The contents of a medicine chest may be as simple or as elaborate as the special needs of your child and the availability of professional medical services. Be sure to consult your doctor before purchasing and administering any medications. In average circumstances, the following list of 20 items should meet all your needs in semi-emergency situations until you can reach your chemist. All items should be clearly labelled in their original containers with child-proof tops and should be stored out of reach of even the most inquisitive young child. (Even if you have no children of your own, be careful to store things away from visiting friends’ offspring) Recommended contents: Acetaminophen (paracetamol), adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), adhesive tape, antiemetic, antihistamine, antiseptic solution, aspirin, burn ointment, codeine, cough medicine, decongestant, emetic, knitted roller bandage, lubricant, nasal aspirator, nose drops, sterile gauze pads, steristrips, steroid thermometer.
20 things that you need to have in your medical chest
Aspirin And Paracetamol
Aspirin is preferred for routine use to relieve pain and fever. But paracetamol should be available when a child may be intolerant of aspirin or when aspirin alone does not control a fever. Paracetamol may be given with aspirin for a fever that does not respond to either medicine alone. Both are available as flavored, chewable tablets and adult tablets, as rectal suppositories, and in various strengths. Suppository forms are useful when a child is vomiting. These should be stored in a refrigerator to prevent melting. Aspirin may be crushed and mixed with a spoonful of applesauce, jelly, or ice cream. Paracetamol also comes as drops and syrup. Caution: The strengths of the popular brands differ; check the label. Be aware of the different strengths and administer only in recommended dosages.
Codeine
Severe earaches, toothaches, and other pains that are not affected by aspirin or paracetamol alone will respond if codeine is added. A liquid preparation of paracetamol and codeine is sold by prescription, but a simple way to keep a small supply of codeine on hand for emergencies is to buy a cough medicine that contains codeine. One teaspoonful has one-sixth grain (10 mg) of codeine. It should be used only as a temporary measure, until professional help can be obtained. Codeine should never be given for abdominal pain that might be appendicitis.
Antiemetic
An antiemetic is a drug that suppresses nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Dimenhydrinate is one such drug to help your child get through a miserable night. It can also serve as a mild sedative. Dimenhydrinate is sold as a liquid and a tablet. The rectal suppository form of promethazine or chlorpromazine, which must be refrigerated, is more useful than the same form of dimenhydrinate. Caution: Do not give any antinauseant to a child who is disoriented.
Antihistamine
In either tablet or liquid form, any antihistamine will help control the symptoms of allergic reactions such as hives, eye allergies, hay fever, and to some extent asthma. In addition it will reduce the itching and swelling of insect bites and minimize the itching of chicken pox, poison ivy, and other rashes. It can also serve as a mild sedative.
Cough Medicine
The cough medicine kept on hand for its codeine content can serve to suppress a severe night cough. Caution: A suppressant cough medicine should never be given to a child who has croup or any type of hindered breathing.
Emetic
This medicine induces vomiting in cases of swallowed poison. It should be in every medicine chest. Syrup of ipecac is recommended. It’s convenient to have two small bottles, each containing a single dose of two to three teaspoonfuls for immediate use.
Nose Drops, Nasal Aspirator, And Decongestant
Along with aspirin, paracetamol, and cough medicine, these items are useful in treating the symptoms of common colds.
Steroids
Steroids are dangerous if used regularly for a week or more and if used in the presence of high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, chicken pox, and some other illnesses. However, a few doses of a steroid are safe and can offer immediate relief. They are helpful in cases of hives (urticaria), hay fever, croup, reactions to insect bites, sun poisoning, poison ivy and asthma. Steroids are best used for the condition for which they are prescribed; they are not to be misused. Discuss with your doctor the advisability of keeping a few doses of a liquid or tablet steroid on hand.
Thermometer And Lubricant
A multipurpose, stubby-bulb thermometer, which can be used orally or rectally, is most practical. Any lubricating ointment will serve to grease a thermometer for rectal use, but a water-soluble gel is superior because it readily washes off in cold water.
Additions
Antiseptic solution, burn ointment, sterile gauze pads (2×2 and 3×3 inches), rolls of knitted bandage (2-inch and 3-inch), adhesive tape (1/4 inch), steristrips, and adhesive bandages of assorted sizes—all are useful in treating minor accidents properly.
Tags: Children's health, medical chest, General Illness
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