Treat Kids Common Ailments – What to Keep In Medicine Cabinet

Buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines at a store or pharmacy is possible without a doctor’s prescription. You can think about keeping over-the-counter medicines in your medicine cabinet if you’re a parent in order to treat your typical ailments and injuries. Here are some tips to help you make sure your child’s medication cabinet is well stocked.

Keep In Your Medicine Cabinet: For Common Illnesses for Children

• In general, children can safely use painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). Ibuprofen is advisable if the child is at least six months old, whereas acetaminophen is advisable if the infant is at least two months old. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place in case the backup plan fails. To prevent injury, carefully read the dosing directions on the label and consult your pharmacist. Your child’s dosage is dependent on weight.
• A runny nose and itchy eyes are two allergy symptoms that antihistamines can help with. They are not advisable for kids under the age of two because they can make kids sleepy.
• Cuts and scrapes may result in infections, which hinders with antibiotic ointments.
• A topical steroid refers to cortisone cream helps relieve uncomfortable rashes or skin irritation arises due to bug bites.
• Creams and ointments for diaper rashes serve as a barrier between the skin and irritants like urine and can effectively cure and soothe rashes.
• Saline nasal spray or drops can assist in thinning mucus and hydrating the inside of the nose.
• Intestinal gas can produce pressure and discomfort, so gas drops can help alleviate this.

Additional Things to Keep In Medicine Cabinet

• Some oral liquid medications come with oral syringes, cups, or spoons to help you estimate the right dose for your kid. To ensure appropriate dose and administration, never use an ordinary kitchen spoon in place of these items. If your medicine does not come with an oral syringe, you can also buy one.
• Sunburn prevention measures include lip balm with SPF 15 and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Effective zinc-oxide products have an SPF of at least 30. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises avoiding direct sunlight for infants younger than six months. Sunscreen use should become a regular element of a sun safety regimen after six months of age.
• Different sizes of bandages are excellent for covering cuts and scratches. Before bandaging a cut, it is necessary to wash or clean the injury.
• Your kid is safe from disease-carrying insects with insect repellents. You can use DEET or picaridin, which is the main ingredient in the majority of repellents if your infant is at least two months old.
• A thermometer is useful for measuring temperature.

Tips from the Pharmacist Regarding Medication Safety

• Must keep medicines out of your child’s and pets’ reach. Keep them in a cool, dry area.
• Medication can be hazardous for your child if taken in excess or not according to instructions. Call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 or dial 911 if you believe your child has consumed a drug that was not intended for them or in large doses.
• Use the correct names for the drugs. If you refer to medicines as “candy,” your child can mistake them for sweets and devour them without your awareness.
• Similar components are found in several OTC drugs. To prevent administering too much of the same drug, make sure you read all the active ingredients.

The Bottom Line

It’s beneficial to have over-the-counter medicines available in your medicine cabinet in case of accidents or sickness. To make sure you have the correct items for your family, it is a good idea to talk with your pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have regarding medications.