Medicine Cabinet Musts to Have on Hand

5/15/2019

It is a good idea to keep your medicine cabinet well stocked when you consider all of the scrapes, bruises, fevers, sore throats, and colds your family may get. To help you stock up appropriately, we are sharing a basic list of items you may want to keep on hand to respond quickly when illness or accidents occur.

1. Pain relief: There are two basic types of over the counter pain medications – acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Both types can effectively reduce pain and fever but NSAIDs can also reduce inflammation. Some people find acetaminophen easier on the stomach.
2. Wound care: Always start by gently washing a wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. We recommend keeping adhesive bandages, adhesive tape and clean gauze in your medicine cabinet. When in doubt as to the seriousness of a wound, see your doctor and make sure you are current on your tetanus vaccine.
3. Antacids: For relief of heartburn, consider stocking some simple antacids, which contain calcium, aluminum and magnesium for immediate, but short-term relief from heartburn. Be sure to see a doctor for ongoing problems with heartburn, which could indicate a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or even heart problems. Understand that certain antacids can cause problems with absorption of other medications and patients with certain medical conditions should avoid these medicines. Always consult your physician with questions.
4. Cough and cold products: Relief from colds can come from cough suppressants that may help suppress annoying coughs. Look for formulas with expectorants and guaifenesin, which help loosen mucus. Decongestants can also provide relief from colds by shrinking swollen nasal passages and making breathing easier. Always read the information provided with over the counter medications. When in doubt about what type of product to use, ask your physician.
5. Antihistamines: Those itchy eyes and that stuffy nose happen when you come into contact with things like pollen, pet dander or dust mites, which trigger histamines in your body and lead to swollen tissue. Antihistamines work to block histamines, relieving allergy symptoms. As with other over the counter medications, read the labels carefully. Some may contain extra ingredients like pain reliever or decongestants so you don’t want to double up on those ingredients. Also, be aware that antihistamines may cause drowsiness.
6. Antifungal medications: Antifungal creams and powders can treat athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm. Fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails can be more difficult to treat and often require prescription strength medications.
7. Tools: A good medicine cabinet also includes some basic tools such as a thermometer, a measuring spoon for dosing medicines, tweezers, alcohol wipes and disinfectant for cleaning wounds.

Go through your medicine cabinet or first aid kit each year, discarding outdated medications. Consider setting a specific time of year, perhaps early summer, to replenish and recheck expiration dates. Lastly, keep everything in its original package and make sure it is out of reach of children.

In general, whenever in doubt the wise choice is to visit your physician. If you need a family physician visit: LaPortePhysicianNetwork.com

This is a public service announcement from Starke Hospital.

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