Ask Your Pharmacist

Your pharmacist can advise you about selecting nonprescription ("over-the-counter") medications and products for your family. Factors such as age, weight, symptoms, allergies, other medications being taken, and other existing ailments influence a medication's power and effectiveness. Be aware that a product that works for you may not be suitable for your children.

Pharmacists can provide you with valuable information when treating minor ailments or mishaps at home. Turn to your pharmacist for advice and remember to "Communicate to Stay Healthy-Talk With Your Pharmacist."

Medications

Pain/Fever

• Aspirin (Because of the link with Reye's Syndrome, aspirin is not recommended for those under 18 years of age, unless ordered by a doctor)
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen (non-aspirin)

Cough/Cold/Allergies
Ask your pharmacist what type of medication is right for your symptoms:

• Antihistamine-for sneezing, runny nose, and itching
• Decongestant-for a stuffy nose
• Antitussive-to relieve a dry cough
• Expectorant-to loosen a cough

Swelling/Inflammation

• Aspirin (See above warning)
• Ibuprofen
• Ketoprofen
• Naproxen Sodium

Upset stomach from heartburn, sour stomach or acid indigestion
Your pharmacist can recommend an antacid to provide relief. If you do not feel better in two weeks, discontinue use and see your doctor.

Nausea/Vomiting/Motion Sickness
The right medication will vary depending on your symptoms. Discuss your condition with your pharmacist for a product recommendation. Your pharmacist will know if your symptoms are too severe for self-treatment and can advise you to see your doctor.

Diarrhea
Ask your pharmacist which antidiarrheal will work best for you. If the symptoms last more than 48 hours, consult your doctor.

Constipation
Laxatives will relieve constipation but are not designed for long-term use. Consult your pharmacist about natural methods of treatment.

Poisoning
Syrup of ipecac will induce vomiting, but consult your local poison control center before you act because some poisons should not be vomited.

Skin Preparations

Wound cleansing
Wash with a mild antibacterial soap or clean with hydrogen peroxide.

Minor cuts or scrapes
Apply antibacterial ointment (some products end in "sporin") and cover with a bandage.

Sunburn prevention
Use sunscreen SPF 15 or higher.

Treatment of minor sunburn

• Use anesthetic medication (some brands end in "caine"), or
• Apply aloe preparations.

Poison Ivy

• Soak in a bathtub with either baking soda or colloidal oatmeal in the water, or
• Apply calamine (soothing type of lotion), or
• Apply hydrocortisone cream.

Bee sting (if not allergic)

• Mix together water and either baking soda or meat tenderizer to apply on sting, and
• Apply calamine or hydrocortisone cream.

Dry skin
Apply protective skin cream or lotion (when weather or activities cause dry skin).

Medical Supplies

To take temperature
A thermometer should be selected based on 1) age, 2) where temperature is being taken-by mouth (long tip) or by rectum (round short tip), and 3) expense (glass thermometer or newer digital).

To measure liquid medications
Use either a special medicine spoon (not a kitchen spoon), cup, dropper or oral syringe. Your pharmacist can provide you with the appropriate measuring device if it does not come with the medication.

For minor cuts and scrapes
Keep on hand different sizes of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze bandages, and adhesive tape.

To cut bandages and tape
Scissors

To remove splinters
Tweezers (clean with alcohol before using)

For sprains
Elastic bandages

Other Miscellaneous Supplies

Rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, ice bag, humidifier (cold vapor or ultrasonic), heating pad, cotton balls, and cotton swabs.

Your Pharmacist and You

Your pharmacist can serve as your health care advisor when it comes to stocking your home with important over-the-counter (OTC) medications and products.

Even though you do not need a doctor's prescription for these medications, they are still very powerful. Always follow directions, and ask your pharmacist if any of the medications will adversely interact with your prescription medicines. Report to your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects occur.

Be mindful of expiration dates on all medications and properly dispose of out-dated medicines. Medicines can change as they get older and cause harm or become ineffective.

Unless the label directs otherwise, store OTC medications at room temperature and away from moisture, heat and direct light. Keep medicines securely closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. The bathroom "medicine cabinet" is not recommended for storage because humidity in the bathroom can decompose medications and alter their effect.