Must Haves for Your Medicine Cabinet

A well-stocked medicine cabinet is essential for every home. Whether it's a sudden headache, seasonal allergies, or a minor scrape, having the right over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies can make a world of difference. Here’s our pharmacist-approved list of OTC must-haves to help you stay prepared for life’s everyday health hiccups.

1. Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

What to stock:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Aspirin (for adults)

Why: They help relieve headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, fevers, and minor arthritis pain.Keep in mind age restrictions and dosage directions.

2. Allergy Relief

What to stock:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – sedating
• Loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra) – non-drowsy options

Why: Great for seasonal allergies, hives, or sudden allergic reactions. Benadryl can also help with insect bites or mild food allergies.

3. Digestive Health Aids

What to stock:

• Antacids (Tums, Rolaids)
• Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
• Stool softeners or laxatives (Colace, Senokot)

Why: For heartburn, indigestion, constipation, or upset stomachs, these remedies can provide quick relief.

4. Cold, Cough, and Flu Relief

What to stock:‍

• Decongestants (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine)
• Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan)
  
• Expectorants (guaifenesin)
• Saline nasal spray

Why: They help manage symptoms and keep you comfortable while your body fights off the virus.Always check for drug interactions if you're taking other medications.

5. First Aid Basics

What to stock:‍

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Antiseptic wipes or hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
• Hydrocortisone cream (1%) for itching and rashes
• Tweezers, syringes and digital thermometer

Why: Quick access to first aid supplies helps manage cuts, scrapes, and insect bites, reducing risk of infection and promoting healing.

6. Skin and Eye Care

What to stock:

• Artificial tears (for dry or irritated eyes)
• Calamine lotion or aloe vera gel (for sunburn or skin irritation)
• Antifungal creams (clotrimazole, miconazole)
• Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)

Why: Keeping your skin and eyes healthy and protected prevents small issues from becoming bigger ones.

7. Extras to Consider

• Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte solutions (for dehydration)
  
• Motion sickness remedies (meclizine, dimenhydrinate)
• A pill cutter and medication organizer
• Gloves and face masks for hygiene
• Age-appropriate medicines for children and babies

Final Tips from the Pharmacist:

• Check expiration dates regularly and dispose of expired medications safely.‍
• Label everything clearly and store out of reach of children.
• Talk to your pharmacist before combining OTC meds with prescriptions.

Your medicine cabinet is your first line of defense in minor health issues. Having these OTC essentials on hand can save time, money, and stress — and ensure you're ready when the unexpected happens.

Need help customizing your cabinet for your family's needs? Stop by Prime Family Pharmacy and chat with our team — we’re conveniently located in Rock Hill, South Carolina and we are here to help you stay healthy and prepared!

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