WE LIVE IN USA
Sick in the US and lost at CVS? A household medicine cabinet list, with English terms
When you first arrive in the US, you might not know everything about health and medical care yet. Sometimes when dealing with minor aches and pains, the easiest choice is to walk into a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens and buy over-the-counter drugs (Over-the-counter drugs, OTC). However, English drug names can be unfamiliar, leaving you unsure of what to pick or how they are used. Today, let's talk about the common household medicines you should know while living in the US.
Common household medicine list
- Cold medicine (Cold Medicine)
- Pain relievers (Pain Relievers)
- Stomach and digestive meds (Antacid & Stomach Relief)
- Allergy medicine (Allergy Medicine)
- Antibiotic ointments / wound care (Antibiotic Ointments and First Aid)
- For example: Neosporin (an antibiotic ointment used for minor cuts)
- Website:CVS
- Cough syrups (Cough Syrups)
- For example: Robitussin (a common cough syrup, suitable for dry or chesty coughs)
- Website:Walmart
Tips on using medication:
- Cold medicine and painkillers: These medications are generally used to relieve symptoms rather than cure the root cause. If your symptoms persist or get worse, it's best to seek a doctor's diagnosis.
- Allergy medicine: Some allergy medications can make you drowsy, so be sure to check the ingredients before taking them and avoid driving or operating machinery.
- Stomach medicine: If you have ongoing stomach discomfort, it is best to see a doctor rather than treating it yourself.
- Antibiotic ointment and wound disinfectants：Great for minor cuts, but if the wound gets infected or looks serious, you should seek professional medical help.
How do you find these medications in the US?
Most medications can be found at retail pharmacy stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, which also offer quick and convenient online ordering. Many medicines do not require a prescription, but always check the usage instructions on the packaging before taking them to ensure you use them correctly.
- CVS: https://www.cvs.com
- Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com
- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com
- Target: https://www.target.com
Quick tip:
- Translation tools：If you're not sure about a word while picking out medication at the pharmacy, you can use Google Translate or similar translation tools to help you understand the ingredients and uses on the packaging.
- Prescription medicine：If you need prescription medications, you can go see a doctor at a clinic first to get a prescription, and then go buy them at a pharmacy.
Having these everyday medicines on hand makes dealing with minor ailments in the US so much easier, but if you're experiencing serious symptoms, it's always best to seek professional medical care.
I'm C. I'm from Taiwan and now run my own business in Los Angeles. The early days here were not easy: the language barrier, the culture shock, and a hundred small details I had to figure out one at a time. Those years taught me how to settle in quickly, and I've put everything I learned on this site. The goal is simple: help people arriving from Chinese-speaking countries settle in faster and with less pain. Moving here, finding work, handling everyday errands: you'll find practical shortcuts and real solutions, so you skip the detours I didn't. I hope it helps you start your life in the US on the right foot.
Running this site takes real work, and I'm grateful to everyone who supports it. If any of this has helped you, a small contribution keeps the updates coming.