A medicine cabinet is more than just a collection of bottles and packets. It’s a guardian of your health and protection against unexpected illnesses. From an unexpected headache to a sudden allergy attack, having the right medication at home can be the difference between relief and a trip to the doctor. However, safety is paramount when you have medication at home.
Bria Gumede from Dainfern in Fourways, Johannesburg, struggles with anaemia, so she always keeps iron supplements, multivitamins, and some flu medication at home to avoid rushing to the doctor for a minor cold.
“I always keep some pain relief medications like aspirin and paracetamol. I have sinusitis as well, so I always keep some allergy medicine. I also ensure that I keep some cold and flu medications and some anti-diarrhoea medications. I’ve recently added eye drops because I wear lashes and sometimes get irritation,” Gumede says.
Elizabeth Ndlovu from Utrecht in Kwazulu-Natal says she has a mini pharmacy in her home, not only for herself but for anyone who visits and does not feel well.
Medication to always have at home
“I keep a well-stocked supply of medication in my home. My favourite is cloves, which I chew or boil as tea; due to that, I hardly get sick. I deal with a lot of toothaches, so I keep some painkillers like ibuprofen, and also medication for allergies,” explains Ndlovu.
Clinical pharmacist Angel-Alberta Zhou from Pretoria explains that the specific medicines needed in a home vary based on the individual needs of the household.
“It is important for members of the household to recognise symptoms that require specific medication and know their location so that they can assist on time and administer the medicine appropriately.”
Pharmacist Angel-Alberta Zhou
For general over-the-counter medicines for general ailments, Zhou suggests the following:
- Pain relievers, for example, paracetamol (for pain and fever) and ibuprofen (for pain and inflammation)
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Antacids for indigestion
- Cough and cold medications
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Basic first-aid supplies, for example, antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze, and povidone iodide ointment
- A thermometer
- Burn treatment items such as burn shields and or silver sulfadiazine-containing ointments – this is for minor burns. Note that serious burns require medical assistance.
- Heat rubs for muscle pain and exercise-related aches like rub-rub.
Follow the instructions
“It is crucial that the directions or instructions on how to use the medicine are clear and specific,” advises Zhou.
“The expiration dates need to be visible, and care needs to be taken to ensure that expired medication is removed and disposed of properly. Keep in mind the usual side effects of the medicines; for example, most allergy medicines cause drowsiness.”
Zhou emphasises that medicine should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
“A locked cabinet or a high shelf out of reach of children and pets is ideal for storing medicine. Ensure all medications are kept in their original containers with clear labels.
“Regularly check expiration dates and discard expired medications safely.”
Pharmacist Angel-Alberta Zhou
To dispose of medication safely, Zhou states that medicine needs to be taken back to the pharmacy, hospital, or healthcare facility. This includes medicines left behind by deceased relatives and other people in the household.
“If a facility does not have a take-back programme, they should then assist in finding a way forward from there. But basically, the rule is to not flush medications down the toilet or throw them away with municipal or general waste unless instructed to do so or the label specifically instructs you to do so.”
In case of emergency
In case of a serious emergency, Zhou advises considering the basic CPR steps:
- Ensure the scene is safe.
- Check for responsiveness and breathing. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, call emergency services immediately.
- Start chest compressions by placing the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest and the other hand on top. Press down hard and fast, at least 5cm deep, and at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
- If trained, provide rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Tilt the head back, lift the chin, and give two breaths, each lasting over one second.
- Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive or the person shows signs of life.
“Ideally, see if there is someone who is certified nearby. Scream for help, etc., and start hands-only CPR. CPR is always a good skill or knowledge to regularly keep updated on, so when the need arises, the help given is relevant.”
According to Zhou, being prepared with a well-stocked and organised medication aid kit can significantly enhance your ability to respond effectively to minor health issues and emergencies at home.
Moreover, she mentions the importance of regularly reviewing the medicine kit to ensure it is up-to-date and complete. If there is a medicine recall or any announcement regarding medication in the news, she recommends updating the kit as advised in the news.
“However, just having a first aid kit or medicine kit is not enough; knowing the contents, when, and how to use them is essential.
“Don’t rely on a quick Google search for at-home remedies. For instance, some sources wrongly recommend using toothpaste or margarine on burns, which is not proper first aid. Information from some blogs and unverified websites can be dangerous. When in doubt, always seek medical attention.”
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