A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Drugs
Drugs

Home pharmacy
Alternative Names:
Drugs to keep at home; Medications to have at home

Information:

For minor symptoms and illnesses that are common, it is wise to keep some medications in supply at home. Follow the manufacturer's directions and warnings when using these products.

All medications lose their effectiveness (expire) over time and should be replaced. Check the expiration date before using any product.

Improper storage shortens the effective date of the medicine. Store medicines in a cool, dry area. The heat from kitchens and the moisture from bathrooms decrease the effectiveness of a medication. Store all medications out of reach of children.

This list includes EXAMPLES of the types of medications that normally are appropriate for the conditions mentioned. There are many other products available that may also be used for these medical conditions. The products listed are not necessarily superior to other available commercial products.

CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE GIVING ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, OR OTHER NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS (NSAIDs such as naproxen) TO CHILDREN!

PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD CONSULT THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE TAKING ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING.

Examples of medications to be considered for your home pharmacy:

  • allergies
    • antihistamines
      • Benadryl
      • Dimetapp
  • minor skin infections
    • antibiotic creams
      • Neosporin
      • Polysporin
  • athlete's foot
    • antifungals
      • Lotrimin AF
      • Tinactin, Micatin
  • cleaning minor cuts and scrapes
    • antiseptics
      • Hydrogen peroxide
      • Betadine
      • Hibiclens
  • colds
    • over the counter cough/cold combinations - oral
      • Drixoral
      • Comtrex
      • Tavist-D
  • constipation
    • laxatives
      • Metamucil
      • Dulcolax
      • Fibercon
  • cough
    • over the counter preparations
      • Robitussin DM
      • Delsym
      • Robitussin
  • stuffy nose
    • decongestants
      • Sudafed
      • Efidac
  • diarrhea
    • antidiarrheals
      • Imodium AD
      • Kaopectate
  • eye irritation
    • eye drops
      • Visine
      • Murine
      • Prefrin
  • eye wash
    • over the counter preparations
      • Collyrium for Fresh Eyes Eye Wash
      • Eye-Stream
  • fever
    • antipyretics
      • Tylenol
      • aspirin
      • Advil
      • Remember: consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or ibuprofen products (such as Advil) to children.
  • gas pain
    • antiflatulents preparations
      • Maalox Anti-Gas
      • Mylanta Gas
      • Gas X
      • Tums
      • Rolaids
      • Pepcid
      • Zantac
  • headache and other pain
    • analgesics
      • Tylenol
      • aspirin
      • Advil
      • Aleve
      • Remember: consult your health care provider before giving aspirin, ibuprofen products, or other NSAIDs to children.
  • hemorrhoids
    • hemorrhoid preparations
      • Anusol HC-1
      • Preparation H
  • minor cuts and scrapes
    • bandages
    • adhesive tape
  • poisoning (to induce vomiting)
    • Syrup of ipecac *
  • skin rashes
    • analgesics (applied to the skin)
      • Hydrocortisone creams
      • Benadryl Cream
      • Domeboro
  • sprains
    • Elastic (Ace) bandages
  • stomach upset
    • Antacid
  • sunburn prevention
    • Sunscreens
  • swelling, inflammation
    • anti-inflammatories
      • aspirin
      • Advil
      • Aleve
      • Remember: consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or ibuprofen products (such as Advil) to children.
  • vaginal yeast infections
    • vaginal antifungal preparations
      • Monistat 7
      • Gyne-Lotrimin
*Use syrup of ipecac only as directed by the Poison Control Center.
Review Date: 11/6/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician 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. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com