Pain Relief
Paracetamol leads with a superior efficacy-to-tolerance profile compared to ibuprofen or aspirin. Top pick: Doliprane 500mg tablets (18/20) for menstrual pain, fever, headaches, back pain, and sore throats (lozenges and sucking tablets prove ineffective).
Athlete's Foot (Mycosis)
Econazole-based antifungal creams deliver excellent results. Recommended: Dermazol Gé 1% cream (18/20).
Constipation
Mild laxatives excel in self-medication, scoring 12-16/20 for effectiveness and tolerance. Top choice: Macrogol 4000 Mylan 10g powder (16/20). Avoid irritating stimulant laxatives.
Cough Relief
Cough remedies vary wildly (2-14/20)—proceed with caution. Best option: Dextrocidin syrup (14/20). Skip bronchial mucolytics, which top out at 6/20.
Heartburn
Antacids reliably soothe stomach acid, with strong efficacy and good tolerance. Recommended: Sugar-free Maalox for stomach pain (12/20).
Muscle Aches
Muscle pain relievers max out at 11/20—modest efficacy but well-tolerated. Top pick: Baume Aroma. Anti-cramp products? Waste of money, none exceed 8/20.
Important Cautions
Always follow package instructions and contraindications precisely. Avoid self-medication for children, seniors, pregnant, or breastfeeding individuals.
Insights from Pr. Jean-Paul Giroud, pharmacologist and author of "Self-Medication Guide: Non-Prescription Drugs, the Good and the Bad!" (Editions de La Martinière).
