Medicine Cabinet Staples and Safety
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Medicine Cabinet
Staples and Safety
You see it each and every day. It stares back at you each morning through groggy eyes. It’s your medicine cabinet. From first aid supplies to the important medications that keep you and your family healthy, your medicine cabinet is a vital element in your home. Now ask yourself—when was the last time you cleaned your medicine cabinet? Not only are half-empty prescription bottles taking space but unused medicines past their expiration dates are dangerous to your family. Establish a schedule to clean out and replenish your medicine cabinet once a year and make it a routine, annual event.
Check the expiration date on prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medications (including eye drops) and dispose of any that have expired. When disposing of old medications, flush them down the toilet to prevent ingestion by children or pets. Also throw out any medications that are no longer used. You should never have a partial bottle of antibiotics. A cycle of antibiotic treatment must be taken in its entirety to be effective and taking partial doses can cause serious health problems.
Keep your medications off the counter and out of the reach of children. Keep them in a cool, dry place (make sure your bathroom is ventilated).
When restocking your medicine cabinet, use the following list to build the foundation of your revitalized medical supplies:
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Alcohol wipes |
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Adhesive bandages |
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Adhesive tape |
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Gauze |
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Hydrogen peroxide (for cleansing wounds) |
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Hydrocortisone cream |
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Antibiotic cream or ointment |
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Analgesic (for pain relief) |
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Antacid |
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Antiseptic (for cleansing wounds) |
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Ipecac syrup (to induce vomiting) Use only after consulting with a doctor. |
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Digital thermometer |
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Tweezers |
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*Note: Be aware that aspirin should not be given to children as it may cause Reye’s syndrome. Ask your doctor to suggest a suitable substitute for children.
Don’t let a late-night emergency catch you off guard and out of first aid supplies. Clean out and restock your medicine cabinet today!
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