Medicines
How to read CMIs
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets provide information about the medicine you are taking. Learn more about where to find your CMI and how to...
Antibiotics
Antibiotics revolutionised medicine in the 1940s because they treated infections caused by bacteria. Learn how antibiotics work and what they do and d...
Antidepressant medicines
Antidepressants medicines treat depression, anxiety and related conditions. Antidepressants should only be used in consultation with a doctor.
Antihistamines
Antihistamine medications help ease allergy symptoms. Read more here about how they are used to treat conditions like hay fever and asthma.
Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
Anti-inflammatory medicines can be used to relieve pain, reduce redness and swelling (inflammation), or treat a fever.
Asthma medication
Many different medications are used to manage and control asthma. Learn more about the three main groups: relievers, preventers and symptom controller...
Blood pressure medication
Blood pressure medications (also known as hypertensives), such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and diuretics can help to ma...
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is medicine treatment that aims to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Find out how it works and the different types available.
Children's medicines
Children don't always need medicine to get over an illness, but if you do need to give 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 medicines used to treat diabetes. The specific medicine will depend on the type of diabetes, as well as the state of your gene...
Erectile dysfunction medicines
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by a range of conditions. It is most often treated with medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Learn ...
General anaesthetic
A general anaesthetic is used to make you unconscious so you will not feel pain, move or be aware during surgery.
Generic medicines 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 (antiretrovirals)
Medications used to fight HIV are called antiretrovirals. They work to stop the virus multiplying and help protect the immune system from damage cause...
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 is a type of medication used to temporarily numb a part of your body. Learn more about the different types, and questions to ask y...
Medication safety for older people
Older people are at increased risk of medicines-related problems. Learn the steps to take to improve your medicine safety.
Out of date medicines
When medicines are manufactured, by law they have to be given an expiry date. Learn more about expiration dates and 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.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Using the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Australians can use a wide range of prescribed medicines without paying full price for them. Learn more abou...
Statins
Statins are medicines used to lower cholesterol. They are recommended for people who are at risk of cardiovascular disease. Find out more about how st...
Buying medicines online
Buying medicines can have advantages, but you should be careful. You might lose money, break the law, or damage your health if you buy from the wrong ...
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 overdoses on a medicine are very dangerous, but preventable. Learn about the risks, how to avoid them, and the medicines that need special ...
Medicines and alcohol
Alcohol can interact with some medication, including over the counter medicines. Learn more about possible complications of medicines and alcohol.
Medicines and breastfeeding
While most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can affect your baby. Learn which medicines you can take and where to go for advice.
Medicines and driving
Some medicines can affect the skills you need to drive safely. Learn which medicines can affect your driving and how to reduce the risks.
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 report any problems with your medicine to a healthcare professional. It’s also helpful if you report them directly to the TGA. Learn more h...
Scheduling of medicines and poisons
The ‘scheduling’ system for medicines and poisons in Australia divides these items into categories based on how they are made available to the public....
