Medicines often have different names in the US. Shops sell them under brand names and cheaper store brands with the same ingredient. Always read the active ingredient on the Drug Facts label.
Acetaminophen is the US name for paracetamol. Brand: Tylenol.
Ibuprofen. Brands: Advil, Motrin.
Acetaminophen is in many cold and flu mixes too. Taking two products with it can damage your liver. Check every label.
Allergy, cold and stomach
Cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra): allergy tablets.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): allergy, makes you sleepy.
Dextromethorphan ("DM" on the box): cough.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): blocked nose. It is kept behind the pharmacy counter. You show photo ID and there is a limit on how much you can buy. The shelf version often contains phenylephrine instead.
Loperamide (Imodium): diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): upset stomach.
Omeprazole (Prilosec), famotidine (Pepcid), calcium carbonate (Tums): heartburn.
Oral rehydration solution: in the baby and pharmacy aisles.
On the shelf here, prescription in some countries
Melatonin for sleep is sold as a dietary supplement.
Hydrocortisone 1% cream for itching.
Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, which reverses opioid overdose.
One daily birth control pill (Opill) and emergency contraception (levonorgestrel, for example Plan B) are sold without a prescription and without an age limit.
Antibiotics of all kinds, including amoxicillin. Pharmacies will not sell them without a prescription.
Most strong painkillers, including most medicines with codeine, tramadol and other opioids.
Most medicines for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, asthma inhalers and most birth control.
Some medicines common elsewhere are not approved in the US at all, for example metamizole (dipyrone) and domperidone. Ask a pharmacist for a US alternative.
Vitamins, herbal products and supplements are not reviewed by the FDA like medicines. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Giving adult medicine to a child. Use the children's version and dose by weight or age as the label says.
Asking for a brand from home that does not exist here. Ask for the ingredient instead.
Doubling up on acetaminophen.