Nonprescription drugs at home could keep the doctor away

Having some nonprescription medications in the cupboard could save you from making a trip to the doctor.

The Mayo Clinic Health Letter has put together a list of over the shelf drugs that can help deal with minor ailments.

Swim-Ear, Auro-Dri was said to be handy after swimming and may also help in treating mild outer ear infections.

Keeping Mack's Wax Away eardrops may also be a good idea because the active ingredient, carbamide peroxide, was ideal for dissolving wax in the outer ear.

Chloraseptic spray helps relieve mild-to-moderate sore throat pain while bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) was said to be excellent for stomach upset, heartburn and diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea.

Strong non-prescription medication 1 percent hydrocortisone (Cortaid, others) can also soothe minor skin irritations, inflammation and rashes.