Does Your Medicine Cabinet Contain These Basic Must Haves?

Things Every Home Needs To Keep On Hand.

Photo by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash

W e have all had that moment. You wake up with a splitting headache or a runny nose. Your child wakes with a stomach ache or scratches their knee. Those mild health issues that don’t require a physician’s care but still need treating.

While recently doing some spring cleaning. I cleared out my medicine cabinet, through away out of date items, noting what I did and didn’t use. So when it came time to restock I decided to do my research. Taking control of both my health and finances. For anyone that knows anything about healthcare in America you know nothing is cheap.

Adulting time. I took to the internet. Researching what is most recommended and what is purchased the most. The following items listed below are the ones that appear most often;

Please note this is a consumer researched article, not medical advice. Ask your health care professional for the best way to use these items.

Always keep in mind, if you think something requires medical care, or you are currently taking medications and worry about the drug interactions, DO NOT hesitate to call you doctor. Remember YOU are the only one that can make the call about seeking professional medical help.

For more information about the OTC medications listed click here. Remember knowledge is power.

That being said lets proceed.

1. Ibuprofen- Ibuprofen, commonly known as Advil, is an over the counter anti inflammatory, pain reliever and fever reducer. Ibuprofen is good for muscles aches and menstrual cramps as well.
2. Acetaminophen- Most commonly known as Tylenol. This OTC drug helps reduce inflammation and fever and relive pain. It is not recommended for people with liver disease.
3. Aspirin- Aspirin is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that treats pain, fever, headache and inflammation. Known for being a blood thinner this drug can also help reduce the risk of heart attacks.
4. Benadryl- Benadryl is the mostly commonly know name brand of antihistamine. It is mainly used to treat allergies, hay fever and cold like symptoms. It can also be used to treat mild insomnia.
5. Pepto-Bismal- An antacid elixir used to temporarily treat stomach discomforts. Such as nausea, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea and upset stomach.
6. Dulcolax- This medic helps to treat and relieve constipation. It is a stimulant laxative and should fully go to work within 12 to 72 hours after taken.
7. Rolaids- Every medicine chest needs an chewable antacid. These work quickly to neutralize stomach acid that causes heartburn and indigestion.
8. Gas-X- This drug helps treat gas symptoms such as bloating, belching and feeling of pressure and discomfort in stomach.
9. Rubbing Alcohol- Used as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds and sterilizing skin and surfaces.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide- A mild antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It may also be used as mouth rinse to remove mucus, or to relieve minor mouth pain such as canker sores.
11. Antibiotic Ointment- This product is used to treat minor wounds such as scrapes, cuts, stings or burns.
12. Calamine Lotion- This medicine helps to relieve the itching, pain and discomfort of skin irritations and rashes.
13. Cotton Balls and Cotton Swabs- Used for applying antiseptics to ointments to wounds.
14. Medical Scissors- Used for cutting gauze, paper tape and bandages.
15. Gauze- Gauze can be used to cover and protect a wound.
16. Paper tape- Medical paper is used to hold gauze and bandages in place.
17. Sterile Gloves- For keeping wound sites sterile and preventing cross contamination.
18. Ace bandages- An elastic bandages used to create localized pressure and support strains and sprains.
19. Heat pack- Helps with muscle spasms, strains, sprains and arthritis
20. Ice pack- Minimize swelling around an injury, reduce bruising, and muscle spasm pain. Ice packs are often used after injuries like ankle sprains occur
21. Bandages- It is best to bandages in varying shapes and size. Waterproof ones can be helpful as well.
22. Aloe Vera Gel- This is best kept in the refrigerator and is useful in soothing minor burns, sunburn and rashes.
23. Tweezers- For removing splinters
24. Anbesol Gel- Numbs the and surface of the mouth for temporary relief of sore throat, canker sores, fever blisters and irritations.

These are the basics folks. Things that will make your life easier having on hand. There are generics for the medications that are listed and are usually offered at a lower cost than the name brand item.

Follow all directions listed on the medicine containers or go by what your personal physician recommends. As always keep all medications out of the reach of children.

It should also be note that one should check their medicine cabinets twice a year and throughout any outdated items. I hope this helps you keep a neatly stocked medicine cabinet.