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How to properly stock your medicine cabinet (2/8/96)
Most everyone has a medicine cabinet, but is yours properly stocked to handle an injury or illness? Medicine chest necessities vary among households depending on who is living in the home. "Households with young children will need items different from those for households with adults or senior citizens," said Daniel Casto, PharmD, associate professor of pharmacology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. "Yet, there are three categories of items that are routinely found in medicine cabinets. Each home should have items to treat minor cuts and scrapes, such as first aid products; medications for chronic illnesses; and over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms," he said. "It isn't necessary to have a great number of items," said Dr. Casto, "but there are some basic first-aid products no home should be without." They include: + A mild antibacterial soap for cleansing wounds + Hydrogen peroxide, also helpful for cleansing + Adhesive bandages + Sterile gauze + Antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin. Pain relievers Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are all effective for relieving minor pain and bringing down fevers, the doctor said. Aspirin and ibuprofen have anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective for treating problems such as arthritis. "Aspirin should not be given to children," said Dr. Casto. "There has been an association between the use of aspirin and the development of Reye's Syndrome, a condition that can be serious and sometimes fatal." Cough medicines Coughing is a natural defense mechanism that doesn't always need to be suppressed. Dr. Casto notes, a dry, nagging cough that prevents rest is one that can be treated with non-prescription medications. Despite the overwhelming sea of cough products, there are only four types that are really effective. These are: + Guaifenesin. Also known as Robitussin, this product does not suppress coughing, but thins secretions. + Dextromethorphan. This is more commonly known as the DM version of a cough syrup. It is equal in strength to cough medicines that include codeine. + Codeine. Syrups containing codeine used to be the gold standard. Now there is some question about their effectiveness. + Diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl. To receive maximum benefit from cough suppressants, Dr. Casto recommends following the instructions, avoiding overuse, and drinking lots of fluid. He reminds caregivers not to give cough suppressants to young children. Storage Most medications are kept in the bathroom. This is not an ideal location because heat and humidity can increase the rate at which medicines breakdown. "Steam from baths and showers makes it easier for medications to degrade," Dr. Casto said. "Good places to store medications are in a bathroom that is not frequently used or in a kitchen cabinet - provided it is not over the stove." Always make sure medications are kept out of reach of young children, he added. Like most things, medicines don't last forever. Make a habit of routinely checking the medicine cabinet every six to 12 months and discarding expired products. "Old medications and prescriptions that should have been completed should be thrown out," Dr. Casto said. "Don't keep left over prescriptions on hand for other conditions." Contact: Andrea Corbett, (210) 567-2570
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