Over-the-Counter (OTC) Meds You Need at Home
Components of a Well-Stocked Home Medicine Cabinet
Apr 27, 2009
People often consider keeping a first-aid kit at hand, but few give thought to maintaining a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Although it would be ideal to never need medication, it is often necessary. Hectic lifestyles and poor dietary habits weaken immune systems, wreak havoc on digestive tracts, and can lead to pain or insomnia.
Pharmacies stock aisle after aisle of over-the-counter products, and choosing from them may seem overwhelming. However, among the seemingly endless sea of choices, only a few are needed to form your OTC arsenal.
Antacids
Almost everyone has experienced the unpleasant experience of indigestion. Gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and reflux are common symptoms of digestive distress. Antacids may be able to provide relief from or prevent such symptoms.
Antacids generally work in one of two ways. Traditional products contain calcium, aluminum, and/or magnesium salts that neutralize stomach acid and may provide a soothing layer of liquid against the stomach lining. Some products also contain an added ingredient to help with gas (simethicone.) These agents can bring relief fairly quickly. Other antacids help to control the amount of acid the stomach produces. They are typically used to prevent indigestion rather than treat it acutely, and may require a few hours (famotidine, ranitidine) to a few days (omeprazole) to provide noticeable results.
Oral Analgesics
Pain relievers are one of the most important items to have on hand in the event of headache, muscle strain, or other painful condition. Oral analgesics will also reduce fever, so they are doubly useful. Many analgesics are anti-inflammatory agents (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin.) These should always be taken with food, and, if possible, a full glass of water. Anyone with an aspirin allergy, peptic ulcer, or taking blood thinners should avoid these products.
Acetaminophen is an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs, and is considered safe to use with ulcers and in conjunction with most other medications. Both types of pain relievers are useful for a variety of conditions, so you may wish to stock both in your home. It is a good idea to stock aspirin as well. In the event of a heart attack, chewing an aspirin while waiting for paramedics can be a life saving action.
Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines are used to treat cold and allergy symptoms. They are divided into sedating and less-sedating groups. The older antihistamine (diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine) can cause drowsiness, also making them useful as short-term sleep aids. The newer antihistamines (loratidine, certirizine) are less-sedating than their traditional counterparts, making them more practical for daytime use. Agents in either group will control sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, mild cough, itching, and other allergic responses. They may also provide relief from mild nausea or motion sickness.
Decongestants
Oral decongestants are helpful in reducing nasal congestion and stuffiness often associated with cold and allergy symptoms. Phenylephrine is the most common over-the-counter agent, and the easiest to acquire. Pseudoephedrine is also available without a prescription, but laws governing its purchase make it more difficult to obtain. Decongestants may increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar, so people with heart conditions, hypertension, or diabetes should avoid or limit use of these products.
Topical Antibiotics
Antibiotic creams or ointments are available as single-ingredient or combination products (bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin.) They can be applied to mild to moderate scrapes, cuts, and burns to prevent infection. Some products may also include a topical pain-reliever such as pramoxine or lidocaine.
Topical Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-itch and anti-inflammatory creams or ointments generally contain hydrocortisone. They are useful for eczema, psoriasis, rashes, or other causes of dry, itchy, irritated skin, and will usually provide relief within a few minutes of contact.
Zinc
Much research has been done on the effects of zinc on our bodies. Zinc is an essential dietary mineral with several beneficial properties. Studies on zinc have shown that increased intake of the mineral may help combat sore throat, and reduce duration of cold viruses if administered within the first twenty-four hours of the cold onset.
Maintaining a well-stocked medicine cabinet doesn't have to be an overpowering, confusing task. Select a few essential products, store them safely, and use them as directed. Also, remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter products if you take prescription medicines.
The information presented here is not intended to substitute for the care of a physician. The author assumes no responsibility for events resulting from the use or misuse of this information.
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