A medicine cabinet is useful in every home. It is a convenient place to keep medicines that do not require special storage conditions, such as refrigeration. Having a small “home pharmacy” can be helpful when illness or accidents occur.

It is important to remember that the active substance in medicines breaks down over time. This is why all medicines have an expiry date. Avoid buying more medicine than necessary. Clear out your medicine cabinet regularly, return leftover and expired medicines to your nearest pharmacy for disposal, and replenish the supplies you need at home.

The risks associated with medicines vary, but incorrect use can always cause harm, which may be irreversible in some cases. Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

Pain, fever and colds

It is useful to keep over-the-counter medicines containing paracetamol and/or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce fever. The most suitable medicine or pharmaceutical form may vary from person to person, depending, for example, on whether they are taking other medicines, are pregnant, their age, and whether they are sensitive or allergic to certain medicines. Always seek advice from a pharmacist or pharmacy technician at a pharmacy and read the package leaflet, which is included in the medicine pack and available on lyf.is.

A thermometer can be useful at home if someone in the family develops a fever. Many types are available from various retailers, including electrical goods shops and pharmacies. A wide range of nasal sprays and drops can relieve itching and sneezing and reduce nasal congestion. These can be useful when relief from cold symptoms is needed.

Wound dressings

When accidents happen, wounds may need treatment. Standard plasters are useful in every home and come in various forms. Blister plasters and elastic bandages can be useful when travelling.

Insect bites and sunburn

Insect bites, stings and sunburn can cause itching and skin pain. Cooling creams or local anaesthetic creams containing lidocaine are suitable for relieving itching and similar discomfort.

Allergies

If family members tend to experience mild allergic reactions in certain situations, it can be useful to keep allergy medicines available over the counter at pharmacies. For example, these may help someone with a mild pet allergy who is visiting a relative with a dog.

Fluid loss

It can be useful to keep oral rehydration solution for situations in which the body loses large amounts of fluid, such as vomiting, diarrhoea or a prolonged fever. Oral rehydration solution is a special solution containing carbohydrates and salts and is the best drink for children and adults to restore the body’s fluid balance.