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Your medicine cabinet can serve as a very valuable
resource center, keeping in mind the fact that more
than 80 per cent of illnesses are minor and self-limiting,
and can be easily managed at home. Unfortunately,
most medicine cabinets tend to become a potpourri
of pills, ointments, creams, tonics and out-of-date
prescriptions! Here is some guidance on how to create
a safe and effective medicine cabinet and first
aid kit.
First of all, clean out your medicine cabinet carefully, discarding all obsolete or unused prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, ointments, and creams after checking all the labels on them, (to determine expiry dates). You should carry out this exercise at least once a year and replace the items as needed.
Irrespective of the location of your medicine cabinet (in the bathroom or elsewhere in the house), make sure it's locked. The key should be kept far from the reach of kids, making due allowance for their climbing abilities! All medicines should be kept in one place - the locked medicine cabinet. This step is not only a wise precaution, against accidental poisoning it also makes finding a medicine much easier, especially when you need it in the middle of the night or in an emergency.
What medications should your medicine cabinet contain, other than the prescription drugs you need to take? The following list can help to guiding you. Most of the medicines listed here are available "over-the-counter", i.e., they do not need a doctor's prescription.
Ailment Medicines for treatment and Example
Allergies Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Avil, Incidal
Astemizole cetrizine,
chlorpheniramine
Ringworm, Antifungals such as Candid cream
Athlete's miconazole
foot,( fungal
infection of
the skin)
Minor cuts Antiseptics such as Betadine
and scrapes povidone iodine,
polymer film spray Healex spray
Constipation Laxatives such as Dulcolax
isabgol, bisacodyl,
liquid paraffin
Cough (dry) Cough suppressant Linctus Codeine
such as codeine, Tossex
dextromethorphan
Cough (wet) Expectorant such as Dristan expectorant
chlorpheniramine,
guaiphenesin
Stuffy nose Decongestants such as Sudafed
pseudoephedrine,
phenylpropanolamine
Runny nose Nose drops containing Otrivin nose drops
locally effective
decongestants
Skin rashes Creams containing Eumosone cream
and itching steroids Betnovate
Colds Tablets which contain Actifed
a mixture of
antihistamines and
decongestants
Diarrhea Antidiarrheal such Imodium, Lomotil
as loperamide,
` diphenoxylate
Fever Antipyretics such Crocin, Dispirin
as paracetamol,
aspirin
Pain due Antiflatulents such Gellusil MPS
to gas as dimethicone,
methylpolysiloxane
Headache and Analgesics such as Dispirin, Crocin,
other aches aspirin,paracetamol, Brufen
ibuprofen
Skin rashes Lotion such as calamine Calamine lotion,
Stomach upset Antacids such as Gellusil, Tums
alumunium hydroxide,
calcium carbonate
Vitamin supplements Vitamins Becosules
This list includes only examples of the types of medications you could include; there are many other products available that may also be stored. Ask your doctor for specific instructions. Many people also keep homeopathic medicines and ayurvedic preparations in their medicine cabinet.
THE FIRST AID KIT
You should put together a first aid kit as well, in order to tackle minor medical emergencies at home. As with your medicine cabinet, check your first aid kit at least once a year. You must also check the kit before going on vacation or on a long trip to make sure you've got all the supplies needed. It would also be a good idea to go through the first aid kit after returning home from a vacation or trip and to replace those items you had to use while you were away. Your first aid kit should contain the following items:
- One or two rolls of adhesive tape
- One roll of gauze
- A package of sterile gauze pads (separately wrapped)
- A box of small adhesive strip bandages ( Bandaids)
- One or two elastic wraps(Elastocrepe)
- Cotton swabs
- An antiseptic lotion or cream for minor cuts and burns and a bar of
soap.
- A thermometer
- A pair of scissors
- Tongue depressors
- A torch with extra sealed batteries
- A backup supply of a prescription drug if someone in the family has
a chronic condition that requires daily medication
It's also very helpful to tape a list of important names and telephone numbers, including your doctor and of nearest hospital emergency room, inside your medicine cabinet.
Always remember the Scout's motto: Be prepared! The last thing you want to do if you develop a hacking cough which is keeping you (and possibly your neighbors, not to mention your family members) awake at 2 a.m. is to phone your doctor, or hunt frantically for a chemist's shop which is open!
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