Q. Are there any recommended medicines I should keep at home?
A. To help you recover from minor illnesses a few, easily-available items available from supermarkets or pharmacies can help you not need attention from medical professionals and recover quickly.
I’d recommend a home kit has:
l Pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen - highly effective at relieving most minor pains
l Antihistamines - useful for dealing with allergies and insect bites or if you have hay fever. They may be creams or tablets but some can cause drowsiness
l Oral rehydration salts – to replace any loss through fever, diarrhoea and vomiting
l Anti-diarrhoea tablets - to be used if struggling to keep up with fluids
l Indigestion treatment – antacids can help stomach upset after a celebration or party – many different formulations available to suit most people
l Sunscreen – It is best to always keep a lotion of at least factor 15. Even brief exposure to the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. Ensure it has UVA protection
l A basic first aid kit to treat minor cuts, sprains and bruises should be available. This should contain bandages, plasters in a range of sizes, a thermometer, antiseptic cream, eyewash solution, sterile dressings, medical tape and tweezers.
With any medicines follow the instructions and never take more than the stated dose – keep them out of sight and reach of children in a lockable cupboard. Take expired medicines back to your pharmacy.
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