Always keep an adequate supply of medicine in your home to prevent common health problems.

Photo by Roger Brown from Pexels

By following this guide, you will be able to alleviate many minor health issues and illnesses.

Pain Relief

A lot of minor aches and pains are relieved by pain relievers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin.

In addition to treating more serious illnesses, these medicines can also alleviate aches, pains, and high temperatures associated with minor ailments.

The anti-inflammatory effects of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin are also helpful in reducing inflammation caused by arthritis and sprains.

Keep in mind:

• Under 16-year-olds should not take aspirin
• There are certain conditions where you should take ibuprofen with caution – for example, if you have asthma, please discuss it with your pharmacist before using this medication. 
• Taking ibuprofen during pregnancy can be dangerous – speak to your doctor or midwife

You should also include: 

• Antihistamines
• Oral rehydration salts
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Indigestion treatment
• Antacids 

Sunscreen

Make sure you use sun lotion with a minimum factor of 30. It is possible to burn yourself in the sun even after a brief exposure. Protect yourself from UVA rays with a UVA-blocking sunscreen.

Also, wear a hat and sunglasses, and avoid the sun from 11 am to 3 pm when it is at its hottest.

A first Aid Kit 

In addition to treating minor cuts, sprains, and bruises, a well-stocked first aid kit reduces the risk of cuts becoming infected.

Items to include in it are as follows:

• Bandages
• Plasters 
• Thermometer- This is even more essential when you have children at home. You need to have a way to take their temperature when poorly. 
• Antiseptic – any cuts or scrapes need to be cleaned before bandaged
• Eyewash solution
• Sterile dressings 
• Medical tape 
• Tweezers- These are brilliant for removing debris such as splinters. 
• Reusable gel ice packs – stick them in our freezer for the times when you need them and use them time and time again

Medicine Safety

You should keep the following medicines in your home when storing them:

• Please always follow the directions on your medicine packet and information leaflet, and avoid taking more than what is recommended
• Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry, high, lockable place where children cannot reach them – a high, lockable cupboard is ideal in this regard
• Ensure that your medicines do not expire before their expiration date; if they are past their expiration date, do not use them; instead, take them to a pharmacy for safe disposal
• If you have any questions about medicines, a pharmacist can help.

What A Pharmacist Can Do For You

As well as helping you with coughs, colds, asthma, eczema, allergies, hay fever, and period pains, your pharmacist can also help you with many other health conditions.

Depending on what is needed, they can either give advice or, if necessary, prescribe medicines that would be able to help you.

As opposed to going to a doctor and booking an appointment, you can make an appointment with a pharmacist whenever you like – just walk in.

This short guide should help you to stock up your medicine cabinet for the times when you need it. Are there any other essentials that you would include?