Family Medicine Chest
Here is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a description of their use. All are quite cheap and should be stocked up at home in preparation for any minor illness or accident. Keep them in a box or cupboard with a lock, or store them well out of the reach of children.
Antihistamine Tablets
For relief of inflammaiotn from stings or itchy rashes and other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes and swelling associated with insect bites.
Antiseptic Cream
For treating septic spots and sores on intact skin, not on open wounds.
Antiseptic Mouthwash
Gargles will often relieve a sore throat.
Calamine Lotion
For dabbing on bites, stings and sunburn. Also soothes chickenpox and shingles.
Cotton Wool
For dabbing on calamine lotion. Use gauze for cleaning cuts and grazes.
Dressings, plasters and bandages
Always useful - for minor cuts and grazes.
Paracetamol mixture
For the relief of pain or fever in young children. Do not use medicine and gel together.
Paracetamol or Aspirin tablets
Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises. Under no circumstances should Aspirin be given to children under the age of 16.
Sunscreen
For protection from the sun - a must!
Thermometer
For measuring fevers.
Tweezers
For removing splinters and ticks.
Remember that your local pharmacy can give you advice about all medicines.