Is your medicine cabinet stocked up?
Mon 23rd February 2015
It is always best to be prepared. That’s why the advice from NHS North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group is to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet for times when you or your family are feeling under the weather.
Dr John Matthews said: “Having home remedies to hand means peace of mind, and “self-care” is often the best remedy in many instances. Common ailments such as colds, sore throats and coughs do not always need to be treated with a visit to the GP and antibiotics.
“Instead, the best cure is plenty of rest, keeping warm and a having a good range of medicines in your cabinet.”
Stock up now with the following:
- Pain relief – paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most common painkillers and are available in tablet and liquid form. Aspirin and ibuprofen also reduce inflammation. Please note: aspirin should not be given to anyone under the age of 16.
- Anti-diarrhoea medicine – make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquid for the first 24 hours when symptoms appear in order to keep hydrated. Your pharmacist can also recommend rehydration drinks.
- Sore throat remedies – ask your pharmacist about sprays to ease soreness. Adults can also gargle with soluble aspirin to ease the pain.
- Cough remedies – ask your pharmacist about different types of linctus which will aid different types of coughs, i.e. dry and tickly or loose.
- Plasters and bandages – it always pays to be well-stocked in the event of minor cuts and scrapes. Ask your pharmacist about anti-allergy plasters.
- Thermometer – this can be useful if someone in the family develops a cold or if a young child becomes ill. As a general rule a temperature of over 37.5 (99.5F) is a fever.
- Antihistamines – these are useful for allergies and runny noses. Ask your pharmacist about the types available. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness and are not recommended if you are driving or operating machinery.
- Antiseptic cream – this is a medicine cabinet essential in the event or cuts and scrapes, as well as bites and stings (which are rarer in winter but can still occur.)
- Laxatives – constipation can occur at any time. Ask your pharmacist about the types available (tablets or sachets) and which ones are suitable for children or the elderly.
- Children’s medicines – there is a huge variety available to treat a whole range of minor illnesses and conditions. Ask your pharmacist about sugar-free varieties if your child is taking one regularly.
For further health advice, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/asap