Medicines

The CMI can be found in the packing of the medicine.

How to read CMIs

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets provide information about the medicine you are taking. Here's how to use them.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics revolutionised medicine in the 1940s because they treated infections caused by bacteria. Learn how antibiotics work.

Antidepressant medicines

Antidepressant medications treat depression, anxiety and related conditions. They should only be used in consultation with a doctor.

Antihistamines

Antihistamine medications help ease allergy symptoms. Read more about how they're used to treat conditions like hay fever and asthma.

Some NSAIDs can be obtained over the counter

Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)

Anti-inflammatory medicines can be used to relieve pain, reduce redness and swelling (inflammation), or treat a fever.

Asthma medication

Three main groups of medication help to manage and control asthma: relievers, symptom controllers and preventers such as 'puffers'.

Blood pressure medication

Blood pressure medications ('hypertensives'), such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and diuretics can help to manage and treat high blood pressure.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy describes medicine that aims to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Find out how 'chemo' treatment works and its side effects.

Child taking medicine through a syringe.

Children's medicines

Children don't always need medicine to treat illnesses. But if you do need to give your child medicine, here are some useful tips.

Colds and flu medication

Learn about over-the-counter medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms and when antiviral medication may be helpful.

Diabetes medication

There are many types of diabetes medicine, such as insulin, metformin and sulphonylureas. There's no one-size-fits-all medicine for diabetes.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by a range of conditions, both physical and psychological.

Erectile dysfunction medicines

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be treated with medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Here's how to separate ED medication myths from facts.

During surgery, the anaesthetist will constantly monitor you.

General anaesthetic

A general anaesthetic is used to make you unconscious so you will not feel pain, move or be aware during surgery.

Generic vs. brand-name medicines

Every medicine has a brand name and a generic name. Learn about the differences and what to consider when deciding which is best for you.

HIV and AIDS medication

HIV medications (called 'antiretrovirals') fight to stop the virus multiplying while helping to protect the immune system from damage caused by HIV.

Lithium

Lithium is used to treat some mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder. Learn about the risks and benefits of this mood-stabilising medication.

Local anaesthetic

A local anaesthetic temporarily numbs a part of your body. Here's what you should know about 'having a local', and questions to ask your doctor.

Elderly lady holding her pharmacy pack of medications.

Medication safety for older people

Older people are at increased risk of medicine-related problems. Learn how to take your medications safety and how to quiz your doctor.

Make sure to check the expiry date of all medicines.

Out-of-date medicines

When medicines are manufactured, by law they must be given an expiry date. Learn more about expiration dates and the safe storage of medicines.

Over-the-counter medicines

There are some medicines you don't need a prescription for. These are called over-the-counter medicines.

Pain-relief medicines

For pain such as back pain or headaches, simple painkillers (paracetamol and anti-inflammatory agents) work best but do have potential side effects.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is for mild to moderate pain. Learn about how paracetamol works, the possible side effects and when you should not take it.

The PBS provides a range of prescription medicines at a subsidised price

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

Using the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Australians can access a wide range of prescription medicines without paying full price.

Statins

Statins are medicines used to lower cholesterol and are recommended for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Here's how statins work.

Buying medicines online

Buying medicines on the internet has its advantages, but there is a risk of losing your money, damaging your health or breaking the law.

Ask your doctor about potential side effects of a medicine.

Medicine and side effects

Side effects are unwanted effects of a medicine. Learn about where to get information on medicine side effects and how to get help.

Accidental overdose of medicine

Accidental overdose of medicine is dangerous, but preventable. Here's how to avoid the risk of overdose, and the medicines that need special care.

Alcohol may prevent medicines from working properly.

Medicines and alcohol

Some medicines and alcohol don't mix, including over-the-counter ones. Learn about possible complications such as breathing problems and liver damage....

Medicines and breastfeeding

While most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can affect your baby. Find out which medicines you can take and how to get advice.

Medicines and driving

Some medicines can affect the skills you need to drive safely. Here's how to reduce the risks and stay safe on the road.

Pregnant woman with a cold thinking about taking medicine

Medicines during pregnancy

Learn more about taking medicines during pregnancy, which includes over-the-counter medicine as well as herbal supplements and vitamins.

Reporting a problem with a medicine

You should tell your doctor or health professional about any problems with your medicine. It’s also helpful to report medicines to the TGA.

Scheduling of medicines and poisons

The Australian ‘scheduling’ system for medicines and poisons categorises them based on their risks and how freely they're available to the public.