Patient Handouts
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Medicines: Home Medicine Chest
This list of nonprescription drugs and supplies will be sufficient to relieve symptoms in the majority of acute illnesses that affect every family.
Since these medicines will not shorten the course of the illnesses, give them only when symptoms are really bothering your child. Observe all
label precautions.
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acetaminophen (Tylenol): for fever or pain
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): for pain or fever
thermometers, rectal and oral types
rubber suction bulb: for stuffy, blocked nose (after using saline or warm-water nosedrops)
butterscotch hard candies: for sore throat
cough drops or corn syrup (as effective as expectorant cough syrups): for mild coughs
humidifier: for coughs or croup
antibiotic eyedrops: for bacterial eye infections with a yellow discharge. (Note: This is the only prescription item on this list.)
cotton balls: for cleaning infected eyes
sunscreen (cream and lip balm)
1% hydrocortisone cream: for itchy skin conditions such as mosquito bites and poison ivy
antibiotic ointment: for skin infections
acetone (nail polish remover): for removing tape from the skin
rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol): for sterilizing the skin or needles
glucose-electrolyte solution (also called oral rehydration solution). If you have a child less than 1 year old, keep a bottle handy for
severe vomiting or diarrhea.
antihistamine medicine: for hives, hay fever, and eye allergies (optional for many families, but definitely needed if family members
have allergies)
gastrointestinal medicines: Vomiting and diarrhea respond best to dietary changes, and the numerous nonprescription medicines
that are available are unnecessary or harmful. Acute constipation may occasionally require some Milk of Magnesia, but most
children respond to dietary change.
tincture of time (the passage of time): cures the majority of mild illnesses.
TLC (tender loving care): makes the time pass more quickly.
Patient handouts provided by Merck Medicus. Copyright © 2012-2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.