What to keep in your medicine cabinet

Keep the following items in your medicine cabinet ready for when you need them;

Paracetamol (e.g liquid or tablet)

Paracetamol is a common painkiller for children. It's often used to treat headaches, stomach ache, earache, and cold symptoms. It can also be used to bring down a high temperature (fever).

Ibuprofen (e.g liquid or tablet)

Ibuprofen can be used to treat pain and inflammation (swelling) including cold symptoms, teething, toothache, sprains and strains, and reduces a high temperature. Please note that if your child has been diagnosed with Asthma, Ibuprofen may not be suitable, discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor first before using.

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) Sachets

Although diarrhoea in children usually gets better on its own, it causes loss of water and salts. This may lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially in very young children, because it is difficult to see the signs of dehydration. Oral rehydration salts do not treat the diarrhoea itself, but they replace the salts and water that are lost, and so reduce the effects of dehydration. Please follow the instructions on the sachet carefully.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings. They're also sometimes used to prevent motion (travel) sickness.  Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription.

Antiseptic cream

A tube of antiseptic cream can be useful to help manage bites, stings, cuts, grazes, burns and blisters. Look for a cream that contains a local anaesthetic (numbing agent). Keeping it in the fridge means it has an added cooling effect when applied.

Suncream

As we approach the warmer months, remember to keep suncream and after sun lotion in your medicines cabinet. Remember when choosing a suncream, to look out for a product that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, to protect against UVB and at least a 4 star UVA protection. Never rely on suncream alone to protect you or your children from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest (usually between 11am and 3pm).

Local Pain Relief (for sore throat)

To help soothe a sore throat and reduce how long it lasts you can use medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine, or anaesthetic spray.

First Aid Kit

As well as the medicines suggested above, consider also keeping a first aid kit, fully stocked with the following:

• Plasters – in a range of sizes, waterproof if possible.
• Thermometer – digital thermometers that are put in the mouth produce accurate readings. A thermometer placed under the arm is a good way to read a baby's temperature.
• Bandages – these can be used to support injured limbs e.g. fractures or sprains. They can also be used to apply direct pressure to larger cuts before seeking treatment elsewhere.
• Eye wash solution – helps to wash out grit or dirt in the eyes.
• Sterile dressings – larger injuries should be covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection until treatment can be given by a healthcare professional.
• Medical tape – used to secure dressings in place or to tape an injured finger to an uninjured one, creating a makeshift splint.
• Tweezers – for taking out splinters. If splinters are left in, they can cause discomfort and become infected.

Key Information

Never exceed the recommended doses for any medicine in any 24-hour period. Keep a diary of when you give each dose so that you do not give your child too much. If you are concerned that your child has exceeded the recommended daily dose you should seek medical advice.

Please check the use-by dates and keep out of reach of children. These medicines are all available over the counter from a pharmacist.

If you or your child are already taking other medication, check first with your community pharmacist to make sure the medicines are right for you.Remember, the pharmacy or supermarket own brands are cheaper and work just as well. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist.

Advice on giving your child medicine