Treating minor cuts, stuffy noses and the like is a cinch when your medicine cabinet has all the necessities. Dr. Laura Tagle, an internist with the Mecklenburg Medical Group in Huntersville, N.C., recommends having these items on hand:
IMODIUM: For diarrhea, but only use for one to two days. “Call the doctor if symptoms last longer,” Tagle says.
ACETAMINOPHEN: Example: Tylenol. Good for headaches and for chronic arthritis relief, but don’t take more than 4 grams of medicine containing acetaminophen per day, Tagle says. If you have liver disease, she says, don’t take
more than 2 grams per day.
POLYSPORIN OINTMENT: For cuts and scrapes. Tagle prefers it over Neosporin because it’s less likely to cause a rash.
NASAL SPRAY: Example: Afrin. Good for severe nasal congestion. But only use for one to two days, or you could develop rebound congestion, Tagle warns.
LOW-DOSE ASPRIN: Chew four 81 mg tablets and swallow if you think you are having a heart attack.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: For cleaning cuts. “Don’t apply to the center of the wound. Doing so slows down healing,” Tagle says.
HYDROCORTISONE CREAM: For rashes that itch, but only use for one week, Tagle says. Any rash lasting longer than a week should be looked at by a doctor.
NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs): Examples: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). To treat
inflammation and mild to moderate pain. “Always take with food,” Tagle says, but adds that people who are on blood-thinners or have kidney disease shouldn’t take NSAIDS.
VICKS VAPORUB: For nasal congestion relief. It can also be used on poison ivy.
ANTIHISTAMINES: Benadryl for acute allergic reactions; Claritin or Zyrtec for chronic allergies or cold symptoms.