Health Advice

What should I keep in my medicine cabinet?

Your Pharmacist can advise you what to keep in your medicine cabinet but the following is a general guide:

Oral Pain Relief
Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin are the most common pain killers. Aspirin and Ibuprofen also reduce inflammation. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.

Anti-histamines
These help allergies and runny noses and are available as tablets and liquids.

Sore throat remedy
General pain relief is recommended e.g. paracetamol. Adults may gargle with soluble aspirin. Throat lozenges and sprays may also ease symptoms.

Cough Linctus
Many different types are available. These will either stop a cough or loosen it.

Diarrhoea treatments
Make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids for the first 24 hours. Your pharmacist can also recommend rehydration drinks, which you add to water.

Indigestion remedy
Various different types are available. A simple antacid will relieve the majority of symptoms.

Constipation treatments
E.g. Senna can be tried for constipation.

Hangover treatments
It is important to drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic liquids. There are specific rehydration remedies available from your pharmacy which includes paracetamol.

Children's Medicines
There are children's varieties available for most of these medicines, ask your pharmacist. We would recommend having both paracetamol and ibuprofen available in liquid form in addition to a liquid antihistamine.

Thermometer
Note: Always follow the instructions on medication so that you know who can have the medication and how much to give.

 

Useful Links

NHS Direct Health and Medical Information
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

Nottinghamshire County Teaching PCT
http://www.nottinghamshirecountyteachingpct.nhs.uk/

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust
http://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/

Healthcare Commission
http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/

Patient UK
http://www.patient.co.uk/index.asp