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Drugs
Drugs
Overview

Home pharmacy

Alternative Names:
Drugs to keep at home; Medications to have at home

Information:

For minor symptoms and common illnesses, it is wise to keep some medications in supply at home. Follow the manufacturer's directions and warnings when using these products.

All medications lose their effectiveness (expire) over time and should be replaced. Check the expiration date before using any product.

Improper storage shortens the effective date of a medicine. Store medicines in a cool, dry area. The heat from kitchens and the moisture from bathrooms decrease the effectiveness of a medication. (See storing medicine.) Store all medications out of reach of children.

This list includes examples of the types of medications that are usually appropriate for the conditions mentioned. There are many other products available that may also be used for these medical conditions. The products listed are not necessarily superior to other available commercial products.

Do not give aspirin to children under 12. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin, ibuprofen, or similiar medicines to children.

Women should consult their health care provider before taking over-the-counter medicines while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Examples of medications to be considered for your home pharmacy:

  • Allergies (antihistamines)
    • Benadryl
    • Dimetapp
    • Claritin

  • Minor skin infections (antibiotic creams)
    • Neosporin
    • Polysporin

  • Athlete's foot (antifungals)
    • Lotrimin AF
    • Tinactin, Micatin

  • Minor cuts and scrapes (antiseptics and bandages)
    • Hydrogen peroxide
    • Betadine
    • Hibiclens
    • Bandages and adhesive tape
  • Colds (over-the-counter cough/cold combinations)
    • Drixoral
    • Comtrex
    • Tavist-D
    • Tylenol Cold and Flu

  • Constipation (laxatives)
    • Metamucil
    • Dulcolax
    • Fibercon
    • Milk of magnesia

  • Cough (over-the-counter preparations)
    • Robitussin DM
    • Delsym
    • Robitussin

  • Stuffy nose (decongestants)
    • Sudafed
    • Efidac

  • Diarrhea (antidiarrheals)
    • Imodium AD
    • Kaopectate

  • Eye irritation (eye drops)
    • Visine
    • Murine
    • Prefrin

  • Eye wash (over-the-counter preparations)
    • Collyrium for Fresh Eyes eye wash
    • Eye-Stream

  • Fever (antipyretics)
    • Tylenol
    • Aspirin
    • Advil

Remember: consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or other NSAIDs to children.

  • Gas pain (antiflatulence preparations)
    • Maalox Anti-Gas
    • Mylanta Gas
    • Gas-X
    • Tums
    • Rolaids

  • Headache and other pain (analgesics)
    • Tylenol
    • Aspirin
    • Advil
    • Alleve

Remember: consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or other NSAIDs to children.

  • Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoid preparations)
    • Anusol HC-1
    • Preparation H

  • Poisoning (syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting)

    Remember: use syrup of ipecac only as directed by the Poison Control Center.

  • Skin rashes (ointments or creams applied to the skin)
    • Hydrocortisone cream
    • Benadryl cream
    • Domeboro

  • Sprains (elastic Ace bandages)

  • Stomach upset (antacids)
    • Alka-Seltzer (for nausea)
    • Pepto-Bismol (for nausea)
    • Pepcid (for sour stomach)
    • Zantac (for sour stomach)

  • Sunburn prevention (sunscreens)

  • Swelling and inflammation (anti-inflammatories)
    • Aspirin
    • Advil
    • Alleve

Remember: consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or other NSAIDs to children.



Review Date: 5/17/2003
Reviewed By: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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