--- title: "Treatments & medicines | HealthAnswers" description: "Treatments and medicines explained in plain English and medically reviewed by UK doctors." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/ robots: noindex --- # Treatments & medicines | HealthAnswers Treatments & medicines What a treatment is for, how it generally works, and what to discuss with your GP or pharmacist — without the jargon. ## ! Always read the leaflet This is general information, not personal advice. Always follow the instructions from your GP or pharmacist and the patient information leaflet that comes with any medicine. Never start, stop or change a prescribed medicine without medical advice. - [Aciclovir and antivirals](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/aciclovir-and-antivirals/) Aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir — treating cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles on the NHS: doses, side effects, and when to start. - [Amlodipine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/amlodipine/) Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to treat high blood pressure and angina, sometimes causing ankle swelling. - [Amoxicillin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/amoxicillin/) Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic for bacterial chest, ear, sinus, dental and urine infections — how to take a full course and what side effects mean. - [Antacids and reflux medicines](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antacids-and-reflux-medicines/) Antacids ease heartburn by neutralising stomach acid, while other reflux medicines reduce acid production for longer-lasting, slower relief. - [Antibiotics](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antibiotics/) Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, not viruses, so they will not help colds, flu, or most coughs and sore throats. Use only when needed. - [Antidepressants](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antidepressants/) Antidepressants are medicines that treat moderate to severe depression and some anxiety disorders by balancing brain chemicals over several weeks. - [Antifungal medicines](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antifungal-medicines/) Antifungal medicines treat fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm and thrush, available as creams, sprays, tablets and pessaries from pharmacies. - [Antihistamines](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antihistamines/) Antihistamines are medicines that relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching by blocking histamine, with drowsy and non-drowsy types available. - [Aspirin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/aspirin/) Aspirin is a medicine that relieves pain and fever at standard doses, and at low daily doses helps prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at risk. - [Atorvastatin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/atorvastatin/) Atorvastatin is a statin medicine that lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke when taken daily exactly as prescribed. - [Blood pressure medicines](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/blood-pressure-medicines/) Blood pressure medicines lower the force of blood against artery walls, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, and are usually taken long-term. - [Cataract surgery](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/cataract-surgery/) What cataract surgery involves, what to expect on the day, recovery and the risks — explained in plain English and reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon. - [Choosing contraception](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/choosing-contraception/) The best contraception depends on hormones, bleeding, medical history and how often you can remember it. Coils and implants do not need a daily pill. - [Citalopram](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/citalopram/) Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety disorders, with a lower maximum dose in older adults due to a heart rhythm risk. - [Co-codamol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/co-codamol/) Co-codamol combines paracetamol and codeine for short-term moderate pain — strengths, 4g paracetamol limit, constipation risk, and when to see a GP. - [Codeine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/codeine/) Codeine is a short-term opioid for moderate pain — how it works, constipation and dependence risks, and why it is restricted in children and breastfeeding. - [Contraceptive coil (IUD and IUS)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/contraceptive-coil/) Copper and hormonal coils compared, effectiveness, fitting, bleeding changes, pain relief and warning signs after insertion. - [Contraceptive implant and injection](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/contraceptive-implant-and-injection/) Compare the implant and injection for effectiveness, bleeding, side effects, duration and return to fertility. - [Contraceptive pill](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/contraceptive-pill/) Combined and progestogen-only pills work differently. A GP or clinic checks if the combined pill is suitable. Missed-pill rules are brand-specific. - [COVID-19 vaccine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/covid-19-vaccine/) The COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of serious illness from coronavirus; NHS eligibility, booster timing and common side effects explained. - [Decongestants](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/decongestants/) Decongestants relieve a blocked nose by shrinking swollen nasal blood vessels; sprays should only be used short-term to avoid rebound congestion. - [Diazepam](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/diazepam/) Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, muscle spasm and seizures, with dependence risk if used beyond a few weeks. - [Emergency contraception](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/emergency-contraception/) After unprotected sex, a copper IUD is the most effective option up to 5 days. Emergency pills have shorter windows. Get advice the same day. - [Fexofenadine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/fexofenadine/) Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever and hives — dosing tips, why fruit juice reduces absorption, and when to see a GP. - [Flu vaccine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/flu-vaccine/) The flu vaccine is an annual jab that reduces your risk of flu and its complications, offered free on the NHS each autumn to people at higher risk. - [Fluoxetine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/fluoxetine/) Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a long-acting SSRI antidepressant used for depression, bulimia and some anxiety disorders, with a slower withdrawal profile. - [Gabapentin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/gabapentin/) Gabapentin is a medicine for neuropathic pain and epilepsy that requires slow dose titration and careful use as a controlled drug in the UK. - [Hair loss treatments](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/hair-loss-treatments/) Minoxidil and finasteride are the main hair loss treatments, slowing pattern baldness and prompting regrowth, though benefits reverse if you stop. - [Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/hormone-replacement-therapy/) HRT can ease menopause symptoms and protect bones. Benefits and risks are individual. It is not contraception. A GP starts and reviews it on the NHS. - [Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory painkillers](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/ibuprofen/) Ibuprofen eases pain, swelling and fever for some people. Take it with food, at the lowest dose, for the shortest time. Skip it if a pharmacist says it is unsafe for you. - [Inhalers](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/inhalers/) Inhalers deliver asthma and COPD medicine straight to the lungs — reliever inhalers act fast, preventer inhalers are taken daily, and technique matters. - [Insulin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/insulin/) Insulin is a hormone medicine that lowers blood glucose, essential in type 1 diabetes and sometimes needed in type 2 diabetes when tablets are not enough. - [Laxatives](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/laxatives/) Laxatives treat constipation by softening, bulking or stimulating the bowel, usually working within 1 to 3 days, alongside fluids, fibre and exercise. - [Loratadine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/loratadine/) Loratadine is a once-daily non-drowsy antihistamine used for hay fever, pet allergies and hives, available over the counter or on prescription. - [Medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/medicines-in-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/) How to check prescription, pharmacy, herbal and over-the-counter medicines during pregnancy or breastfeeding without stopping essential treatment abruptly. - [Metformin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/metformin/) Metformin lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps with PCOS; how to take it safely, common side effects, and when to see a GP about them. - [Missed contraceptive pill](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/missed-contraceptive-pill/) What to do after a missed combined or progestogen-only pill depends on the brand and timing. Check NHS or packet rules the same day — do not guess. - [Mounjaro (tirzepatide)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/mounjaro-tirzepatide/) Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly weight-loss injection now prescribed by GPs in England. Who qualifies on the NHS, side effects, and how to get it safely. - [Naproxen](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/naproxen/) Naproxen is an NSAID painkiller that reduces pain and inflammation; how to take it safely, side effects, and heart, kidney and stomach cautions. - [Oculoplastic and orbital surgery](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/oculoplastic-surgery/) What oculoplastic and orbital surgery covers — the eyelids, tear ducts and eye socket — and what to expect, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon. - [Omeprazole and PPIs](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/omeprazole-and-ppis/) Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid for heartburn, reflux and ulcers; how to take it safely and when to see a GP. - [Oral rehydration salts](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/oral-rehydration-salts/) Oral rehydration salts are pharmacy sachets that replace fluids and salts lost to diarrhoea and vomiting; how they work, dosing, and dehydration warning signs. - [Paracetamol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/paracetamol/) Paracetamol eases mild to moderate pain and fever when you follow the pack. Never double up with cold remedies. Overdose needs 111 or 999 even if you feel well. - [Prednisolone](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/prednisolone/) Prednisolone is an oral steroid that suppresses inflammation in asthma, arthritis and autoimmune conditions; long courses need tapering and monitoring. - [Pregabalin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/pregabalin/) Pregabalin is a medicine used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder, and it must be tapered slowly when stopped, not stopped abruptly. - [Propranolol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/propranolol/) Propranolol is a beta-blocker that eases anxiety symptoms, prevents migraines, and treats heart conditions such as high blood pressure and angina. - [Ramipril](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/ramipril/) Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney protection — how it works, the dry cough side effect, and monitoring. - [Sertraline](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/sertraline/) Sertraline is an SSRI for depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD. Benefit often takes weeks. Do not stop suddenly. Crisis support is 999, 111 or Samaritans 116 123. - [Shingles vaccine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/shingles-vaccine/) Who should have the shingles vaccine in the UK, how it prevents shingles, and what to expect after vaccination. - [Sildenafil and tadalafil](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/sildenafil-and-tadalafil/) PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction — Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil): how they work, dosing, NHS access, side effects, and safety with heart medicines. - [Squint (strabismus) surgery](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/squint-surgery/) How squint surgery straightens the eyes in children and adults, what to expect, recovery and risks — reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon. - [Statins](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/statins/) Statins are GP-prescribed medicines that lower cholesterol and reduce heart attack and stroke risk. They are not a dose guide. Report side effects. - [Steroid creams (topical corticosteroids)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/topical-steroids/) What steroid creams are, what they treat, and how to use them safely on the skin. - [Steroid nasal sprays](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/steroid-nasal-sprays/) What steroid nasal sprays treat, how to use them properly, and why technique and patience matter. - [Talking therapies and how to find a therapist](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/talking-therapies/) NHS talking therapies explained — CBT, counselling and EMDR, how to self-refer for free, and how to find a registered therapist near you in the UK. - [Testosterone replacement therapy](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/testosterone-replacement-therapy/) NHS testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) — gels, patches, and injections for hypogonadism: who qualifies, monitoring, side effects, and fertility warnings. - [Wegovy (semaglutide)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/wegovy-semaglutide/) Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weekly weight-loss injection available through NHS specialist services. Who qualifies, how it differs from Ozempic, and what to expect. - [Weight loss medicines](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/weight-loss-medicines/) NHS-prescribed weight loss medicines explained — orlistat, semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro): who qualifies, how they work, and side effects. - [Weight-loss injections](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/weight-loss-injections/) Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda compared — NHS eligibility criteria, average weight loss, GP versus specialist routes, and availability in each UK nation.