Ever complain about the itchiness of a mosquito bite, only to have a friend hand you two aspirins? Though you may think your friend has gone to la-la land, she is completely right to hand you the aspirins. This is one of the off-label uses of over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Off-label use of an OTC med is defined as the use of pharmaceutical drugs for unapproved indications, or dosages, or form of administration. Both prescription drugs and OTC drugs can be used off-label, but one must be aware that most studies have focused on the use of prescription drugs.

So caution should be taken even with OTC drugs alternatives. If it starts to hurt, or sting, the application of the drug should be immediately stopped and skin or scalp rinsed off thoroughly. With a little common sense of their uses, the following OTC meds may be valuable additions to your medicine cabinet – but outside of its intended uses.

1. Vick’s VapoRub is helpful for muscle soreness, headaches and curing nail fungus. By rubbing in VapoRub into sore muscles, the ingredients and massaging action both help relieve soreness. This increases blood flow to achy areas.

Menthol has also been shown to ease migraine pain. In a study, it was demonstrated that Vick’s applied to the forehead and temple of migraine sufferers relieved headache symptoms. Other components in Vick’s have anti-fungal qualities so it can be used in cases of nail fungus. Apply twice a day to affected nail.

2. Did you know that aspirin fights dandruff and treats insect bites and stings as well as body aches? For bug bites and stings, mosquito bites and other itchy nuisances, take two aspirin and crush them up. Add water to make a paste and apply to affected area. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin will kick in and keep the swelling down.
   
   

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