美國 OTC（非處方／ 成藥） 藥品購買全攻略：退燒、止痛、感冒藥一次搞懂！

For new immigrants who just arrived in the US, it's inevitable to run into minor discomforts like a cold or fever. Unlike in Taiwan or other places, many common medications in the US don't require seeing a doctor and can be bought directly at pharmacies or supermarkets. These types of medications are called over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Knowing what's available and how to use it means minor illness stops being a problem.

📌 Where to buy them

• Pharmacies：CVS、Walgreens、Rite Aid

• Large supermarkets：Walmart、Target、Costco

• Online: Amazon and pharmacy websites, with delivery or in-store pickup

👉 Before buying, always read the label and follow the directions exactly.

📌 Before you take anything

• Read the label and follow it: dosage, method, and warnings.

• Check the expiry date: expired medicine may not work, or may cause side effects.

• Watch for duplicate ingredients: multi-symptom cold remedies often already contain a pain reliever and fever reducer, so don't double up.
  🔗 Reference: MedlinePlus: Over-the-Counter Medicines

📌 Common fever and pain relievers

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • For: fever and pain

  • Warning: overdose damages the liver. Stick strictly to the stated dose.

• Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin)

  • For: fever, inflammation, and pain

  • Warning: don't take it on an empty stomach over long periods. It upsets the stomach.

📌 Cold and cough remedies

• Dextromethorphan (DXM): the standard cough suppressant.

• Guaifenesin (Mucinex): an expectorant that loosens mucus.

• Menthol throat lozenges: soothe a dry, scratchy throat.

• Nasal decongestant sprays: usually pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Effective short-term, but don't use them for more than three consecutive days, you get rebound congestion.

📌 Medicine for children

• No aspirin: children and teenagers under 18 must not take anything containing aspirin, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome。

• Use children's formulations: look for products labeled "Children's" or "Infants'", and dose according to your pediatrician or pharmacist.

📌 When to see a doctor

OTC medicine is for short-term relief of minor illness. See a doctor if:

• A fever lasts more than three days

• You have severe headache, difficulty breathing, or chest pain

• You have a chronic condition and the medicine isn't helping

• Cold symptoms persist beyond ten days

📌 In short

Knowing how to buy and use OTC medicine correctly is a genuinely necessary skill here.

• For minor complaints, the standard fever reducers, pain relievers, and cough remedies will do the job.

• Read the label and the dosage every time, so you don't misuse or overdose.

• If symptoms persist or worsen, see a doctor rather than waiting it out.

👉 The short version: OTC medicine handles the everyday illnesses well, as long as you take it safely.

Hi, I'm C from Taiwan, and I'm currently running a business in Los Angeles, USA. When I first arrived, it really wasn't easy. Whether it was the language or cultural differences, I spent a lot of time figuring out every little detail. But all those mistakes I made along the way helped me master the rhythm of adapting to life here quickly. I've gathered all my experience over the past few years on this website, hoping to help fellow Chinese speakers settle into American life sooner. Here, I share how to move over, find a job, and handle various daily tasks, saving you plenty of time and helping you avoid unnecessary detours. I hope my experience helps you start your new life in the US smoothly!

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.

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