Home pharmacyAlternative Names Drugs to keep at home; Medications to have at home InformationFor common minor symptoms and illnesses, over-the-counter medicines are available. 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. Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin-like salicylates, so talk with your doctor before using it in 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.
See also home first aid kit. ReferencesBarkin RL, Barkin SJ, Barkin DS. Perception, Assessment, Treatment, and Management of Pain in the Elderly. Clin Geriatr Med. 2005; 21(3): 465-490. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Drugs. Acetaminophen toxicity in children. Pediatrics. 2001; 108(4): 1020-1024. Illustrations and Images
Review Date:
11/15/2005 Reviewed By: Jonathan Harding, MD, CPE, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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