Health & Medicine

When you feel unwell, you often visit the pharmacy. If you have a serious illness, a doctor will give you a prescription. You take this paper to the pharmacist, who prepares your medicine. However, for a simple cold, you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like painkillers or cough syrup.

Before leaving, always check the label on the box. It will tell you the correct dosage—for example, one capsule twice a day. You should also ask about common side effects, such as feeling drowsy. If you have a skin rash, the pharmacist might recommend an ointment to rub on the area.

Make sure to check the expiry date; you should never take old medicine. If you run out of a medicine you take every month, you can ask for a refill. Lastly, if you have a known allergy to specific drugs, like penicillin, tell the staff immediately to stay safe!