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Home Pharmacy
Alternate Names : Drugs to Keep at Home, Medications to Have at Home
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Information
For common minor symptoms and illnesses, keep a supply of medicine at home. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and warnings when using these products. If you have any questions, consult with your doctor before starting a new over-the-counter drug. All medications lose their effectiveness (expire) over time and eventually should be replaced. Check the expiration date before using any product.
Remember that storing medicines improperly shortens their "shelf life." 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.
DO NOT give aspirin to children under 12. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar medicines to children.
Women should consult their doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines while pregnant or breastfeeding.
The following list includes some examples of over-the-counter medicines for common symptoms. This list is not comprehensive, nor does it imply an endorsement of some brands over others. Many of these have less expensive store brand equivalents. Always look at the ingredients. There are many multi-symptom combination versions -- you should select products with the fewest ingredients needed to address your actual symptoms.
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Symptom
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Over-the-counter medicines
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Aches and pains
Fever
Headache
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- Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin), acetaminophen (Tylenol)
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Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve)
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Stuffy nose/ congestion
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Decongestant tablets:pseudoephedrine(Sudafed)
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Decongestant nasal sprays:oxymetazoline (Afrin, Nostrilla) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
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NOTE: Decongestant nasal sprays may work more quickly but have a rebound effect if you use them more than 3-5 days. They are best for short-lived colds and not for persistent allergies.
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Cough with sputum or phlegm
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Expectorant: guaifenesin(Robitussin)
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Dry cough
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Menthol throat lozenges (Halls)
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Liquid cough suppressant: dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin DM, Vicks 44).
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Sore throat
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Sore throat lozenges: Chloraseptic, Luden's, Sucrets
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Anesthetic spray:dyclonine (Cepacol)phenol (Chloraseptic)
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General pain-killers: acetaminophen(Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
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Allergies
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Non-sedating antihistamines:loratadine (Alavert,Claritin)
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Sedating antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) or clemastine (Tavist)
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Preventative nasal spray: Cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom)
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Skin rashes and itching
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Hydrocortisone cream (Cortaid, Cortizone 10), diphenhydramine (Benadryl cream), Domeboro
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Cuts and scrapes
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Antibiotic creams: bacitracin, Neosporin, Polysporin
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Antiseptics: Bactine, hydrogen peroxide solution, Lanacane First Aid Spray
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Diarrhea
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Anti-diarrheal: loperamide (Imodium), bismuth (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol)
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Rehydration solutions (Pedialyte)
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Nausea
Vomiting
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Emetrol, Pepto-Bismol
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Rehydration fluids (Pedialyte)
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See also home first aid kit.
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Review Date : 11/10/2003
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/17/2003).
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