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treatment and medication

Treatment and medication

General medicine information

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.

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, MRCGP

statins

Treatment and medication

Statins and other lipid-lowering medicines

by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP

General medicine information

Medicines help manage or cure many conditions. Learn about how they work, common side effects, and why taking them as prescribed matters.

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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

Accidents happen anywhere. Learn essential first aid skills that can help you treat common injuries and potentially save a life in an emergency.

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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 and beta-blockers to manage heart rate and blood pressure, 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

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Other treatments

From complementary therapies to experimental options, learn about alternative treatments and how to explore them safely with medical advice.

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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

Therapies include physical, psychological, and occupational approaches. Learn how therapy can help you recover, manage pain, or improve mental wellbeing.

In this topic:TherapyMental health therapy

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Vaccinations

Vaccines protect individuals and communities from serious illness. Learn how they work and which ones are recommended for different age groups.

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