SSRI — boosts serotonin
• Dosage: 25-100mg once daily
• Cost: ₹40-₹120 per 10 tablets
• Note: Do not stop abruptly (withdrawal symptoms)

Alprazolam

• Salt/Composition: Alprazolam 0.25mg / 0.5mg
• Used For: Anxiety and sleep problems (short-term)
• How It Works: Benzodiazepine — calms the nervous system
• Dosage: Lowest effective dose, short-term only
• Cost: ₹20-₹60 per 10 tablets
• Note: High dependence risk; strictly controlled

Diazepam

• Salt/Composition: Diazepam 2mg / 5mg / 10mg
• Used For: Anxiety, muscle relaxant, seizures, alcohol withdrawal
• How It Works: Benzodiazepine — sedative and muscle relaxant
• Dosage: As strictly prescribed
• Cost: ₹15-₹50 per 10 tablets
• Note: Causes drowsiness; dependence risk with long use

Haloperidol

• Salt/Composition: Haloperidol 0.5mg / 5mg
• Used For: Serious mental-health disorders (schizophrenia, psychosis, severe agitation)
• How It Works: Antipsychotic — balances dopamine in the brain
• Dosage: As prescribed by a psychiatrist
• Cost: ₹20-₹60 per 10 tablets
• Note: Requires medical monitoring for movement side effects

🔷 MEN’S HEALTH & UROLOGY MEDICINES

Sildenafil

• Salt/Composition: Sildenafil 25mg / 50mg / 100mg
• Used For: Erectile dysfunction (also pulmonary hypertension)
• How It Works: PDE5 inhibitor — improves blood flow
• Dosage: As prescribed, ~1 hour before activity
• Cost: ₹40-₹150 per pack
• Note: Never combine with nitrates (dangerous BP drop)

Tadalafil

• Salt/Composition: Tadalafil 10mg / 20mg
• Used For: Erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate (BPH)
• How It Works: Long-acting PDE5 inhibitor
• Dosage: As prescribed
• Cost: ₹50-₹180 per pack
• Note: Longer duration than sildenafil; avoid nitrates

Dapoxetine

• Salt/Composition: Dapoxetine 30mg / 60mg
• Used For: Premature ejaculation
• How It Works: Short-acting SSRI — delays ejaculation
• Dosage: 1-3 hours before activity (as prescribed)
• Cost: ₹60-₹200 per pack
• Note: Prescription-only; may cause nausea/dizziness

Finasteride

• Salt/Composition: Finasteride 1mg (hair) / 5mg (prostate)
• Used For: Male-pattern hair loss and prostate enlargement (BPH)
• How It Works: Blocks DHT hormone
• Dosage: 1mg (hair) or 5mg (prostate) once daily
• Cost: ₹80-₹250 per 10 tablets
• Note: Takes 3-6 months for results; not to be handled by pregnant women

Tamsulosin

• Salt/Composition: Tamsulosin 0.4mg
• Used For: Urination problems from enlarged prostate (BPH)
• How It Works: Alpha-blocker — relaxes prostate/bladder muscles
• Dosage: 0.4mg once daily after the same meal
• Cost: ₹60-₹150 per 10 tablets
• Note: May cause dizziness on standing (low BP)

🩹 ANTISEPTICS & TOPICAL SKIN MEDICINES

Betadine Ointment (Povidone-Iodine)

• Salt/Composition: Povidone-Iodine 5% / 10%
• Used For: Wound antiseptic, cuts, minor burns, infection prevention
• How It Works: Broad antiseptic — kills bacteria, fungi, viruses
• Dosage: Apply to clean wound 1-2 times daily
• Cost: ₹60-₹150 per tube
• Note: For external use; avoid on large areas long-term

Neomycin Cream

• Salt/Composition: Neomycin (often with Bacitracin/Polymyxin)
• Used For: Minor skin infections, infected cuts
• How It Works: Topical antibiotic — kills skin bacteria
• Dosage: Apply thin layer 2-3 times daily
• Cost: ₹40-₹100 per tube
• Note: Stop if irritation/allergy develops

Silver Sulfadiazine

• Salt/Composition: Silver Sulfadiazine 1% cream
• Used For: Burns (prevents/treats burn-wound infection)
• How It Works: Antimicrobial — protects burnt skin from infection
• Dosage: Apply to burn under sterile dressing as advised
• Cost: ₹80-₹200 per tube
• Note: Standard burn-care cream

Hydrocortisone Cream

• Salt/Composition: Hydrocortisone 1%
• Used For: Itching, allergy, mild eczema, rashes
• How It Works: Mild steroid — reduces inflammation and itch
• Dosage: Apply thin layer 1-2 times daily (short-term)
• Cost: ₹40-₹100 per tube
• Note: Low-potency steroid; avoid prolonged use on face

Clobetasol Cream

• Salt/Composition: Clobetasol Propionate 0.05%
• Used For: Severe skin inflammation (psoriasis, stubborn eczema)
• How It Works: Very potent steroid — powerful anti-inflammatory
• Dosage: Thin layer once/twice daily, short-term only
• Cost: ₹60-₹150 per tube
• Note: Strong steroid — use only as prescribed; not for face/long-term

🌸 ANTI-ALLERGIC DRUGS (Antihistamines, Steroids & Anti-allergy)

Allergy medicines work in different ways. Most are antihistamines (they block histamine, the chemical that causes allergy symptoms), but severe allergies may need steroids, and some conditions need leukotriene blockers or mast cell stabilizers.

Pheniramine (Avil)

• Salt/Composition: Pheniramine Maleate 22.75mg/mL (injection) / 25mg tablet
• Class: First-generation H1-antihistamine
• Used For: Allergic reactions, urticaria (hives), allergic rhinitis, itching
• How It Works: Blocks H1 histamine receptors; fast-acting
• Note: Causes drowsiness; injection used for acute allergic reactions

Cetirizine

• Salt/Composition: Cetirizine 10mg
• Class: Second-generation H1-antihistamine
• Used For: Allergic rhinitis, skin allergies, itching, sneezing
• How It Works: Blocks histamine with minimal drowsiness
• Note: Once-daily; popular OTC allergy tablet

Loratadine (Loratap)

• Salt/Composition: Loratadine 10mg
• Class: Second-generation H1-antihistamine
• Used For: Hay fever, sneezing, runny nose, chronic urticaria
• How It Works: Non-drowsy histamine blocker
• Note: Good for daytime use; once daily

Fexofenadine (Allegra)

• Salt/Composition: Fexofenadine 120mg / 180mg
• Class: Second-generation H1-antihistamine
• Used For: Chronic urticaria, allergic rhinitis, skin rashes
• How It Works: Non-drowsy, long-acting histamine blocker
• Note: One of the least sedating antihistamines

Montelukast (Montair)

• Salt/Composition: Montelukast 10mg (5mg / 4mg for children)
• Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist
• Used For: Allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, exercise-induced bronchospasm
• How It Works: Blocks leukotrienes that cause airway inflammation
• Note: Often combined with levocetirizine; taken at night

Dexamethasone (Dexona)

• Salt/Composition: Dexamethasone 4mg/mL (injection)
• Class: Corticosteroid
• Used For: Severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, angioedema, inflammatory allergies
• How It Works: Powerfully suppresses immune/inflammatory response
• Note: Potent steroid — short-term, doctor-administered for severe cases

Hydrocortisone (Injection)

• Salt/Composition: Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate 100mg (injection)
• Class: Corticosteroid
• Used For: Severe allergic reactions, urticaria, asthma, anaphylaxis
• How It Works: Rapidly reduces severe inflammation and allergic response
• Note: Emergency/hospital use for severe allergy (differs from the mild 1% skin cream)

Ranitidine (Rantac)

• Salt/Composition: Ranitidine 50mg/2mL (injection) / 150mg tablet
• Class: H2-antihistamine
• Used For: Allergic reactions with gastritis, urticaria, acid-related allergies
• How It Works: Blocks H2 histamine receptors (often added to H1 antihistamines in acute allergy)
• Note: Also reduces stomach acid

Chlorpheniramine (CPM / Chlorphen)

• Salt/Composition: Chlorpheniramine Maleate 22.75mg/mL (injection) / 4mg tablet
• Class: First-generation H1-antihistamine
• Used For: Allergic rhinitis, urticaria, itching, common cold
• How It Works: Blocks histamine; dries secretions
• Note: Causes drowsiness; common in cold/cough combinations

Ketotifen (Zaditen)

• Salt/Composition: Ketotifen Fumarate 1mg
• Class: Mast cell stabilizer + H1-antihistamine
• Used For: Allergic conjunctivitis, hay fever, allergic symptoms
• How It Works: Stabilizes mast cells (prevents histamine release) AND blocks histamine
• Note: Also available as eye drops for allergic eyes

Anti-Allergic Drugs — Quick Comparison

Quick Reference - Part 3 Medicine Categories

⚠️ Important Safety Guidelines

High-Alert Medicine Rules:

• 🫀 Heart & BP medicines: Take daily, never stop suddenly
• 🩸 Blood thinners: Watch for unusual bleeding/bruising
• 🧠 Mental-health medicines: Taper slowly, only under doctor’s advice
• 💊 NSAIDs: Always after food; caution with ulcers/kidney disease
• 🧴 Strong steroid creams (Clobetasol): Short-term, prescribed use only

Always Check:

• ✅ Expiry date and correct strength (mg)
• ✅ Drug interactions (tell your doctor ALL medicines/supplements)
• ✅ Correct dosage and timing
• ✅ Storage conditions

See a Doctor Immediately If:

• 🚨 Chest pain not relieved by rest/nitroglycerin
• 🚨 Signs of bleeding (black stools, blood in urine, easy bruising)
• 🚨 Severe allergic reaction (swelling, breathing difficulty)
• 🚨 Sudden mood changes or suicidal thoughts on psychiatric medicines

தமிழில் முக்கிய குறிப்புகள் (Important Notes in Tamil)

மருந்து பாதுகாப்பு:

• ✅ இதயம் மற்றும் ரத்த அழுத்த மருந்துகளை தினமும் தவறாமல் எடுக்கவும்; திடீரென நிறுத்த வேண்டாம்
• ✅ ரத்தத்தை நீர்க்கச் செய்யும் மருந்துகள் (blood thinners) எடுக்கும்போது ரத்தக்கசிவு அறிகுறிகளை கவனிக்கவும்
• ✅ மனநல மருந்துகளை மருத்துவர் ஆலோசனையுடன் மட்டுமே நிறுத்தவும்
• ✅ வலி நிவாரண மருந்துகளை (NSAIDs) உணவுக்குப் பிறகு எடுக்கவும்
• ❌ மருத்துவர் பரிந்துரை இல்லாமல் மருந்துகளை எடுக்க வேண்டாம்

📋 Common Drugs & Their Uses (Quick List)

A handy at-a-glance list of commonly used generic medicines and what they are prescribed for.