A Guide to Must-Have Medications at Home
In the realm of wellness, equipping your home with essential medications is a powerful act of self-care. Let's explore the key medicines every home should have.
Health is a treasure, and having the right medications at your fingertips can make a crucial difference in times of need. While it's imperative to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, having a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home can offer comfort and immediate relief.
You can be prepared for most common minor illnesses like headache, runny nose, aches and pains, insect bites by keeping some common medicines at home. Such a medicine kit can help you or your family in handling minor or major unforeseen health issues at home, or at the very least, until expert medical assistance arrives. However, it is crucial to establish a list of all the medications that one would need to keep on hand before visiting a drugstore. Here's a curated list of must-have medications for your home:
We have listed the 17 essential medications with a brief description that to be kept at home
1. Paracetamol
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain (from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains). Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, Calpol, Alvedon. The drug is the best option for people who have trouble tolerating anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin. Both pill and liquid forms are offered. Regular dosages of paracetamol are safe, however exceeding that amount can have negative side effects. To prevent unintentional overdose, it is crucial to read the label of each drug to determine the recommended dose. This is particularly true for newborns and young children, whose weight determines the required dosage.
When you should take Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a pain killer. You can take them for headaches, pains and high fever.
Dosage?
1 or 2 tablets/capsules up to every 4 to 6 hours, maximum 8 tablets in 24hours.
What you should know about Paracetamol!
Do not take more than 2 tablets (1g) at a time or more than 8 tablets (4 g) in 24 hours.
Paracetamol is safe to take in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It is advisable not to take other paracetamol containing medication at the same time.
Paracetamol is also available in liquid form for children.
2. Ibuprofen
When you should take Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen use to reduce inflammation, also helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
It is also used to relief pain in various conditions like dental pain, period pain, headache, arthritis, muscle aches etc.
Dosage?
Take one or two 200 mg tablets 3 times a day with food or a drink of milk to reduce the chance of an upset stomach. Not to be taken on an empty stomach.
More information about Ibuprofen!
Not recommendable for patients suffering from stomach ulcer, asthma, high blood pressure and pregnant women
Do not take it in an empty stomach.
It is safe to take this medicine by mouth or use on your skin if you are breastfeeding.
Ask your pharmacist or call Online Chemist before you take ibuprofen if you are on other medicines
Available as tablets, capsules, liquid and gel
3. Aspirin
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce pain, fever, and/or inflammation, and as an antithrombotic. Specific inflammatory conditions which aspirin is used to treat include Kawasaki disease, pericarditis, and rheumatic fever. It is one of the most well-known OTC medications for aches and pains. It can be used to get relief from cold and fever. It is important to know that aspirin has anti-blood-clotting properties, so this medicine is known for one of the emergency treatments for heart attack and stroke. It is not recommended for children and below 18 year of age.
4. Antacid
If someone experiences heartburn, pain, or bloating due to their stomach's natural acidity, an antacid can help neutralize the effects and aid digestion. A variety of different types of antacids are available on the market including sodium bicarbonate, magnesium trisilicate, aluminium hydroxide, and others. These medications can be helpful for resolving simple indigestion or constipation issues.
When to take?
Heartburn and acid reflux are the same thing – when the acid from your stomach comes up to your throat. You will have a burning feeling when this happens. This can be a symptom of indigestion.
You can take indigestion remedies if you suffer from heartburn– a painful burning feeling in the chest, often after eating or you are feeling full and bloated, feeling sick, belching and passing wind or bringing up food or bitter tasting fluids.
There are lots of over the counter indigestion remedies available, popular ones are Gaviscon, Rennie, Zantac
How many to take?
Dose is varied, so follow the instructions on the package of medication.
It’s best to take indigestion treatment with food or soon after eating because this is when you’re most likely to get indigestion or heartburn.
5. Antihistamine
Some people are extremely allergic to certain allergens, like pollen, insect bites or even dust. The reactions that these substances cause in those with allergies often result in severe itching, swelling and watery eyes. The symptoms are due to the release of a chemical called histamine. Antihistamines can help alleviate the symptoms caused by this reaction by blocking histamine's production. Avil (and) Cetzine are two commonly available antihistamines that have this effect on individuals suffering from an allergy-induced rash; however, they typically produce mild drowsiness which should be taken into account before driving or engaging in other activities requiring vigilance afterward taking them.
When to take Antihistamine?
Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.
Antihistamines are of two main groups:
Drowsy-antihistamines, make you feel sleepy – such as Chlorphenamine (Piriton)
Non-drowsy antihistamines, less likely to make you feel sleepy – such as Cetirizine, Loratadine
Dosage?
Non drowsy-antihistamines: normally take only ONE a day.
Drowsy-antihistamines: Take one tablet every 4-6 hours. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
The common side effects are sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision
Available as tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, lotions, gels, eye drops and nasal sprays.
Its not safe to drive or use machinaries after taking sedative (drowsy) antihistamines.
6. Nasal decongestants
One common symptom of cold and sinusitis is nasal congestion. While over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as nasal decongestants can help clear the congested nose, these drugs may also cause stimulation and interfere with sleep. Alternatively, people who do not want to take oral medications for this problem can consider using sprays or rubs to relieve their symptoms.
7. Anti-diarrhoea remedy
When to take?
Diarrhoea is when you have frequent and liquid bowel movements. Many things can cause it, including viruses, bacteria and parasites, medicines such as antibiotics, digestive disorders such as coeliac disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
Most of the time Diarrhoea doesn’t require treatment and usually lasts only a couple of days. But medicine can help you feel better. It especially helps if you also have cramping or stomach pain.
The most common antidiarrhoeal medicines include loperamide (Imodium), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Dioralyte relief.
How many to take?
Please read the directions on the package or in the information leaflet inside the package. This will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it.
8. Antitussive lozenges
When a cough or cold is accompanied by throat pain, it is often wise to take antibiotics in order to fight the underlying infection. However, it's also important to use medications that can alleviate symptoms such as discomfort in the throat. Cough medicines are helpful during this time period. However, one should never give children under three years old antitussive lozenges as they may be unable to remove them from their throats and might choke on them.
9. Antiseptic ointment
It is always a good idea to have antiseptic medication at home in case of any minor cuts, scrapes, or wounds. Some popular choices include ointments and solutions such as Dettol and Savlon. However, if the wound is deep or major then it would be best to see a doctor immediately.
10. Antifungal medications
are you suffering from fungal infections like ringworm, athlete's foot, or candidiasis? if so, antifungal medications can help! these medications work by directly killing fungal cells or by preventing them from growing and thriving.
11. Anti-sickness medications
If you're feeling nauseous, anti-sickness medications such as domperidone and meclizine hydrochloride can help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. just remember that these medications can cause drowsiness, so make sure you don't drive or do anything that requires absolute concentration.
12. Topical ointments for burns
Ointments containing silver nitrate, amorphous hydrogel, silver sulfadiazine, or aminacrine HCl help in treating minor, burns that affect the outermost layer of the skin. These medications have antimicrobial properties, which exacerbate the healing and prevent further infection.
13. Cough medicine: They come in several forms from syrup to pills. They are necessary for a quick relief from incessant coughing. They also cause drowsiness and must be taken before sleeping.
14. Eye drops: Drops that contain an antihistamine and a decongestant can soothe itchy eyes. They are essential for instant relief in case your eyes feel uncomfortable or itch a lot.
15. Bandages and gauze pads: They are essential in case of any physical wound. To stop the blood flow or to cover the wound to prevent infection, you need bandages. They come in very handy if there is an emergency situation.
16. Antiseptics - To cleanse all the wounds so that the infection does not set in. A Betadine solution is a common and effective antiseptic available in the market.
17. Constipation Medicines - When your stomach gets upset, you get upset. Always keep your cabinet stocked with medicines to soothe your stomach cramps. In case of severe diarrhoea keep an ORS solution, it always comes handy to restore the hydration and the electrolyte balance in your body.
Some More Medicines:
1. Digestive Health:
FESTAL N / UNIENZYME Tablet: Aid digestion after heavy meals.
2. Nausea Relief:
ZOFER 4 (zofer for severe cases): Effective against nausea and vomiting.
3. Gas Troubles:
SOMPRAZ L / PAN D: Alleviates discomfort caused by excessive gas.
4. Pain Management:
Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Buprenorphine: For severe pain or discomfort. Use under professional guidance.
5. Fever Control:
Paracetamol Tablet 650: Effective for reducing fever.
6. Oxygen Support/Severe Infections:
Oxygen Therapy (O2) or Satrogyl 300: For respiratory distress or severe infections.
7. Diarrhea Control:
Ornaf: Addresses severe diarrhea.
8. Worm Infestations:
Mebendazole 500 mg (for adults): Treats parasitic infections.
9. Cold Symptoms:
Azithromycin 500 mg (for adults): Combats severe cold symptoms.
10. Cough Relief:
- Ascoril Syrup: Eases general cough.
- Ascoril D Syrup: Effective for dry cough.
11. Heart Health:
- Sorbitrate 10 mg Tablet: Sublingual tablet for immediate relief in case of a heart attack.
12. Blood Pressure Management:
- Low Blood Pressure: A mixture of 4 teaspoons of salt in one bottle of water.
- High Blood Pressure: Cilacar T 10/40 (or Cilacar T 20/40 for pressure above 150).
13. Diabetes Management:
- Galvus 50: Controls blood sugar levels.
14. Wound Healing:
- Megaheal Gel: Promotes the healing of wounds.
15. Skin Conditions:
- Panderm Plus: Addresses rashes, itching, and infections.
16. Allergic Reactions:
- Telekast L: Provides relief from allergies.
17. Severe Cold and Breathing Difficulty:
- Montex Tablet: Eases intense cold symptoms.
18. Migraine Relief:
- Elipran 20mg Tablet: Alleviates migraine pain.
19. Sleep Aid:
- Alzolam 5: Consult with a doctor before usage.
20. Memory Retention:
- Donamem 5: Aids in memory retention.
21. Cerebral Blood Flow Enhancement:
- Ginkolyst Tablet 60 mg: Regulates blood flow, especially vital for cerebral and spinal health.
22. Hyponatremia Management:
- Tolvaptan Tablets (Natrise): Prescribed in cases of severe dehydration and low sodium levels.
Remember, this guide serves as a general overview and not a replacement for professional medical advice. Periodically check and update your home medicine kit, and always consult a healthcare professional for individualized guidance on medication usage. Your health is a priority, and a well-prepared medicine cabinet is your ally in maintaining wellness at home.
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