Medicine Cabinet ABCs

Host Bee on Thursday, May 3rd, 2007

Fill Your Medicine Cabinet With the Proper Essentials!

Many of us wonder if our medicine cabinets are properly stocked for potential emergencies and illnesses. It always seems to me that whatever I need the MOST at a given moment is the one thing I am missing! With a bit of research, I was able to locate a list of medical necessities compiled by the Food and Drug Administration and published in their March-April 2000 Consumer Magazine. The list does appear long, but you probably have most of these items at home already!

To Be Kept in A Closet*

Analgesic (relieves pain)
Antacid (relieves upset stomach)
Antibiotic Ointment (reduces risk of infection)
Antihistamine (relieves allergy symptoms)
Antiseptic (helps stop infection)
Decongestant (relieves stuffy nose and other colds symptoms)
Fever Reducer (adult and child, keeping in mind that NO aspirin should be given to children or teens due to the risk of Reyes syndrome)
Hydrocortisone (relieves itching and inflammation)

*Note: not the bathroom medicine cabinet or closet, due to the heat and humidity created by showers and baths. The FDA recommends storing all over the counter and prescription medications in a cool, dark and dry place like the top of a linen closet, preferably locked and out of the reach of children.

To Be Kept in the Medicine Cabinet

Adhesive Bandages
Adhesive Tape
Gauze Pads
Alcohol wipes
Disinfectant
Calibrated Measuring Spoon
Tweezers
Thermometer (digital)

Other helpful items to have on hand

sunscreen
calamine lotion
hot/cold packs
insect repellant

Keep Your Supplies Up to Date

Clean out your storage areas at least once a year, discarding outdated products, damaged containers and old supplies. Restock supplies that are missing or low. Keep all items in their original containers so that no one takes the wrong one.

Addressing the Needs of Different Aged Children

It is also important to keep in mind that the medical needs of an infant will be much different than those of a toddler or teenager. In my research I located a web site that offers age by age suggestions for the contents of your medicine cabinet! At keepkidshealthy.com, they offer recommendations for medicine cabinet essentials by age, including categories for newborn, infant, toddler, preschooler, school aged and adolescents. This site is very informative and easy to access! Take a look!