Manufacturers take wraps off another raft of OTCs

Searching for over-the-counter items on pharmacy shelves is going to get even more challenging with the battery of dental, analgesic, and other products manufacturers have just introduced. Take a look at these new entries:

Pfizer has come up with a plaque-detecting rinse called Listerine Agent Cool Blue Mouthwash in Bubble Blast or Glacier Mint. The rinse, indicated for ages 12 and older, is designed to help kids brush better by highlighting plaque on the teeth. It should be used for 30 seconds before brushing, according to Pfizer.

The Klear Action Whitening Light is making its debut from Activa. The item is unique because it is supposed to produce teeth that are six shades whiter in one hour without the use of messy trays. Consumers are instructed to use the pre-conditioning accelerator rinse before painting on a whitening gel. This is followed by using an activating light engineered to trigger the "photo initiator" in the gel. Consumers are warned not to stare into the light.

GlaxoSmithKline is marketing two new items: Oasis Moisturizing Mouthwash and Oasis Mouth Spray for dry mouth. From the makers of Sensodyne, Oasis utilizes tri-hydra technology to moisturize the mouth as well as lock in moisture while protecting the mouth from feeling dry later on.

Not to be outpaced, Laclede is unwrapping Biotene Sensitive, a toothpaste for soothing dry mouth. The item combines potassium nitrate for protection against tooth sensitivity with Enzyme LP3 Complex for dry mouth relief.

Dr. Fresh is marketing a new line of Disney Digital Thermometers that feature a sculpted Disney character located on the end opposite the probe. Characters include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Cinderella, and the Little Mermaid.

Lifeline Therapeutics is rolling out Protandim, a dietary supplement that is said to protect a patient's cellular health. The firm states that Protandim increases the body's production of two antioxidant enzymes that aid in eliminating free radicals in the cells. The item contains extracts of milk thistle, bacopa, green tea, and tumeric, as well as ashwagandha.

Johnson & Johnson has a newcomer in its First Aid collection called One-Stop C-Section Care Kit. The kit contains gauze pads, dressing sponges, and first-aid paper tape.

Nexcare Incision Care Kit is the second new entry from 3M. It includes antiseptic cleansing wipes, liquid skin protectant swabs, and long-wear sterile dressings.