Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home is one of the best ways to be prepared to quickly treat minor illnesses and injuries. Running to the drugstore every time someone has a headache or the sniffles can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Keeping certain essential over-the-counter (OTC) medications on hand means you can promptly address common health issues that pop up until you are able to see a doctor. Here is a complete guide to the OTC remedies you should have on hand and how to use them safely and effectively:
Pain Relief
OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) can provide relief from headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, menstrual cramps, fevers, and more. Acetaminophen works by elevating pain thresholds in the body. Ibuprofen and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation that often causes pain.
Be sure to always carefully read and follow dosage instructions, which are based on age and other factors. Take only the recommended amount. Combining certain pain relievers can be dangerous due to overdose risks. Also, those with liver disease or who drink alcohol regularly should be cautious with acetaminophen use. Speak to your doctor before use if you take any other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Allergy Medications
If you suffer from hay fever, seasonal allergies, or skin reactions, having OTC antihistamines on hand can provide relief from stuffy and runny noses, sneezing, watery eyes, hives, and itching. Oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These work by blocking histamine, the chemical your body releases when having an allergic reaction.
Nasal sprays like azelastine (Astelin) and olopatadine (Patanase) can combat congestion. Topical creams containing diphenhydramine or hydrocortisone can also soothe skin allergies and reactions. Pay attention to labels for warnings about possible drowsiness with some oral antihistamine types.
Decongestants
When congestion hits due to colds, sinus infections, or allergies, OTC decongestants offer relief by constricting blood vessels inside the nose to open airways. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are common active ingredients in decongestants. Brands like Sudafed and DayQuil contain these.
Use decongestants only for short periods per label guidelines, usually 3-5 days maximum. Extended use can cause rebound congestion. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and glaucoma should speak to a doctor first before using decongestants.
Antacids
Indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, upset stomach - these common GI issues can make you feel miserable. Having OTC antacids on hand like Tums, Rolaids, or Pepto-Bismol can help neutralize excess stomach acid and provide rapid relief. Acid reducers like famotidine (Pepcid) or ranitidine (Zantac) decrease acid production for longer relief.
Avoid antacids if you are on salt-restricted diets or need to limit calcium intake. Those with kidney disease should also consult a doctor first. Don't use antacids as a long-term solution for frequent heartburn. See your doctor to address ongoing GI issues.
Laxatives
Dealing with occasional constipation? Stimulant laxatives such as senna, bisacodyl, or magnesium hydroxide found in Milk of Magnesia stimulate bowel contractions to prompt a bowel movement.
Lubricant laxatives like mineral oil make stool softer and easier to pass. Stool softeners help fluids penetrate and soften stool. Bulk-forming laxatives add fiber to encourage regularity. Laxatives provide short-term relief for a day or two. Don't use for more than a week unless under medical direction.
Cough, Cold and Flu Products
Having the right medications for coughs, colds, flu, and sore throats means you don't have to run out when someone gets sick. Expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex) thin mucus. Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Delsym) inhibit the cough reflex. Nasal saline sprays and drops can ease congestion.
Pain/fever reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can treat aches, pains, and elevated temperatures. Topical ointments provide soothing relief for sore throat pain. Always ensure proper dosing based on a person's age and avoid mixing products.
First Aid Essentials
Well-stocked first aid kits include antibiotic ointments and creams, hydrocortisone cream for rashes and itches, oral antihistamines for allergic reactions like bee stings, adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, thermometer, latex gloves, tweezers, scissors, instant cold packs, sterile saline for eye irritations, and a first aid handbook.
Having these supplies allows you to promptly clean and cover minor wounds, burns, and scrapes that inevitably happen to prevent infection and promote healing until proper medical treatment can be obtained. Only use topical antibiotics for a short period to avoid resistance.
With this comprehensive guide, you now know the key OTC medications to have on hand to treat nearly any common health issue quickly and effectively. Always read labels thoroughly, follow directions, heed product warnings, store properly away from children, and discard expired medications. A prepared medicine cabinet makes home the best place to start feeling better!
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