STOCKING YOUR MEDICINE CABINET

It is a good idea to have some basic medications on hand in case a minor illness, health problem, or injury develops. This allows you to begin caring for yourself in situations where a trip to the doctor is not necessary.

Non-prescription medications, also called "over-the-counter" medications, often relieve symptoms. They usually do not cure the illness or eliminate the underlying cause of the problem. Over-the-counter medications should always be used according to instructions on the package or container.

Be sure to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for their recommendations of medications to have on hand. Useful over-the-counter medications to have on hand include:

pain relievers and fever reducing medications
decongestants and antihistamines
cough suppressants and expectorants
sore throat lozenges and mouth medications
antacids
skin creams and ointments for various purposes and
medications to relieve diarrhea and constipation

For pain and fever:

Aspirin, or the aspirin substitutes such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, help relieve pain and reduce fever. Aspirin and ibuprofen also reduce swelling. 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. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should be avoided by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

For cold or 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 relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. In addition, they relieve sneezing and symptoms of hives or other allergic rashes, such as itching and swelling, they act as a mild sedative, and suppress vomiting. Antihistamines prevent the side effects of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines come in tablet, liquid, capsule, or injection forms. They are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

Decongestants 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 over-the-counter and by prescription. Nose sprays or drops may be used for acute situations, but only for a period of two to three days in a row, no longer. A common decongestant is pseudoephedrine. A common anti-histamine is diphenhydramine. Both are available under many brand names.

For coughing:

Cough syrups come in two types, expectorants and cough suppressants. An expectorant may be used to help loosen mucous so it can be coughed up. A cough suppressant may be used to help stop the coughing when it is dry and hacking. The main expectorant used is guaifenisin, available under many brand names. The active ingredient in most cough suppressants is dextromethorphan, also available under many brand names. Always check with your pharmacist before giving cough-suppressing medications to children.

For sore throat:

Throat lozenges and mouth medications can help relieve symptoms of sore throats and mouth sores. Lozenges may provide soothing relief to sore throats and many contain a local anesthetic to deaden pain. Mouth medications may provide pain relief for canker sores, fever blisters, and sores on the lips and gums.

For indigestion:

Antacids neutralize stomach acids to relieve indigestion, which is a burning pain that happens when the stomach produces too much acid. Antacids usually contain aluminum- or magnesium hydroxide or calcium chloride, are commonly recommended, and cause few, if any, side effects.

For diarrhea and constipation:

The symptoms of diarrhea and constipation can be relieved with diarrhea and constipation medications. For constipation relief, try a natural bulk laxative. There are many brands of fiber supplements that can be added to the diet.

For skin care:

Skin care products are used to treat minor skin problems like rashes, bacterial infections, poison ivy and oak, athlete's foot, skin irritations or inflammations, and sunburn. Some of these products include:

a hydrocortisone cream
an anti-fungal preparation
an anti-bacterial ointment or lotion
baking soda or aloe vera and
zinc oxide powders or creams

Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider prior to taking or using any over-the-counter medication. Parents of children and persons with medical conditions are advised to read package labels carefully and consult a pharmacist if they have any questions about use.

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.

HIL File MEDI4758.RF2 VRS# 4758 Data Version 7.0