Minor illnesses are very common at home, school, workplace or in any other place. This calls for a need to have home medicines, so that such illnesses can be treated effectively at home. It is safe to have such medicines at home as they help reduce the symptoms before taking the patient to the nearest hospital or before emergency health provider arrives at home. These are medicines that can be bought from pharmacies without prescriptions; however, you should read and follow all the instructions on the label. Here is a list of some medicines that you need to have at home at all time.
Paracetemol
Paracetamol are the most popular home medicines as they help reduce pain and reduce fever. It is available in form of liquid for children and babies and in form of tablets for adults. If you have children at home, this is the most crucial medicine you should keep at home. It just need to be taken in normal doses and can be harmful if taken in high dose.
Anti- Inflammatory Painkillers
These are painkillers that help minimize inflammation. Unlike the paracetamol, most of them require prescriptions. Some of the most common anti- inflammatory painkillers you can buy include ibuprofen and diclofenac. They help reduce muscular sprains and aches for a certain period of time. Note that there are some people who cannot use these home medicines, for instance, those suffering or have suffered from ulcers.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines help reduce symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Some of the allergies that the medicines help reduce include watery eyes, running nose, itching and sneezing. Some antihistamines such as chlorphenamine or piriton cause drowsiness, thus they should only be taken at bedtime. Those that do not cause drowsiness are the most effective to be used during the day. They include cetirizine or loratadine.
Antacids
Antacids are effective in easing heartburn and indigestion. They are available in various types such as aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium trisilicate. They work by neutralizing all acid in the stomach. There are other powerful home medicines such as omeprazole or ranitidine that can also help minimize acid in the stomach.
Other useful items
It is also important to ensure that you have several plasters, crepe and triangular bandages, pair of tweezers and antiseptic cream for treatment of grazes, cuts and sprains.
More advice as you use home medicines
You are not supposed to use the medicines if you suspect the problem may be symptoms of other major health problems in the body. If the symptoms continue, you should always seek medical advice. Prior to providing any medication ensure that you know about the 5 rights of medication and the legal implications of providing aid. All this is taught in a workplace approved first aid course which we provide throughout North America.