Medicine cabinet must-haves

MANILA, Philippines - Just as we keep our wardrobe updated and our pantry full, we should also remember that it is very important to maintain a medicine cabinet stocked with the most essential, over-the-counter, at-home first-aid products and medications — in case a sudden need for them arises.

Is it time to give your medical supplies a checkup? Makati Medical Center’s Dr. Johnny Sinon, Emergency Department chief, breaks down what basic medicines and emergency supplies your home medicine cabinet should contain to save you from that time-consuming emergency trip to the pharmacy and allow you to treat conditions faster.

Allergies

To relieve sneezing and a runny nose, have antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and clemastine on hand. Each of these really does work but causes sleepiness, so you may want to look for versions that combat drowsiness. Eye drops that contain an antihistamine and a decongestant helps soothe itchy eyes

Bellyaches

Often, an upset stomach simply needs to be allowed to rest, but in some cases, you might need to reach for medication. Good products to have on hand for heartburn include calcium carbonate, the active ingredient in TUMS or something that contains aluminum or magnesium hydroxide. Treatment for diarrhea usually isn’t necessary, though you might want to stock up on loperamide.

Colds Or Flu

Basic things to have in your home medicine cabinet in case common cold or the flu strikes would be a decongestant phenylephrine) and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine, loratadine). For nasal congestion, it’ll be good to have saline drops around, as this also comes in handy for your infant if you use it with a bulb suction.

Cough

For a dry, hacking cough, look for cough medicine that contains the suppressant dextromethorphan. Popular brands include over-the-counter cough preparations (not recommended for children below two years old). If your cough is producing mucus, something with guaifenesin, an expectorant, will help loosen secretions.

Cuts And Burns

A box of adhesive strips in assorted sizes and a box of gauze pads will be adequate to dress most cuts, scrapes, and burns. You may also want to have hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds (it stings less than alcohol) and antibiotic ointment to protect and moisten a closed wound or a minor burn.  

Fever

It’s best to stick with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aspirin still seems to be a top choice but shouldn’t be taken by children and people who take blood thinners or are about to have surgery. Keep a thermometer — digital oral or rectal, not mercury — so you can check your temperature.

Itchy Rashes, Bug Bites, And Other Skin Problems

Calamine lotion soothes itching from rashes and insect bites, but for intense itching, keep an antihistamine cream ready, or one that combines both calamine and antihistamine. If these two don’t work, try a cortisone cream instead.

Pain

What kind of pain? Certain medications are better for headaches as opposed to a sprained ankle. For routine aches and pains, such as a headache, you can take acetaminophen, but if you have a sprain or swollen joint, opt for an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen or aspirin.

If symptoms persist, see your doctor or proceed to the nearest Emergency Room.