Penicillins are a class of antibiotic medications usually used to treat bacterial infections caused by gram-positive bacteria (like staphylococcus and streptococcus that can cause skin and throat infections, amongst many others). Commonly used penicillin antibiotics include amoxicillin, flucloxacillin, and phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V). Many more are used to treat severe life-threatening infections like meningitis. Only 0.05% or less of the population may experience an anaphylactic reaction. An allergy to one type of penicillin means you are likely to be allergic to other penicillins as they are related. Always let your prescriber know if you have any allergies to any medications and what reaction you experience. Penicillins being antibiotics are only available on prescription to ensure antimicrobial stewardship.

Pholcodine is a cough medication used to relieve dry and tickly coughs. You used to be able to buy it from your pharmacy either on its own or in combination with other medications for colds and flu. Unfortunately, it is no longer available over the counter due to safety concerns. It is a prescription-only medication now. Occasionally a cough can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should speak to your doctor if you have had a cough for more than three weeks, have severe symptoms such as fever, coughing up blood, have lost weight unexpectedly, or have chest pain or shortness of breath.

These are antifungal tablets, taken by mouth to treat fungal infections. These can be prescribed by a doctor when topical (creams and washes) antifungals are not helping to clear up the infection. In certain cases, if the infection is severe or widespread or internal, then oral antifungals may be prescribed first by your doctor. There are a number of groups of antifungal tablets ranging from ones available over the counter to those requiring specialist prescribing. These are known as the Triazole, Imidazole, Polyene, Echinocandin and other antifungals.

Antifungal medicines are invaluable in combating various fungal infections that commonly affect the skin, hair, nails, and mouth. Available in different forms such as tablets, lacquers (such as Curanail, creams, powders, oral gels, and shampoos, these medications effectively target the source of infection. Understanding their uses, mechanisms of action, and preventive measures can empower you to manage fungal conditions with confidence.

Fungal nail infections will not get better without treatment. Treating a fungal nail infection can take a long time, and it is important to say that treatment is only necessary if the person is bothered by the look or feel of the nail. Here Healthwords's pharmacists walk you through the options available.

Antifungals are a category of medication that targets the breakdown of unwanted fungi from the body. Simple treatments can involve topical treatments with over the counter medication but more complex treatments can involve treating fungal infections with tablets, creams or other methods. Although antifungals are all one topic, they can be subcategorized into different types of antifungals – we’ll go through this in more detail below.

When treating fungal infections, the right antifungal cream can make all the difference. Whether it’s athlete’s foot, ringworm, or a pesky yeast infection, antifungal creams are a go-to solution for clearing up these uncomfortable conditions. But with so many options available, knowing which one is best for you can be tricky. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of antifungal creams, how they work, and help you decide which one suits your needs. By the end, you’ll better understand which cream can get you back to feeling like yourself again.

Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic from the penicillin family. It is used in adults, children and infants to treat a range of different bacterial infections such as chest infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, dental abscesses, ear infections and Lyme disease. Amoxicillin can come in capsules, oral suspension, oral powder sachet and injection formulations. Amoxicillin is only available on prescription. Amoxil is a branded version of amoxicillin.

Actifed Multi-Action Tablets are a trusted over-the-counter solution designed to tackle multiple symptoms of colds, flu, and allergies. Combining the benefits of a decongestant and an antihistamine, this medication helps relieve nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, providing much-needed comfort during times of illness or allergy flare-ups. With its targeted multi-action formula, Actifed works to clear blocked nasal passages while addressing symptoms caused by histamine, a key substance involved in allergic reactions. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, a stubborn cold, or flu-related nasal congestion, Actifed Multi-Action Tablets are a convenient option for fast, effective relief.

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that helps manage and reduce the effects of cold sores caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores are common, and once someone has contracted the virus, it remains dormant in the body, often resurfacing when triggered by stress, fatigue, sun exposure, or even a change in weather. While over-the-counter treatments like Zovirax cream contain aciclovir in topical form, the tablet version requires a doctor’s prescription due to its stronger potency and systemic effect.

Aciclovir is a prescription-only antiviral medicine used to treat cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. It does not cure a viral infection but helps to reduce the severity and length of the outbreak. In people with frequent outbreaks and in those who have a weak immune system, aciclovir tablets can be used to help reduce the number of future outbreaks as a preventative medication. Aciclovir tablets can be used in both children and adults who have cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. There are different thresholds for taking these tablets depending on the patient, their medical history, and the type and severity of viral infection.

Aciclovir cream 5% is an antiviral cream used to treat cold sores on the face and lips. Cold sores are caused by a type of virus called the herpes simplex virus type 1. It is best applied at the early stages of a cold sore outbreak where it helps to prevent a cold sore from fully developing. It may also be used to treat and speed up the healing of a cold sore that has already developed.