We all know that when we get sick, we need to take medicine. We usually listen to the doctor about what medicine to take. However, sometimes we need to take care of ourselves in case of sudden illness, or we can take medicine to solve minor problems. Therefore, every household should have some self-help medicines.
The following are 7 types of medicines that every household should have:
Disinfectant Solution
Currently, iodine solution is usually used to replace hydrogen peroxide for wound disinfection. Iodine is effective against bacteria, toxins, viruses, or protozoa.
Iodine, also known as povidone-iodine, is a compound of iodine. When it comes into contact with pathogens in wound tissue, it forms a film and slowly releases iodine to achieve the sterilization effect. However, iodine has a disadvantage in that it may cause skin pigmentation when the wound is exposed to sunlight. Therefore, for wounds above the head and neck, physiological saline can be used to clean the wound to minimize the risk of pigmentation. In addition, some people use certain medications to stop bleeding or promote wound healing, but this may actually increase the risk of wound infection.
Physiological Saline
It is mainly used to rinse wounds in a small area. It is better to choose small bottles instead of large ones. Apart from considering the expiration date, once opened, the entire bottle must be used, which may cause some waste. The small bottles of physiological saline used to rinse contact lenses are more convenient.
Anti-inflammatory Cream with Antibiotics
It is mainly used to prevent oral inflammation and infection. Antibiotic creams such as oxytetracycline and neomycin have slightly different ingredients, but the effects are not significantly different. Prepare one or two types of these creams, which are suitable for small wounds such as abrasions or lacerations. They usually have a light color, so even if they are used on wounds on the head or face, there is no need to worry about pigmentation.
Cold Medications
There are many brands of comprehensive cold medications on the market, but they have similar effects. They can be divided into single-component and compound medications based on their main ingredients:
Single-component medications are mainly antipyretics, antihistamines for nasal congestion and runny nose, and cough medicines.
Compound medications contain multiple ingredients and can relieve various cold symptoms at the same time, such as fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and cough.
Cold syrups are generally compound medications. Some people mistakenly regard cold syrups as a panacea for treating various symptoms, such as colds, fevers, headaches, runny noses, lower back pain, fatigue, etc. However, this is not appropriate.
Gastrointestinal Medications
The most common ones are antacids and antidiarrheal medications. Some of these medications can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription and have similar effects. They are very effective for temporary symptoms or when traveling.
Skin Medications
Being bitten by mosquitoes or ants, or coming into contact with caterpillars, can cause dilation of the microvessels in the human body, leading to itching, redness, swelling, heat, pain, rashes, and even blisters. Some topical medications can treat these minor problems, such as medications containing peppermint oil, menthol, camphor oil, methyl salicylate, and clove oil. Commonly seen products on the market include medicated oils and green oil.
Other Medications
Some people suffer from episodic illnesses, and doctors will prescribe preventive or emergency medications for them, such as isosorbide dinitrate tablets for myocardial ischemia or bronchodilators for asthma. Many of these medications require a doctor's prescription. It is important to carefully read the storage recommendations for medications, label them clearly with names, and avoid using them outside of the recommended usage advised by the doctor.
