Remedies for common family ailments: 7. What's new in POMs to Ps?

Tagamet and Pepcid PM-two potent H2 antagonists for dyspepsia, heartburn and other conditions produced by excess acid in the stomach-are now available from pharmacies without prescription. Making these effective medicines more widely available should help many indigestion sufferers. (NB: these medicines are not recommended during pregnancy or for the under-16s). Indigestion can sometimes be prevented by avoiding spicy foods, alcohol and stress. Enquire about other symptoms and if necessary refer the patient to a doctor. A pharmacist should be consulted if the patient is already taking other medication. Other medicines recently available from pharmacies without prescription are the antacid Mucaine, and Adcortyl in Orabase and Corlan pellets for gum and mouth lesions. Eczema patients can now obtain Hydrocortisone Topical direct from the pharmacy. It was previously not allowed to be sold to treat eczema Haemorrhoid sufferers can now obtain Anusol Plus (containing hydrocortisone) direct from the pharmacy. Hay fever patients can now get Syntaris Nasal Spray without prescription.