Medicine Cabinet Checkup

Take a good look at the contents of your medicine cabinet. All too often, those narrow shelves house a jumble of bottles and tubes, ointments and gels, and old prescription bottles with barely legible labels. An inventory of what's in your dabinet gives you an opportunity to throw out the old and replenish with the new so you're stocked with items that will provide relief for emergencies and wellprepared for everyday needs.

So, what should be in your medicine cabinet?

By Kukla Vera
Spring 2008

Pain Relief For relief of pain, such as headache or muscle aches, Kathleen H. Besinque, Pharm.D., associate professor at the USC School of Pharmacy, encourages people to choose what best meets their needs among a field of over-the-counter drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and naproxen (Aleve®). She also recommends having an antacid (Tums® or Maalox®) on hand in case of mild heartburn or upset stomach.

Coughs and Colds "For the coughs and colds that strike most people sometime each year, a decongestant tablet offers symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe," says Besinque. She also recommends a saline solution nasal spray as a safe, non-drug product to help open up clogged nasal passages. Additional items include an expectorant to temporarily relieve coughs and ease breathing by loosening mucus. "If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, check with your pharmacist before taking cough and cold remedies," Besinque cautions.

Allergies If you have allergies, she advises that an antihistamine (such as Claritin® or Benadryl®) should be in your cabinet to relieve sneezing, runny nose and itchy throat and eyes. She cautions that antihistamines may cause sedation or worsen certain medical conditions, especially in the elderly. Again, always check first with your pharmacist or physician. For people with severe allergic reactions that require emergency treatment of epinephrine, an EpiPen® (which requires a physician's prescription) is an absolute necessity.

Cuts, Scrapes and Burns For cuts and scrapes, keep an antibiotic cream (such as Neosporin®), a hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid®) and first-aid strength hydrogen peroxide. Add a supply of multi-sized bandages, gauze and tape to handle small wounds. Although there are plenty of over-the-counter options for burns, Besinque suggests a topical cream containing silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene®). "While it requires a prescription, it provides excellent coverage in the event of a burn and also kills bacteria that can cause infection," she says.

Diarrhea She recommends remedies such as Kaopectate® or Immodium® be kept on hand to temper symptoms of diarrhea.

Specialty and Everyday Products Circumstances demand specialty items for specific households. Sexually active people should always have a supply of condoms. Treat them the same as any medication and check the expiration date before use. Parents of newborn and young children should make sure that everything in the medicine cabinet is in childproof containers. Also, non-aspirin, over-the-counter pain and fever relievers, specifically made for infants or children, should be available. These products are provided in child-friendly forms (drops, solutions or chew tabs) and have appropriate dosing information listed on the label. Parents should use the pediatric measuring device that comes with the product rather than using a teaspoon. Round out a well-stocked cabinet for just about any household with rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, sunscreen, and lip balm, as well as dental hygiene basics.

Handle with Care Besinque cautions that all over-the-counter medications are intended to relieve mild to moderate symptoms and should be used for a short period of time, usually indicated on the package. Your health care provider should always treat severe or prolonged symptoms.

Brown Bag Review Besinque recommends that people on multiple medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, should take them to their pharmacist for a "brown bag review." While computers aid in keeping track of a person's prescription medications, this visual review of all medications gives the pharmacist an opportunity to look for potential interactions, out-of-date products, unnecessary medications or incorrect dosages. Expired medications should be properly discarded in a closed container, not disposed of in the sink or toilet. Another good habit is to maintain an up-to-date list of all medications (regular and occasional use, and prescription and over-the-counter) to share with all health care providers to reduce medication-related problems. "Pharmacists are among the most available health professionals in the community. They are experts in medications and their proper use," Besinque says. "Make an appointment with your pharmacist so you'll have adequate time to review your medications and be sure you're taking them properly."