Medicine cabinets are an important part of any home. Not only can they often contain life-saving medications in case something horrible happens; they’re also there for the smaller emergencies, such as a cold, a fever, or something not major enough to go to the hospital for but requires immediate attention.
If you’ve just moved into a new place or realized that your medicines at home are a little bit on the bare side, here are some good suggestions before you panic-buy items, such as sachets of Fluimucil medicine.
Most of these are easily bought over the counter without the need for a doctor’s prescription, but if you do have pre-existing conditions or are not sure about the effects of these drugs on your body, it’s better to ask your doctor first as to what to do.
Aspirin
One of the most widely used painkillers, aspirin has become a staple part of any properly-stocked medicine cabinet. It can also treat other mild symptoms, such as pain and inflammation. As an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) drug, it’s recommended for cases of mild to moderate pain or as a regular medication for people with certain conditions.
Decongestants
If you’ve ever had a cold, decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can help clear up clogged sinuses and allow you a good night’s sleep again. However, be warned that these drugs may be regulated depending on where you live. Check for alternatives or get a prescription if this is the case.
Antihistamines
Are you prone to sneezing during spring? You’re most likely experiencing some form of allergies. Antihistamines come in many formulations that vary in application, strength, and side effects. While some of them can be bought without a prescription, it is better to see your doctor if you find yourself needing antihistamine quite often or if your reactions are particularly extreme.
Heartburn or acid reflux medication
Sometimes, you’ll eat something that might give you a burning sensation and your esophagus might hurt a little more than you’re willing to bear. You may be experiencing either heartburn or acid reflux, which are very common in older individuals whose bodies may not be able to take their usual diets anymore. Having some medication that can relieve the acid levels in your stomach will help in this case.
Skin lotion
Not as a beauty regimen, skin lotions, in this case, are things like calamine and antihistamines, which can be very helpful when you’re accidentally exposed to a plant or animal that leaves you with rashes all over your body. For those who are doing particularly intense sports or workouts, antifungal and anti-chafing lotion are also a good addition to your medicine cabinet.
Being responsible for our health is one of the many things that a well-stocked medicine cabinet can easily help us with. The best part of it is that you can reasonably use these medications anytime. If anything, the biggest benefit of a medicine cabinet is that it allows you to look after yourself and your loved ones or colleagues.
