Your Home Pharmacy

Here is a list of drugs and other things you should keep at home for self-care. Store them in a handy, dry place, but out of children’s reach. Check the expiration date often. Throw away and replace ones that are outdated.

Medications	Use
Acetaminophen ex: Aspirin-Free Anacin, Tylenol	Pain relief, reduces fever
Activated charcoal (binds certain chemicals when swallowed) [NOTE: Call Poison Control Center first]	Oral Poisoning for some poisons
Antacids (liquid or tablets) ex: Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Amphojel	Stomach upset, heartburn
Antibiotic cream or ointment ex: Neosporin	Minor skin infection, wounds
Anti-diarrheal medicine ex: Kaopectate, Immodium A-D, Donnagel	Diarrhea
Antifungal preparations ex: Tinactin	Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
Antihistamines ex: Dristan, Triaminic, Benadryl	Allergies, cold symptom relief
Anti-motion sickness ex: Dramamine	Motion sickness
Antiseptic preparation ex: Betadine	Abrasions, cuts
Aspirin* ex: Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Cough medicine with expectorant (look for one with Guaifenison) ex: Robitussin	Cough with mucus
Cough suppressant without expectorant(look for one with Dextromethorphan ex: Robitussin DM	Dry cough without mucus
Decongestant (tablets, nose spray, etc.) ex: Dristan Nasal Spray, Sudafed, Dimetapp	Stuffy and runny nose, post-nasal drip from colds, allergies
Ear wax dissolver ex: Debrox	Ear wax
Eye drops and artificial tears ex: Murine, Visine	Minor eye irritations
Hemorrhoid preparations ex: Hemorid	Hemorrhoids
Hydrocortisone cream ex: Cortaid, Lanacort	Minor skin irritations, itching and rashes
Ibuprofen (adult) ex: Advil	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Laxatives ex: Ex-Lax, Correctol, Milk of Magnesia	Constipation
Moisturizer ex: Jergens Lotion	Dry skin
Naproxen Sodium (adult) ex: Aleve	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Petroleum jelly ex: Vaseline	Chafing, dry skin
Rubbing alcohol	Topical antiseptic, clean thermometer
Sanitary napkins, tampons	Menstruation
Sunscreen – look for one with SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more	Prevent sunburn, protect against skin cancer
Syrup of Ipecac (NOTE: Call Poison Control Center first)	To induce vomiting for some poisons
Throat anesthetic preparations ex: Sucret throat lozenges, Chloraseptic spray	Minor sore throat
Toothache – relief preparation ex. Anbesol	Toothache
Supplies	Use
Adhesive bandages	Minor wounds
Adhesive tape, sterile gauze pads, roll of sterile gauze and scissors	To dress minor wounds
Cotton balls, cotton tipped applicators	Minor wounds
Elastic bandages and clips	Minor strains and sprains
Heating pad/hot water bottle	Minor pains, strains, menstrual cramps
Humidifier, vaporizer (cool mist)	Add moisture to the air
Ice pack/Heat pack	Minor pain and injuries
Thermometer (mercury-containing, digital, etc.) Basal thermometer if using natural family planning method for birth control.	Fever
Tongue depressor, flashlight	Check for redness or infection in throat
Tweezers	Remove splinters