By: Dr. Ernest DeLaCruz
Amazingly, Americans spend more than $4 billion each year on over-the-counter drugs. As a nation, we diagnose and self-treat four times more often than we turn to our doctors. With all of this self-medicating going on, let us examine just what are the essentials that no household should be without and consider a few important safety rules along the way.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when taking an over-the-counter medication is to use the product only in accordance with the label’s instructions. Many of these products were formerly prescription drugs that the Federal Food and Drug Administration has deemed safe in a reduced dosage form. Ignoring label instructions can lead a person to develop a more serious health condition than the original one that is being treated.
It is important to remember that OTC drugs are for the temporary relief of minor symptoms; they are not cures. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should always check with your doctor before taking any medications.
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‘By being prepared, you will be able to treat most of the common ailments and keep your cool in a panic-inducing situation.’ Dr. Ernest DeLaCruz
Internist The Medical Center at Princeton |
Just as it is important to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year, it is necessary to check the contents of your medicine chest at least once a year. It is generally recommended that old medicines be flushed down the toilet and that bottles are rinsed out thoroughly before being recycled or thrown away. This prevents medicine from potentially falling into the wrong hands or poisoning an animal.
When checking through your medicine cabinet, get rid of anything that has expired. Once a medicine passes its expiration date, it loses its potency and will no longer act as it should. Throw away any medicines that do not have their original labels and any that look or smell funny. If tablets are powdery or discolored, get rid of them. If a liquid medicine collects sediment or appears cloudy when it should be clear, it should be thrown out.
Although most people keep their medicines in the bathroom, it is not the best place to store them because humidity causes more rapid deterioration. A linen closet or bedroom closet would be a better choice. If this is not possible, consider putting your medicines in plastic bags to protect them from moisture.
Once you have removed any old or stale medicines from the cabinet, it is time to freshen your stock. Here is a list of must-haves that will enable you to be prepared for any of the usual afflictions that families deal with on a regular basis.
Acetaminophen. This is recommended as a headache and fever reducer, especially for children.
Ibuprofen. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is good for fever and is better at relieving muscular aches and pain than acetaminophen.
Aspirin. This is a fever and pain reducer for adults only. Studies have shown that aspirin given to children or adolescents for a viral infection such as flu or chicken pox may lead to a rare but potentially fatal brain condition known as Reye’s Syndrome.
Thermometer. For households with young children, a rectal thermometer is a must. For everyone else, an oral thermometer is recommended. Ear thermometers, though seemingly convenient, are often inconsistent.
Lozenges. These help provide temporary relief for sore throats and irritation.
Cough Syrup. Opt for a cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan. It is particularly effective for nighttime coughs.
Sunscreen. Purchase one with a sun protection factor of at least 15.1 percent.
Hydrocortisone cream. Keep this on hand for itchy skin conditions and mosquito bites.
Antibiotic ointment. Use this in cream or ointment form for treating minor cuts and scrapes.
Syrup of Ipecac. This syrup induces vomiting in the event that a poison has been swallowed. Because some poisons should NOT be regurgitated, it is essential to read the label of the poison to see if it indicates that vomiting should be induced. In the event of any poisoning, call the Poison Control Center immediately. The number in is 1-800-POISON-1 (1-800-764-7661). This number is listed on the first page of your local telephone directory.
Antihistamines. Use these to lessen the severity of hay fever and allergic reactions such as hives.
Gastrointestinal Medicines. These can offer relief of heartburn, sour stomach and diarrhea.
Epinephrine injector. For families with highly allergic individuals, be sure to have a prescription epi-pen on hand for injecting epinephrine quickly.
For households with children, there are some additional rules that need to be followed. For starters, should you or your child experience new or unexpected symptoms while taking any medication, contact your doctor immediately. In addition:
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Yes, it has been said many times, but it is well worth repeating.
Purchase medicines with child-resistant caps. Interestingly, the legal definition of a child-resistant cap requires that 80 percent of 5-year-olds cannot remove the cap within five minutes. Consider that this means one in five children will be able to open the cap in less time, meaning that these caps are child-resistant, not child proof.
Never leave containers uncapped or medicines left out of their box.
Never give medicine to children unless it is recommended for children on the label or by a doctor.
When dispensing liquid medication, be precise about measuring and use accurately marked medicine cups, cooking spoons, or medicine droppers. Remember that the abbreviation for tablespoon is Tbs., while the abbreviation for teaspoon is tsp. Be sure not to get these mixed up. Do not guess about a child’s size. Be specific about weight, as this is how dosages are created. If you have a child who is small or big for his age, use weight as the deciding factor, not age, which is approximate.
Do not let children take medicine by themselves.
Never describe medicine as candy so that a young child will not mistake it as a treat.
Finally, remember that accidents do not just occur in the home. Be prepared when you take your family in the car or on vacation by having a first-aid kit with you at all times. Items that are helpful to have on hand include: gauze and adhesive tape; scissors to cut the gauze and tape; antibiotic cream, lotion or spray; bandages of varying sizes; hydrocortisone cream; syrup of ipecac; chemical ice pack; tweezers; thermometer; first-aid handbook; phone numbers for your doctor and the Poison Control Center.
By being prepared, you will be able to treat most of the common ailments and keep your cool in a panic-inducing situation.
Dr. Ernest DeLaCruz is an internist on staff at The Medical Center at Princeton. Health Matters appears Fridays in the Lifestyle section of The Princeton Packet and is contributed by The Medical Center at Princeton.