Medicines
What common medicines are used for, how to take them safely, and side effects to watch for.
Medicine safety
- Take medicines only as prescribed or as the label says.
- Buy from a registered pharmacy and check the expiry date.
- Finish the full course of antibiotics; never share them.
- Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take.
Amlodipine
Blood pressure medicine
High blood pressure (hypertension) · Some types of chest pain (angina)
Prescription only
Amoxicillin
Antibiotic (penicillin group)
Some chest, ear, throat and sinus infections · Some urinary tract infections · Other bacterial infections as diagnosed by a doctor
Prescription only
Metformin
Diabetes medicine
Type 2 diabetes
Prescription only
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Zinc
Treatment for dehydration from diarrhoea
Diarrhoea · Dehydration from vomiting, heat or illness
Free at govt. facilities
Paracetamol
Pain reliever and fever reducer
Fever · Headache · Body aches and mild to moderate pain
Over the counter
Salbutamol Inhaler
Reliever inhaler for asthma and COPD
Quick relief of asthma symptoms · Shortness of breath in COPD · Before exercise, if advised
Prescription only
The information on this website is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified health professional.