Medicine Cabinet Must Haves

Every family needs these items in their medicine cabinet in case of emergencies.

Wondering what you should always have on hand in the family medicine cabinet?  Here is a quick list of the 10 most important medical supplies.

1. Pain relievers

Ibuprofen is a favorite among a lot of people, and is also a fever reducer and anti-inflammatory.  Tylenol is another favorite, but does NOT reduce swelling.  However, you may want to keep both handy.

2. Cold and cough medicine

Having a cold is one of the most miserable things in the world.  Keep medicine on hand at all times to prevent a midnight run to the pharmacy.

3. Allergy medicine

Benadryl is an absolute necessity, because of how fast it works to end allergy attacks and reduce the itching of hives.  This is another one that can save you a miserable night or a late-night run to the pharmacy.  Remember, though, that it will make you sleepy!  For non-drowsy, once-a-day allergy relief, Claritin or Zyrtec are other good ones to have, in addition to the Benadryl.

4. Hydrocortisone cream

This cream is a must have, especially with kids.  It will soothe all kinds of itches, from mosquito bites to hives and poison ivy, to allergic reactions and weird skin rashes you just can’t explain.  Don’t worry about all the fancy kinds of cream — just basic 1 percent hydrocortisone cream is all you need.  If that’s not cutting through the itch, this is where Benadryl comes in handy!

5. Antacids

It may not be an emergency, but heartburn or bloating is a discomfort that you don’t have to put up with!  Keep antacids on hand, especially if you or someone in the family is prone to stomach upset.

6. Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be scary, especially in children, because of the high risk of dehydration that comes with it.  Imodium is pretty effective at quickly stopping diarrhea, and can be purchased over the counter.

7. Antiseptic cleanser

Cuts and scrapes need to be cleaned in order to prevent infection, which can turn a small injury into a larger problem.  Doctors differ on whether or not you should use hydrogen peroxide, so I would recommend a different kind.  Small cuts and scrapes should be cleaned with soap and water.

8. Antibiotic ointment

Ongoing wound care is important!  Neosporin is a family favorite, and for good reason.  A properly cleaned wound can still get infected, so some kind of antibiotic ointment is important to keep the cut healthy as it heals.

9. Bandages

Bandages of all sizes and varieties are a necessity in any family’s medicine cabinet.  Small bandages can soothe an upset child, as almost any parent knows, but they are also important for keeping out dirt and allowing cuts and scrapes to heal.  Injuries are not all one size, so remember to keep a variety of types on hand.

10. Thermometer

The presence of a fever can be an important indicator of illness or infection, and a high fever may suggest the need for immediate medical care.  Always be sure to keep a working thermometer in the house.

With these ten items in your medicine cabinet, you can rest easy that you are prepared for almost anything! But, as always, if you are in a real emergency call 911 immediately.

Vernon Marker is an expert in a variety of topics including using the proper medical supplies to treat injuries at home and home elderly care.  He is an experience blogger and loves to travel.  Follow him on Twitter @VernMarker.