IndependentEvidence-basedPlain English
Know what to take, with confidence.
Plain-English guidance on over-the-counter medicines in Australia. Search a symptom or product — or let the checker point you the right way.
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Answer a few quick questions — some tailored to your age and situation — and we’ll suggest suitable over-the-counter options, in plain English.
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Step 1
Where’s the bother?
HeadChest & throatTummySkinEyes, ears & nose
Your answers are only used to generate your suggestions. This tool offers general guidance, not a diagnosis.
Featured guides
Independent reviews & comparisons
GuideEye, ear & nose11 min read
Ear Wax Removal at Home in Australia: Safe Methods, Drops & When to See a Professional
A safe, evidence-based guide to ear wax removal in Australia — which OTC drops may help, the home methods that work, what to skip, and when to see a GP or audiologist.
Independent review
GuideSkin, wound & sun care9 min read
Cold Sore Treatment in Australia: What Actually Works at the Pharmacy
A complete Australian guide to cold sore treatment — the stages, the antiviral creams and tablets you can buy without a script, when to start, and what to skip.
Independent review
Best OfFamily health8 min read
Best Nappy Rash Cream in Australia: Types Compared
Compare nappy rash creams by ingredient — zinc oxide, panthenol and petrolatum barriers — plus how to prevent rash and spot when it's thrush.
Independent review
Browse by category
Find guidance for your complaint
9 areas of everyday health, each with reviewed products and plain-English guides.
Pain relief
Headaches, back pain, muscle aches, and joint pain
3 sections
Cough, cold & flu
Cold, flu, cough, sore throat, and congestion
4 sections
Allergy & hayfever
Hay fever, allergic reactions, and antihistamines
4 sections
Digestive health
Stomach pain, indigestion, probiotics, and nausea
4 sections
Skin, wound & sun care
Sunscreen, wound care, skin conditions, and insect bites
5 sections
Eye, ear & nose
Eye drops, ear drops, nasal sprays, and sinus relief
3 sections
Vitamins & supplements
Vitamin D, magnesium, probiotics, and more
5 sections
Family health
Women's, men's, children's, and pregnancy health
5 sections
Sleep, stress & quitting
Sleep aids, stress relief, and quit smoking support
4 sections
Latest guides
Fresh, reviewed & up to date
Cough, cold & flu
COVID vs Flu vs Cold: How to Tell the Difference and What You Can Take
15 July 20268 min read
Cough, cold & flu
When to Get Your Flu Shot in Australia (2026)
15 July 20267 min read
Allergy & hayfever
Thunderstorm Asthma: Symptoms, Risk and What to Do
11 July 20269 min read
Digestive health
IBS Treatment: OTC Options and Management in Australia
11 July 202611 min read
Digestive health
Coloxyl vs Movicol: Which Should You Choose?
11 July 202610 min read
Pain relief
Sinus Headache Treatment and How to Tell It From a Migraine
11 July 202610 min read
Why you can trust us
Guidance built to be trusted, not sold
Genuinely independent
We don’t sell products and never take payment to rank them. Our picks are our own.
Evidence-based
Guidance is checked against TGA-approved product information and reputable clinical sources.
Always up to date
We revisit our guidance as new products launch and information changes, so what you read reflects the current advice.
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 never affects our rankings.