Many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion can be treated at home, by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Additionally, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
For a basic home medicine kit, we suggest you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16yrs and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Rehydration mixture
- Indigestion remedy (for example antacids)
- Travel sickness tablets
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- Sunburn treatment (for example calamine lotion)
- Tweezers and sharp scissors
- A thermometer
- A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
