First aid kits are very important part of preparing for emergencies. But one over looked element is over the counter (OTC) medications. They can help alleviate symptoms and make your patient more comfortable.
Here is a list of some of the top OTC meds to shop for at your pharmacy.
ACETAMINOPHEN
These are the medicines that treat fever, especially ones caused by minor pains. It is ideal for patients who have allergic reactions to anti-inflammatory ingredients.
IBUPROFEN
This is ideal for fever and pains that come from inflammations, such as the ones after surgery. These drugs are also called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.
ASPIRIN
This medicine is known to treat fever coming from pain and inflammation. Yet, it is more preferred for patients with heart problems because it has anti-blood-clotting properties.
GUAIFENESIN – Mucinex
For coughing accompanied by mucus, this is the OTC medicine you need. It helps loosen the mucus at the bronchi so that these can be dispelled out of the lungs.
DEXTROMETHORPHAN – Mucinex
This OTC is also ideal to treat cough, but is not helpful for patients who are taking anti-depression medicines. This medicine can be found as an ingredient of other medications for colds.
ORAL DECONGESTANTS – Sudafed
Ask the pharmacist for medications that help treat congestion of the head and sinus. These decongestants come in the form of pills or liquid. Yet, some oral decongestants also cause heart palpitations. So it’s essential that you talk with the pharmacist to get the right brand for you.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE – Benadryl
This medicine is used for treating allergic reactions that include sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. Yet, this drug can result in sleepiness. If you don’t want this effect, the pharmacist can advise you of another option.
ANTIHISTAMINE – Zyrtec
This medicine treats any allergy and allergic reaction, without the effect of sleepiness. Since there are many antihistamines you should choose from, consulting with the pharmacist can help you get the right brand.
BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE – Pepto
This medicine helps treat indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. However, it is not ideal for young patients and pregnant women.
EMETROL
This is another OTC that treats nausea and vomiting. It is also helpful for children and pregnant women, depending on the doctor’s approval.
Please consult with your doctor before taking any medications. Read all product labels and warnings. Prepared Wanderer does not take any responsibility in misuse of medications.
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