Home medicine chest suggestions for older people

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 problems likely to be experienced by the older person.

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, rheumatic or mild arthritic pain, and toothache. They also have a fever (anti-pyretic) reducing effect.
• It is important that you do not take more than the recommended amount of any pain reliever. If your GP has prescribed you pain relievers and you also want to take OTC pain relievers check that by taking the two medications you are not taking more than the recommended dose.
• 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. 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.

OTC medications for treating problems likely to be experienced by the older person

• Constipation remedies
  Four types are available depending on the type and degree of constipation - stimulant laxatives encourage evacuation by irritating the gut wall, bulking agents increase the volume of the stool, faecal softeners soften the stool and osmotic laxatives alter the consistency of the stool. (If constipation persists it might be worth re-examining the diet).
• Haemorroidal preparations
  Available as creams and suppositories to help stop the itch and ease the pain.
• Emollients
  For treating dry skin conditions such as pruritus. Be cautious of slipping if using emollient oils in the bath.

CHIC is an educational service provided by PAGB (the Proprietary Association of Great Britain)