Marcus RichardsA home pharmacy is a great way to save money and be prepared for minor medical emergencies. You probably have a medicine cabinet in your bathroom. But is it stocked with the basic medicines you need for common ailments? To make sure you have what you need, here is a list of items to keep in your home pharmacy.
1. Pain Relief Medication
Pain relief medication is essential for treating headaches, muscle, and joint pain. Look for a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen to provide the best relief. You can try procare-pharmacy.ca/ to find out more about how to store your medication safely. If you’re having a tough time deciding which one to choose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ibuprofen: This is the most common over-the-counter pain reliever and is used to treat mild to moderate pain. It can also be used to reduce fever and inflammation, such as from arthritis or sprains. This medication comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid suspensions.
- Menstrual Pain Relief Medication: For many women, menstrual cramps are an unavoidable part of life. For some, the pain can be so severe that it interferes with their daily activities. To relieve menstrual cramp pain, ibuprofen is usually recommended as the first line of treatment. Other over-the-counter options include naproxen sodium (Aleve) and mefenamic acid (Ponstel).
2. Anti-Diarrheal Medicine
If you’re experiencing loose stools or diarrhea, anti-diarrheal medications can help reduce symptoms and get your gastrointestinal tract back on track. Look for formulations like loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol). These medicines work by slowing down the movement of food through your intestines, giving your body time to absorb fluids and electrolytes more efficiently. And, of course, make sure to drink plenty of fluids if you’re experiencing diarrhea.
Oral Rehydration Solutions
If you’re feeling dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, an oral rehydration solution can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes quickly and effectively. Look for products like Pedialyte or Ceralyte that contain glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, and other minerals. These solutions are available in both powder form (which you mix with water) and ready-to-drink liquid form. If you have severe dehydration, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Antacid
If you suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion, an antacid can help relieve your symptoms quickly and effectively. Look for formulations like calcium carbonate (Tums) or aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Mylanta). This type of medication works by neutralizing the stomach acid that causes the burning sensation in your chest and throat. It’s important to take antacids as soon as you start feeling the pain of heartburn, since they don’t work as well if taken too late after a meal. If you have frequent or severe heartburn, talk to your doctor about other treatments.
4. Cough and Cold Medicine
When you have a cold, it’s important to get relief from the symptoms as soon as possible so you can rest and recover. Look for medications that contain ingredients like dextromethorphan (Robitussin) or guaifenesin (Mucinex), which can help reduce coughing and congestion. There are also combination medicines available that contain several different active ingredients to provide maximum symptom relief. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package carefully.
5. Allergy Relief Medicine
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, look for over-the-counter medications containing antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin). These drugs can help relieve your sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms. For more severe allergies, you may want to talk to your doctor about prescription-strength medication. These medications require a prescription from a doctor, but they can be more effective than over-the-counter medications.
- In some cases, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy and some changes to your home cleaning to help you manage your allergies. Immunotherapy involves taking small amounts of the allergen that is causing your symptoms and gradually increasing the dose until your body gets used to it. This type of treatment can reduce or even eliminate allergic reactions over time.
6. Antifungal Creams
If you suffer from an athlete’s foot or another fungal skin infection, an antifungal cream can help treat the condition quickly and effectively. Look for creams containing miconazole (Cruex) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin), which are both available over the counter. Apply the cream twice a day until the infection is gone, then continue using it for one week after the symptoms have cleared up to prevent the infection from coming back. Be sure to change your socks and shoes regularly, too.
There are many over-the-counter medications available that can help you manage a variety of common ailments and conditions. However, it’s always important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or are pregnant or nursing. With the right medication, you can get relief from your symptoms quickly and safely.
