Basic meds to have for your child

Before being coming a doctor parent there are a few specific objects that you will need in order to have to have the basic equipment ready. Obviously the type of stuff we are talking about is not scalpels or an X ray apparatus – like a real doctor would need. However there are certain domestic items that every mother needs to have at home to help treat her “patients”.

Medications
We all know what a first aid kit is, but not everyone knows what are the items that a first aid kit needs to have in it and which are indispensable. Here is a list of the basic things:

Analgesics
These are used for headaches and other minor pains. Since each analgesic gives better results in determined afflictions, you should at least always have these three types at hand: aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. For example, you will need to give acetaminophen instead of aspirin or ibuprofen if your adult “patient” has an earache, an ulcer or some pain related to bruises or bumps or a cut. You should also avoid aspirin if your loved one has fever or suffers of articulation pain, however if a person has a pain in the chest, which is a sign of a heart attack, making the person chew aspirin could save his or her life. Remember that before ever attempting to give your child any analgesics, you should first talk to your pediatrician about it.

Antacids
These are used to relieve acidity. One good option would be a generic medication or a brand that has a one or a mixture of aluminum and magnesium.

Antihistamines
These are used to treat allergies and dizziness due to movement.

Kaolin
This can be used to control diarrhea, while you are waiting to see your doctor. There are several generic products that have it in them.

Hydrocortisone Cream
This can be used for itching and swollen feelings caused by rashes or hives, or for irritation caused by a razor when shaving. There are several generic products available that have it in them as well.

Decongestant
This is used to alleviate congestion that is caused by allergies, infection in the nostrils or a common cold.

Diemethicone
This is used to alleviate stomach pain caused by gas. There are various generic products that contain it as well.

Cotton Balls and Q-tips
These can be used to apply medicine externally. They can be found in almost any drug store and there are a number of different brands.

Antibacterial Soap
This can be used to avoid burns and open wounds from getting infected. It is also used to prevent chafing and furuncle and to prevent body odor.

Calamine Lotion
This is used for itchiness caused from having contact with poison ivy or sun burns. It can also be useful for itchiness caused by chicken pox.

Cough Syrup
Cough syrup is used for relieving coughs. Depending on the type of cough the child or adult has, you can use one that will help the person to expectorate phlegm, and other types to help dry coughs.

Products that contain AlphaHydroxides
These are used for dry skin and to prevent acne. AlphaHydroxides creams are used also to make scars less visible, attenuate wrinkles.

Nasal sprays
These are used for stuffed noses. Use the ones that contain oxymethazoline chlorohydrate, however keep in mind that these should not be used by people that suffer of hypertension or heart problems.

Supplements with Fiber
These should only be used occasionally, when the consumption of rich foods in fiber is not enough to alleviate constipation. Preparations with psyllium fiber are a good option. When it is eaten with food it also helps to avoid eating in excess.

Baby Talcum Powder
This can be used to alleviate itchy feelings in the rectum and prevent diverse skin problems such as blisters, chaffing and furuncles, This can be easily found as a generic product.

Thermometer
This is used to take the temperature of a person and determine if there is fever. Besides the traditional house thermometers, there are also digital thermometers available.

Vaseline
This can be used as a relief for chapped lips and to prevent scars, chaffing, friction burns.

Vaseline is very easy to find as a generic product.

Elastic bandages
These can be used to wrap knees that are in pain, sprains, tendonitis and bursitis.