THE FAMILY MEDICINE CHEST
Minor illnesses or accidents can happen at any time so it’s worth being prepared. It makes sense to keep some first aid and simple remedies to treat minor complaints and accidents.
· Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
· Paracetamol (for example Calpol) or ibuprofen syrups (or both) for children
· Mouth Ulcer treatments – eg. Choline Salicylate Gel (Bonjela)
· Mild laxatives
· Anti – diarrhoeal medicines
· Electrolyte Replacement Sachets (Rehydration) for example Dioralyte
· Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
· Travel sickness tablets
· Sunscreen – SPF factor 15 or higher
· Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
· Tweezers and sharp scissors
· A thermometer
· A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
· Antiseptic Cream
· Eye Bath & Optrex or sterile water
Remember
· Keep the medicine chest in a secure locked place, out of reach of small children
· Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
· Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell by date
· Take all unwanted and out of date medicines back to the pharmacy. This is to stop medicines getting into the water supply and the wrong people getting hold of medicines someone else has thrown away
REMEMBER THAT YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST CAN GIVE YOU ADVICE ABOUT MEDICINES IF THE SURGERY IS CLOSED