Buying Over-the-Counter Medicine

Scene: Ahmed has a bad cold. He is at the pharmacy looking at the shelves full of medicine. The pharmacist notices he looks confused.

PHARMACIST: Hi there! You look a little lost. Can I help you find something?

AHMED: Yes, please. I have a terrible cold, and there are so many boxes here. I don’t know which one to choose.

PHARMACIST: No problem — that’s what I’m here for. What are your main symptoms?

AHMED: My nose is completely stuffed up, I keep sneezing, and my throat hurts a little.

PHARMACIST: Okay. Do you also have a fever or body aches?

AHMED: No fever, I think. Just the stuffy nose and sneezing. It started two days ago.

PHARMACIST: For those symptoms, I’d recommend a decongestant. It helps open up your nasal passages.

AHMED: Is that safe? I’ve never taken anything like that before.

PHARMACIST: Generally yes, but let me ask — do you have high blood pressure or any heart problems?

AHMED: No, I’m healthy. I just drive a taxi all day, so I need something that won’t make me sleepy.

PHARMACIST: Good point. Some cold medicines cause drowsiness. Look for a box that says “non-drowsy” on the front.

AHMED: Ah, I see. What about this one? It says “daytime.”

PHARMACIST: That’s a good choice. “Daytime” formulas are made to keep you alert. Just don’t take more than the directions say.

AHMED: How often can I take it?

PHARMACIST: Usually every four to six hours, but always read the label. And drink plenty of water.

AHMED: Should I also get something for my sore throat?

PHARMACIST: Throat lozenges would help. They’re the small candies you let dissolve in your mouth.

AHMED: Perfect. How much will all of this cost?

PHARMACIST: The cold medicine is $9.99 and the lozenges are $4.49. There’s also a store brand that’s a bit cheaper and works just as well.

AHMED: I’ll take the store brand then. Every dollar counts.

PHARMACIST: Smart choice. If your symptoms last more than ten days or get worse, you should see a doctor.

AHMED: I will. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything.

PHARMACIST: Anytime! Feel better soon, and drive safely.

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

Over-the-counter /ˈoʊvər ðə ˈkaʊntər/ (adj.) medicine you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. Example: I need an over-the-counter cold medicine.
Symptom /ˈsɪmptəm/ (n.) a sign that you are sick, like a cough or fever. Example: What are your main symptoms?
Stuffy nose /ˈstʌfi noʊz/ (n.) a nose blocked by a cold, hard to breathe through. Example: My nose is completely stuffed up.
Sneeze /sniːz/ (v.) to blow air out of your nose suddenly. Example: I keep sneezing all day.
Decongestant /ˌdiːkənˈdʒestənt/ (n.) medicine that clears a blocked nose. Example: I’d recommend a decongestant.
Drowsy /ˈdraʊzi/ (adj.) feeling sleepy. Example: I need something that won’t make me drowsy.
Non-drowsy /nɑːn ˈdraʊzi/ (adj.) not causing sleepiness. Example: Look for a box that says “non-drowsy.”
Directions /dəˈrekʃənz/ (n.) instructions on how to use something. Example: Don’t take more than the directions say.
Lozenge /ˈlɑːzəndʒ/ (n.) a small medicated candy for a sore throat. Example: Throat lozenges would help.
Store brand /stɔːr brænd/ (n.) a cheaper product made for a specific store. Example: The store brand works just as well.

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