Health Care Encyclopedia
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Home pharmacyDefinition:
Alternative Names: Drugs to keep at home; Medications to have at home
Information: For common minor symptoms and illnesses, over-the-counter medicines are available. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and warnings when using these products. If you have any questions, consult with your doctor before starting a new over-the-counter drug. All medications lose their effectiveness (expire) over time and eventually should be replaced. Check the expiration date before using any product. Remember that storing medicines improperly shortens their "shelf life." Store medicines in a cool, dry area. The heat from kitchens and the moisture from bathrooms decrease the effectiveness of a medication. (See storing medicine.) Store all medications out of reach of children. DO NOT give aspirin to children under 12. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar medicines to children. Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin-like salicylates, so talk with your doctor before using it in children. Women should consult their doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines while pregnant or breastfeeding. The following list includes some examples of over-the-counter medicines for common symptoms. This list is not comprehensive, nor does it imply an endorsement of some brands over others. Many of these have less expensive store brand� equivalents. Always look at the ingredients. There are many multi-symptom� combination versions -- you should select products with the fewest ingredients needed to address your actual symptoms. Symptom | Over-the-counter medicines | Aches and pains Fever Headache | - Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve)
- Acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine (Excedrin)
| Stuffy nose/ congestion | - Oral decongestants: pseudoephedrine (Contact Non-Drowsy, Simply Stuffy, Sudafed)
- Decongestant nasal sprays: oxymetazoline (Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, Sinex) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex)
- NOTE: Decongestant nasal sprays may work more quickly but have a rebound effect if you use them more than 3 - 5 days. They are best for short-lived colds and not for persistent allergies.
| Cough with sputum or phlegm | - Expectorant: guaifenesin (Robitussin)
| Dry cough | - Menthol throat lozenges: Halls, Robitussin, Vicks
- Liquid cough suppressant: dextromethorphan (Benylin, Delsym, Robitussin DM, Simply Cough, Vicks 44).
| Sore throat | - Sore throat lozenges: Chloraseptic, Luden's, Sucrets
- Anesthetic spray: dyclonine (Cepacol), phenol (Chloraseptic)
- General pain-killers: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
| Allergies | - Non-sedating antihistamines: loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, Dimetapp ND)
- Sedating antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), brompheniramine (Dimetapp), or clemastine (Tavist)
- Preventative nasal spray: Cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom)
| Skin rashes and itching | - Hydrocortisone cream (Cortaid, Cortizone 10), Domeboro
| | Cuts and scrapes | - Antibiotic creams: bacitracin, Neosporin, Polysporin
- Antiseptics: Bactine, Betadine, hydrogen peroxide solution, Lanacane First Aid Spray
| Diarrhea | - Anti-diarrheal: loperamide (Imodium), bismuth (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol)
- Rehydration fluids: Enfalyte, Pedialyte
| Nausea Vomiting | - Emetrol, Pepto-Bismol
- Rehydration fluids: Enfalyte, Pedialyte
- Motion sickness: dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
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See also home first aid kit.
References: Barkin RL, Barkin SJ, Barkin DS. Perception, Assessment, Treatment, and Management of Pain in the Elderly. Clin Geriatr Med. 2005; 21(3): 465-490. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Drugs. Acetaminophen toxicity in children. Pediatrics. 2001; 108(4): 1020-1024.
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| Review Date: 11/15/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Harding, MD, CPE, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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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 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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