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MEDICINES TO HAVE ON HAND

It is a good idea to have some basic medicines on hand to treat minor illnesses, health problems, or injuries. This allows you to treat minor problems when a trip to the doctor is not necessary.

Nonprescription medicines, also called over-the-counter or OTC medicines, often relieve symptoms. They usually do not cure illness or eliminate the underlying cause of a medical problem. OTC medicines should always be used according to the instructions on the package or container.

What medicines should I have on hand?

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for their recommendations of medicines to have on hand. Useful nonprescription medicines to have on hand include:

medicines to relieve pain and reduce fever
decongestants and antihistamines
cough suppressants and expectorants
sore throat lozenges and mouth medicines
antacids
skin creams and ointments
medicines to relieve diarrhea and constipation

What medicines help pain and fever?

Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen help relieve pain and reduce fever. Aspirin and ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. NSAIDs also reduce swelling. NSAIDs increase the risk of bleeding. They should not be taken by people who have asthma, ulcer disease, or bleeding disorders, or who take blood thinners. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

What medicines help colds and allergies?

Decongestants and antihistamines are good to have on hand in case a cold or allergy strikes. Both are good for relief of a runny nose.

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. In addition, they relieve sneezing and the itching and swelling of hives or other allergic rashes. They act as a mild sedative and help prevent vomiting. Antihistamines come in tablet, liquid, capsule, or injection forms. They are available both OTC and by prescription.
Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, are used to treat nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with colds and hay fever. They narrow blood vessels and clear nasal congestion. Used primarily in liquid and tablet forms, decongestants are available both OTC and by prescription. Nose sprays or drops should not be used for more than 2 or 3 days in a row.

What medicines help coughing?

An expectorant, such as guaifenesin, helps loosen mucus so it can be coughed up. A cough suppressant, such as dextromethorphan, may help stop dry, hacking coughs. Always check with your pharmacist before giving cough-suppressing medicines to children.

What medicines help a sore throat?

Throat lozenges may provide soothing relief to sore throats. If family members have problems with canker sores, fever blisters, or sores on the lips and gums, mouth medicines may provide pain relief.

What medicines help digestive problems?

Antacids neutralize stomach acids to relieve indigestion. Antacids usually contain aluminum or magnesium hydroxide or calcium chloride.

For constipation relief, try a natural bulk laxative. There are many brands of fiber supplements that can be added to the diet.

Use caution when taking medicine for diarrhea. Use only as instructed on the label, or ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What skin care products are useful to have on hand?

Skin care products are used to treat minor skin problems. Some of these products include:

a hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and inflammation
an antifungal medicine to treat athlete's foot
an antibacterial ointment or lotion to prevent bacterial infections
baking soda or aloe vera to treat skin irritation, inflammation, or sunburn
zinc oxide powders or creams to treat sunburn or other minor burns.

Do nonprescription medicines cause side effects?

Some of these medicines can cause side effects. They might worsen a medical condition or cause a drug interaction. Children and older adults are at increased risk for side effects. Discuss these issues with your pharmacist before you buy an OTC product. Also, if there is a chance you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider before taking any nonprescription medicine.

How do I know when a nonprescription medicine is outdated?

Check for expiration dates on any medicines, including those that are nonprescription. If a drug does not have an expiration date, write the purchase date on the label. Check with a pharmacist before using a drug that is more than one year old.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File MED4273F.HTM Release 9.0/2006