5 Medicines that should always be in Stock

You must have heard, “Chance favours the prepared mind.” Even the most minor of illnesses or physical problems can be a cause of concern if you are not prepared. A well-stocked medicine cabinet not only allows you rapid reaction time in moments of need but it also gives you a sense of well-being.

Based on the inputs from health care providers and physicians, here is a list of top 5 medicines you should have in your medicine cabinet. These will help you to control major symptoms such as aches and pains, fevers, stomach ailments, or basic infections.

Pain relievers and fever reducers
Drugs such as acetaminophen, paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are effective medicines to offer relief from most of the minor aches and pains such as headaches and menstrual pain and reduce fever.

There are many types of pain such as tooth pain or acute back pain in which you should  give an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen because it will be more effective in this case as this kind of pain is associated with inflammation. These anti-inflammatory medicines are also effective in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis and sprains.

Antacids
Antacids such as Digene or Gelusil should always be present in your medicine cabinet to provide relief from heartburn, upset stomach and bloating.  These antacids provide quick relief and decrease the effect of acids on the stomach and oesophagus.

Nausea
Antiemetic drugs such as phenergen, phenadoz, and avomin are used to treat nausea and also as a preventive measure for motion sickness.

Anti-allergic medicines
There are various anti-allergic medicines such as antihistaminic drugs which are available over the counter for use. Some anti-histaminics are non-sedating in nature while few others are sedating in nature. Medicines like cetirizine and Allegra can be used for the treatment of hay fever, allergies, urticarial, angioedema, and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Antibiotic ointments
In cases of cuts and scrapes, an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin or Neosporin is effective. The wound can be washed with warm water and soap and then the topical ointment applied on it along with a loose band aid for 2 or more days. Neosporin is also available in the form of a dusting powder.

Silverex is a sulphadiazine antibiotic which is effective in the treatment of burns. This cream is used to prevent and treat infections in patients who have suffered second or third degree burns. It should be noted here that the patients with severe burns or burns over a large area of the body must be taken to a hospital immediately for treatment.

Benadryl
Benadryl is listed here separately as it is used against many problems. It is an important medicine which can be used for many purposes including treatment of allergic reactions, insomnia, cough, motion sickness and Parkinsonism. It forms an integral part of your medicine cabinet. It works well for hives and itching due to many causes such as poison ivy, animal allergies, medication allergies and food allergies.

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