Home Medicine Chest
This list of nonprescription drugs and supplies will be
sufficient to relieve symptoms in the majority of acute
illnesses that affect every family. Since these medicines
will not shorten the course of the illnesses, give them only
when symptoms are really bothering your child. Observe all
label precautions.
- acetaminophen (Tylenol): for fever or pain
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): for pain or fever
- thermometers, rectal and oral types
- rubber suction bulb: for stuffy, blocked nose (after
using saline or warm-water nosedrops)
- butterscotch hard candies: for sore throat
- cough drops or corn syrup (as effective as expectorant
cough syrups): for mild coughs
- humidifier: for coughs or croup
- antibiotic eyedrops: for bacterial eye infections with a
yellow discharge. (Note: This is the only prescription
item on this list.)
- cotton balls: for cleaning infected eyes
- sunscreen (cream and lip balm)
- 1% hydrocortisone: for itchy skin conditions such as
mosquito bites and poison ivy
- antibiotic ointment: for skin infections
- acetone (nail polish remover): for removing tape from
the skin
- rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol): for sterilizing
the skin or needles
- glucose-electrolyte solution (also called oral rehydration
solution). If you have a child less than 1 year old, keep a
bottle handy for severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- antihistamine medicine: for hives, hay fever, and eye
allergies (optional for many families, but definitely
needed if family members have allergies)
- gastrointestinal medicines: Vomiting and diarrhea
respond best to dietary changes, and the numerous
nonprescription medicines that are available are
unnecessary or harmful. Acute constipation may
occasionally require some Milk of Magnesia, but most
children respond to dietary change.
- tincture of time (the passage of time): cures the
majority of mild illnesses.
- TLC (tender loving care): makes the time pass more
quickly.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.