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Treatment and medication

To accompany our drug directory, our clinical experts have created articles covering the treatment and medication you may require for various medical conditions, as well as advice on immunisation. From ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, to steroids for eczema, find out what options are available, how they work and the possible side effects.

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pain killers

Treatment and medication

Painkillers

by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP

medication for infection

Infections

Antibiotics

by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP

steroids

Treatment and medication

Steroids

by Dr Toni Hazell, FRCGP

statins

Treatment and medication

Statins and other lipid-lowering medicines

by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP

General medicine information

Medicines are chemical substances used to treat, cure, or prevent illness, or to relieve pain. Key types include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and generic or brand-name options.

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General treatments

From complementary therapies to haemodialysis, learn about general treatments and how to explore them safely with medical advice.

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Bone and muscle medicines

Bone and muscle medicines include treatments for conditions like osteoporosis (e.g., bisphosphonates) and inflammatory arthritis (e.g., DMARDs). Muscle relaxants and other drugs may be used for muscle spasms and severe pain.

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Digestive health medicines

Digestive health medicines include antacids, H2-blockers, and laxatives which treat issues like heartburn and indigestion. diarrhoea and constipation.

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First aid

First aid is the immediate, temporary care given to an injured or suddenly ill person. Its primary goals are to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery.

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Heart and blood medicines

Heart and blood medicines include various classes that treat conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood clotting. Common examples include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins to lower cholesterol, and diuretics to reduce fluid retention.

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Medicines for infections

Antibiotics and antifungals are used to treat infections. Learn when these medications are needed and how to take them safely and effectively.

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Mental health medicines

Mental health medications are prescribed to manage brain chemical imbalances that affect mood, behaviour, and thoughts. There are several types, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and others.

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Mental health therapy

Talking therapies like CBT can help manage emotional distress. Discover the types of therapy available and how they offer tools for coping and recovery.

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Painkillers

Painkillers, or analgesics, are medicines used to relieve pain and come in many types, such as over-the-counter options like paracetamol and NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as prescription-only opioids like codeine and morphine for more severe pain.

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Respiratory medicines

Respiratory medicines include bronchodilators to open airways, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, mucolytics to thin mucus, and cough suppressants to block the cough reflex.

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Self-referral

In some cases, you can refer yourself to a specialist without seeing a GP first. Learn how self-referral works and when it’s an option.

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Skin medicines

Skin medications include a wide range of topical and oral options, such as corticosteroids for inflammation, antibiotics for acne, and nonsteroidal creams for conditions like eczema. Other treatments include emollients for dryness.

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Substance misuse medicines

Substance misuse medicines are those which are used to help people stop a harmful, problematic habit such as smoking or drug misuse. They include treatments like smoking cessation medicines like bupropion and opiate medicines such as buprenorphine and methadone are used to help people stay away from heroin.

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Therapy

Therapy is a treatment meant to help someone heal from an illness, injury, or mental health problem. It includes talking with a counsellor to feel better emotionally or doing physical exercises to move your body well again.

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Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect you and your community from serious diseases. Vaccinations are given throughout life, from baby jabs to boosters in adulthood, and are a key part of public health.

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