The Medicine Cabinet

All drugs are potentially dangerous and should be stored out of the reach of children. Throw away medicines which are out-of-date or over one year old or which are not clearly labeled. Do not give left over medicines to others or take them yourself. There is one type of antibiotic, for example, which if out-of-date may result in kidney failure. The things that you should keep in your medicine cabinet for minor ailments or emergencies are:

1. Syrup of lpecac 30 cc’s (1 oz.) - This will be used to induce vomiting if a child swallows a poison which is not a volatile hydrocarbon or caustic. Call Poison Control before administering.
2. Acetaminophen (Datril or Tylenol) - For children keep liquid and suppository forms of acetaminophen.
3. Antacids - Over the counter antacids are available for indigestion and occasional heartburn or baking soda may be used.
4. Anti-itch preparation - Calamine Lotion or .5% Hydrocortisone Cream to be used for poison ivy and irritant rash.
5. Isopropyl Alcohol - This is an excellent antiseptic for home use. May be used for small cuts after cleansing with soap and water.
6. Antibiotic Cream - *May be used on cuts and burns.) Any bacitracin containing cream (Polysporin, Neosporin).
7. Nose drops for relief of nasal congestion - ¼% Neo-Synephrine or Phenylephrins 1/8%. Decongestant - Internal decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine.
8. Antihistamine - ChlorTrimeton 4 mg.
9. Clyceryl quiacolate for coughs - Robitussin Plain
10. Other items - Bandaids, 2” roll of bandages, 2 sq. inches of gauze pads, 1” adhesive tape, scissors, elastic bandage 3-4” wide, Ace wrap, ice bag, hot water bottle, thermometer, cool mist vaporizer, sterile cotton balls.