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.
Not sure where to start? Try the symptom checkerSymptom checker
Not sure what to take? Let’s narrow it down.
Answer a few quick questions — some tailored to your age and situation — and we’ll suggest suitable over-the-counter options, in plain English.
Start the checkerAbout a minute · no sign-up
1 / 4
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
GuideFamily health9 min read
Period Pain Relief in Australia: A Pharmacist-Backed Guide to Your Options
Ibuprofen, paracetamol, naproxen or heat? We compare period pain relief options in Australia, why NSAIDs usually beat paracetamol for cramps, and the red flags.
Independent review
Best OfSleep, stress & quitting13 min read
Over-the-Counter Sleeping Tablets Australia: 2026 Guide
Australia's best OTC sleeping tablets compared — from doxylamine (Restavit) to melatonin, valerian and magnesium, with dosing, safety, and where to buy.
Independent review
GuideDigestive health8 min read
Travel Health Kit: Medicines to Pack (Australia)
Pack smarter for your next trip. Compare motion sickness tablets, oral rehydration and traveller's diarrhoea options, with a print-ready checklist.
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.