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8 Essential Medications for Your Home Medicine Cabinet
What essential medications should you have in your home medicine cabinet?
Charmille Hare, D.O., a family physician at Piedmont, shares the most important products that everyone should have on hand for minor illnesses or injuries.
For all these medications, follow the directions on the packaging, and consult a doctor if you’re dealing with a chronic condition (such as migraines or heartburn) or if symptoms persist after a few days of home treatment.
1. Pain Relievers
- – Whether you’re dealing with a headache, menstrual cramps, or muscle strain, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help. There are three main types of pain relievers, all of which reduce fever and relieve pain, Dr. Hare explains. You can choose the specific type that best meets your needs. The most common OTC pain relievers include:
- – Aspirin (be aware that it can cause stomach irritation in some people).
- – Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve).
- – Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol (overuse can affect the liver).
- – Again, it’s important to follow the directions on the packaging, as long-term use of these medications can lead to complications like stomach irritation or even liver failure.
2. Cough Medicine
“For coughs, you can use any OTC medicine, and they will all work relatively well,” says Dr. Hare. If you have a productive cough (meaning you have mucus in your chest), look for a product with the expectorant guaifenesin, which helps loosen the mucus.
3. Cold Medicine
“For colds, OTC medications work very well,” says Dr. Hare. Decongestants help reduce congestion caused by the common cold or viruses, while other ingredients can relieve pain and even help you sleep better.
4. Antihistamines
For allergies, antihistamines can be your best friend. While there are many options, Dr. Hare advises looking for the phrase “non-drowsy.” Non-drowsy medications are best for daytime use, but if allergies are disrupting your sleep, a drowsy formula (such as Benadryl) can be beneficial.
5. Digestive Aids
- – For digestive issues, there are three types of medications to keep at home:
- – Tums or Rolaids for mild heartburn related to food. While they don’t provide long-term relief, these quick-release medications can rapidly curb symptoms.
- – Mylanta or Maalox is helpful for those with frequent heartburn and offers longer-lasting relief than quick-release chewables like Tums.
- – Zantac or Prevacid provides longer-lasting symptom relief. These are often recommended for individuals with daily heartburn.
- – If you have chronic heartburn, consult your doctor. They may suggest a treatment plan involving the medications listed above and/or other therapies, especially if you have an underlying condition causing your symptoms.
6. Ointments and Creams
- – “For itching, burning, or skin irritation, there are several topical treatments you can use,” says Dr. Hare. These include:
- – Calamine lotion, a popular remedy for itching and skin irritation.
- – Topical Benadryl cream if calamine lotion doesn’t soothe your symptoms. This cream blocks histamine, a common culprit of itching and skin irritation.
- – Topical steroids if the first two creams don’t alleviate symptoms. The most common OTC topical steroid is cortisone, a low-strength steroid that works well for itching.
7. Antiseptics
Dr. Hare recommends keeping hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment on hand for minor cuts and scrapes.
8. Burn Treatment
For minor burns, Dr. Hare recommends using a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to prevent infection.
“It’s essential to have these medications on hand because you never know what might happen,” says Dr. Hare. “Emergencies and illnesses come up all the time, and some situations don’t require rushing to see a doctor.”
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