YOUR MUST HAVE MEDICINES IN YOUR CABINET

 STOCK UP ON YOUR ESSENTIALS AND CLEAR OUT THE ONES THAT ARE PAST THEIR PRIME

Many Health issues can be easily managed at home, assuming you have the right remedy in hand. " Over the Counter" medications can be very useful for relief of everyday ailments. They can save you time and money while giving fast relief as long as all manufacturer directions are followed and expiration dates are checked. 

Here are a few medications that everyone should have in their home. 

ANTIHISTAMINES 

Oral diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ) can often quash a reaction caused by a bee sting, poison ivy or mild food allergy. 

EPIPEN 

If your kids are allergic to peanuts or any other allergies causing severe hives and reaction, please always keep an EpiPen at home. They do not require a prescription from a doctor and any pharmacist can give it to you.

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT 

Any cut or scrape in skin's barrier is an invitation for infection. Stop it by applying an ointment that contains an antibiotic such as bacitracin , polymyxin and/or neomycin. Polysporin contains two of these three antibiotics. 

PAIN AND FEVER RELIEVERS 

Personal preference is a factor, but acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) works well for headaches where as Ibuprofen (Advil) is better for pain and inflammation. Having these two types of children's meds in this category is also wise, as your pediatrician may advise you to alternate them to break a fever. 

COLD MEDICINE 

Many cold medicines contain several active ingredients, so read labels carefully or ask your pharmacist to avoid double dosing. For example, if your cold remedy has acetaminophen in it , don't take a separate pain reliever on top of it. DONT GIVE COLD MEDICINE TO CHILDREN UNDER 6 WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH YOUR PEDIATICIAN OR YOUR PHARMACIST. 

STOMACH ACHE REMEDY 

No one wants to run to the drugstore when they have diarrhea or feeling queasy. That's why it's smart to have a general tummy tamer such as Imodium for diarrhea relief at home. Do not use Imodium for children though. 

A Heartburn medication that kicks in quickly like Gaviscon, is also worth having in your arsenal. 

EMERGENCY USE FOR CHEST PAIN 

Whenever you have symptoms of heart attack like pressure or pain in the chest, dizziness, left arm pain and numbness, Upper back pressure its best to chew 160 mg of Aspirin and call 911. Always keep Aspirin 81 mg in your cabinet.