WhichMedicine?

Independent, plain-English guidance on over-the-counter medicines — made in Australia.

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WhichMedicine?
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Know what to take, with confidence.

Plain-English guidance on over-the-counter medicines in Australia. Search a symptom or product, or start from a common complaint below.

Popular:hay feverheadacheheartburnsore throatcold & flutrouble sleeping
Start with a symptom

What’s bothering you?

All symptomsarrow_forward
local_florist
Hay Fever
Sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose disrupting your day?
sick
Cold & Flu
Feeling run down with a stuffy nose, cough, and body aches?
air
Cough
Persistent cough keeping you up at night or disrupting your day?
coronavirus
Sore Throat
Painful, scratchy throat making it hard to swallow?
air
Blocked Nose
Can not breathe through your nose and feeling congested?
neurology
Headache
Dealing with a pounding headache that won't quit?
healing
Back Pain
Lower back pain or strain?
healing
Period Pain
Menstrual cramps disrupting your daily activities?
gastroenterology
Heartburn
Burning chest pain after meals keeping you uncomfortable?
gastroenterology
Diarrhoea
Frequent loose stools disrupting your day?
gastroenterology
Constipation
Struggling with infrequent or difficult bowel movements?
bedtime
Mild Insomnia
Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep at night?
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Not sure what to take? Let’s narrow it down.

Choose symptoms and answer health and symptom questions to get automated general guidance. It may be incomplete or incorrect and cannot confirm which medicine is suitable for you.

Select symptoms → Health questions → Symptom questions → Guidance

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Step 1 of 4: Select symptoms
Where’s the bother?
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lockThis tool offers general guidance, not a diagnosis or emergency care. Discuss medicine choices with a pharmacist or doctor.
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Cough, cold & flu9 min read

Zinc for Colds & Immunity in Australia: Does It Work? (2026 Evidence Guide)

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Constipation Relief and Laxatives: A Plain-English Guide (Australia)

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Browse by category

Find guidance for your complaint

9 areas of everyday health, with product comparisons and plain-English guides.

medication
Pain relief
Paracetamol, ibuprofen, combination and topical pain relief compared for headaches, period pain, back pain and sore joints or muscles.
3 sectionsarrow_forward
sick
Cough, cold & flu
Cold and flu tablets, cough medicines, throat lozenges and decongestants, and which active ingredients suit which symptoms.
4 sectionsarrow_forward
local_florist
Allergy & hayfever
Antihistamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays and allergy eye drops for hay fever, plus creams and tablets for hives and itchy skin.
4 sectionsarrow_forward
gastroenterology
Digestive health
Antacids, reflux tablets, laxatives, diarrhoea relief, probiotics and travel sickness options for common stomach and bowel problems.
4 sectionsarrow_forward
wb_sunny
Skin, wound & sun care
Sunscreens, first aid and wound care, treatments for eczema, acne and cold sores, plus mouth care and insect bite relief.
5 sectionsarrow_forward
visibility
Eye, ear & nose
Dry eye drops, eye infection treatments, ear wax and swimmer's ear drops, saline nasal sprays and sinus rinses compared.
3 sectionsarrow_forward
nutrition
Vitamins & supplements
Multivitamins, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, fish oil, joint supplements and sports nutrition products compared.
5 sectionsarrow_forward
family_restroom
Family health
Pharmacy products for women's and men's health, babies and children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and older adults.
5 sectionsarrow_forward
bedtime
Sleep, stress & quitting
Sleep aids, melatonin, stress and mood supplements, energy and fatigue options, and nicotine replacement to help you quit smoking.
4 sectionsarrow_forward
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Cough, cold & flu
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Digestive health
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About our guidance

Clear information, with its limits explained

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Affiliate transparency

Some retailer links may earn us a commission. Our editorial policy explains how we approach comparisons.

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Sources you can consult

Our guides include references to product information and health sources so you can explore the evidence.

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Check current directions

Medicine information and availability can change. Check the current label and ask a pharmacist about your circumstances.

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This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you. We may earn a commission from some retailer links — it is explained in our editorial policy.