So the best OTC medication has the active ingredient(s) that your physician recommends AND unnecessary toxic ingredients are absent.

For less toxic over-the-counter medication, read on for tips on finding OTC medicine with fewer unnecessary toxic chemicals.

Which OTC pain relief medication is best?

Pain relief medication often contains artificial colors. For example, one popular pain relief medication that is colored red and it received a D hazard rating from the Environmental Working Group. This same pain relief medication also has a yellow coloring that’s not rated yet, which means that we do not know if it is safe.

The best OTC pain relief medication has the active ingredient that your physician recommends and also avoids unnecessary hazards. To avoid artificial colors, choose a dye-free option that your physician would approve. 

Which OTC allergy medication is best?

Allergy medication also often contains artificial colors. Since your immune system is already compromised from an allergic reaction, medication with toxic artificial colors undermines the goals of the allergy medication! So the best OTC allergy medication is a dye-free allergy medication, which is often on the same shelf as the artificially-colored allergy medication, that your doctor also approves. 

How can other OTC medications be detoxed?

Can you guess how to identify the least toxic OTC medication?

Yup. When shopping for any type of OTC medication, read the product labels for artificial colors. And choose dye-free options. 

Of course, check with your doctor to make sure what you select contains the same active ingredients that your doctor recommends. But, often, you can choose a dye-free option of what your physician recommends. Even better, choose sugar-free or alcohol-free when possible.

What Next?

To learn more simple ways to avoid toxic chemicals and heavy metals, check out A to Z Detoxing The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures. A to Z of D-Toxing includes profiles of the most common toxic ingredients and materials in household products. Sophia refers to them as “Household Repeat Offenders” because they appear in so many consumer products. They’re worth getting to know so that they’re easier to avoid!

To listen to fascinating conversations to help inspire your continued detox, check out Sophia’s Practical Nontoxic Living podcast and learn more about her 40-Day Home Detox adventure. Be sure to register for the Ruan Living newsletter by texting the word ‘DETOX’ to the number 66866 for the latest podcast, detox tips, workshops, and special offers.

Remember: Small detox tweaks can transform. Ruan Living is here to support your home detox journey!

Thanks so much for reading our blog. 

See you next time.