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Home medicine chest suggestions for Women
The following are suggested medications available over-the-counter
(OTC) that you might want to consider keeping handy. These fall
into three categories, medications for minor conditions that most
of us experience at some time; problems that certain people experience
from time to time; and relief from particular problems specific
to women.
OTC medications for minor conditions experienced
by most people at some time
- Oral pain relief
e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol, or any
combination product which may contain any of the above and an
opioid analagesic e.g. codeine or dihydrocodeine. Available in
tablet, capsule and effervescent tablet form, all are suitable for
a wide range of aches and pains including migraine, period pain
and toothache. They also have a fever reducing (anti-pyretic)
effect.
- Topical/muscular pain relief
Available as creams, ointments, sprays,
mousses and gels, for sporting injuries, sprains and muscular
pains.
- Cough preparations
Available as a liquid or lozenges to stop a
cough (suppressants) or loosen it (expectorants).
- Sore throat medicine
Pastilles, lozenges, sprays or gargles which
may contain a local anaesthetic or antiseptic.
- Other cold relief products
Decongestants for blocked noses and are
available as sprays, drops, capsules or tablets. Combination
remedies containing pain relievers and decongestants are available
in various formulations.
- Antiseptics
Creams, solutions and ointments are available for treating minor
cuts, grazes and burns.
If you have experienced any of the conditions mentioned below
you may want to consider keeping a small supply of an appropriate
self-medication treatment at home
- Indigestion remedies
Tablets, capsules, powders and suspensions are
available. There are antacids which neutralise excess acid,
alginates which prevent acid reaching the oesophagus/windpipe, or
acid suppressants (H2 antagonists).
- Hayfever/allergy relief
Antihistamines are available as tablets and
nasal sprays containing corticosteroids, suitable for relief of
hayfever and other allergies. Antihistamines or hydrocortisone may
be needed for skin allergies such as hives or insect bites. Eye
drops are also available containing either sodium cromoglycate or
xylometazoline for itchy, sore eyes caused by allergies.
- Anti diarrhoeal preparations
Capsules containing loperamide on its own or
in combination with other products, such as oral rehydration
solutions, can provide relief or replace lost fluid and minerals.
- Anti fungals - athletes foot
Available as a cream, powder or ointment
containing clotrimazole or miconazole nitrate.
- Cold sore remedy
Anti virals are available to treat the cold sore, plus combinations
of astringents, antiseptics and local anaesthetics.
OTC medications specific to women
- Anti fungals - vaginal thrush
Creams, ointments or capsules are available.
Some contain analgesics to help reduce associated pain.
- Cystitis relief
Available as effervescent powders or granules.
- Multivitamins plus extra folic acid
Women of childbearing age who are trying to conceive or are
in the early stages of pregnancy are recommended to take folic
acid.
Guidelines for everyone
on self-treating safely
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- Keep all medicines in a secure place, out of sight and
reach of small children and preferably where an adult
can keep an eye on them eg the kitchen
- Keep all medicines in their original container and
take precautions to avoid them being affected by heat
and humidity
- Always read and follow the instructions, do not exceed
the stated dose or treatment period.
- Do not use or keep medicines past their sell-by date
- Women who are pregnant should consult their GP before
taking OTC medicine
- Always check with your pharmacist or practice nurse
before taking an OTC medicine if you are already taking
any prescription or complimentary medicines
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CHIC is an educational service provided
by PAGB (the Proprietary Association of Great Britain)
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