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Home medicine chest suggestions for Students and
Young Adults
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 likely
to be experienced by students and young adults.
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)
fever reducing 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 suffered from 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. 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 to treat the cold sore.
Combinations of astringents, antiseptics and local anaesthetics.
- Dandruff
Medicated shampoos are available containing ketoconazole or
selenium sulphide.
OTC medications specific to students and young
adults
- Hangover remedies
Effervescent powders and tablets containing an
antacid and aspirin or paracetamol can settle the stomach and
treat the headache.
- Spot/acne preparations
Gels, creams and ointments containing benzoyl peroxide, sulphur
or triclosan are available to treat the problem.
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 e.g. 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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