Easy Guide to Stocking Essential Medicines at Home!!

Introduction

Every family should keep essential medicines at home to safely and effectively handle everyday health problems. A well-stocked medicine kit can be invaluable during sudden illnesses or minor injuries. Whether reducing a fever in the middle of the night, easing a painful headache, or treating a small cut, having the right medicines available enables quick action and helps prevent unnecessary panic. Medicines are classified into two main categories worldwide: over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and Prescription medicines. With numerous options, it can be challenging to determine which medicines are truly essential and how to store them effectively.

This guide will assist you in choosing the right OTC and prescription medicines, knowing when to use them, and Recognizing when it’s necessary to consult a doctor.

What are the OTC Medicines?

• OTC medicines are those which we can go and buy without a doctor’s prescription, like for fever, pain, cold, allergy, etc.
• Regulatory authorities, such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, determine whether a medicine can be sold over the counter based on its safety and effectiveness.

OTC vs Prescription Medicine – How Do They Differ?

• As the name indicates, a doctor must prescribe “prescription medicines,” while you can buy OTC medicines without a prescription.
• People often use OTC medicines safely for short-term relief from mild symptoms, such as taking paracetamol to reduce fever.
• In contrast, patients with specific illnesses, long-term diseases, or serious health issues generally use prescription medicines. For example, doctors prescribe antibiotics to patients with infections. Patients must carefully follow the prescribed dosage and duration to minimise the risk of side effects or complications.

Which are the Essential Medicines to be kept at home?

1. Paracetamol

• Paracetamol is very commonly used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
• Popular brands:
  • Crocin / Calpol 500/650: Contains Paracetamol 500/650 mg
  • Dolo-650: Contains Paracetamol 650 mg

2. Ibuprofen

• Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• It is commonly used for Pain relief, Body Aches, and Fever.
• Popular brands:
  • Brufen, and Ibugesic 200/400/600 tablets : Contains ibuprofen 200/400/600 mg
  • Combiflam tablets: a Combination of ibuprofen 400 mg + Paracetamol 325 mg

3. Antacids

• Antacids are drugs that help to balance stomach acid levels.
• People commonly use them to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomach discomfort.
• Popular Brands:
  • Digene – Composition: Magnesium Hydroxide + Simethicone + Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose + Aluminium Hydroxide.
  • ENO – Composition: Svarjiksara (Shudh) + Nimbukamlam (Shushkam).
  • Gelusil – Composition: Dimethicone +  Magnesium Hydroxide +  Aluminium Hydroxide Activated Dimethicone + Sorbitol Solution.
  • Pudin Hara– Composition: Pudina Satva, Tulsi, Coriander, Alpinia Galanga, Achyranthes Aspera.

4. Antihistamines

• Antihistamines are a group of medicines used to treat allergic symptoms, also known as antiallergic drugs.
• They are commonly used for a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, skin rash, and itchy watery eyes.
• Popular Brands
  • Zyrtec 5/10 Tablet: Contains Cetirizine 5/10 mg
  • Allegra 120/180 tablet: Contains Fexofenadine 120/180 mg
  • Xyzal 5 /10 tablet: Contains Levocetirizine 5 /10 mg

5. Cough Medicines

• Cough medication helps reduce cough symptoms caused by various factors, including colds, allergies, or respiratory infections.
• There are different types of cough medicines:
  • Cough suppressants – for non -non-productive or dry coughs like Dextromethorphan syrup.
  • Expectorants – for Productive or wet coughs, like Guaifenesin syrup.
• Some cough medicines also combine ingredients to target multiple symptoms, like congestion or a sore throat. 
• Popular Brands
  • Benadryl, Ascoril D, Ascoril LS.
• Soothing lozenges, such as Strepsils and Vicks, are also available to reduce throat irritation.

6. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

Infographic Showing Basic Information about ORS

• ORS is a mixture of water, sugar, and electrolytes (sodium and potassium).
• It helps prevent dehydration and assists the body in regaining lost fluids and minerals.
• People can use ORS during diarrhoea (loose motion), vomiting, fever, and heat-related illnesses.

7. Antidiarrheal

• Antidiarrheal drugs are used to treat loose stools or diarrhoea.
• They slow intestinal motility, reduce fluid loss, and help solidify stool. 
• Popular Brands
  • Imodium, ROKO, Lopamide Capsules – contains Loperamide 2mg

8. Antiseptic Cream

• An antiseptic cream is an essential part of every home first-aid kit.
• It helps prevent infections and speeds up healing.
• Situations where it proves useful:
  • Minor cuts and scratches – keep germs out of the wound.
  • Burns and scalds – soothe the skin and reduce the risk of infection.
  • Insect bites and stings – relieves itching and safeguards against infection.
  • Skin irritations – soothes redness or minor rashes.
• Popular Brands
  • Betadine, Soframycin, Neosporin, Cipladine.

How to store medicine safely at home?

• ✅ Keep out of reach of children – Store in a secured cabinet or on high shelves.
• 📦 Store in original containers – Labels provide vital information and expiry dates.
• 🚫 Avoid bathroom and kitchen storage – Heat and humidity can damage medicines.
• 🔒 Use airtight storage if needed – Especially for moisture-sensitive tablets or capsules.
• ☀️ Keep away from sunlight and heat – Some medicines lose their effect when exposed.
• ❄️ Refrigerate only if instructed – Not all medicines should go in the fridge.
• 📅 Check expiry dates regularly – Safely discard expired or unused medicines.
• 🗑️ Dispose properly – Never throw into open rubbish; follow local disposal guidelines.

What other essentials should be kept in the medical kit?

• 🩹 Band-aids (Different sizes) – For minor cuts and scrapes.
• 🧴 Sterile cotton and gauze – For cleaning and dressing wounds.
• 🌀 Crepe bandage – For sprains and support.
• 🧼 Antiseptic solution (Dettol, Savlon, etc.) – To clean or disinfect wounds or injuries.
• 🔥 Burn cream (e.g., Burnol) – For minor burns and scalds.
• 👃 Nasal saline spray – For dryness, irritation, or nasal congestion.
• 📏 Adhesive tape – To secure dressings or bandages.
• ✂️ Scissors – For cutting tape, gauze, etc.
• 🔍 Tweezers – For removing splinters, bee stings, etc.
• ❄️🔥 Ice pack / Hot water bag – For swelling, pain, or muscle relief.
• 🌡️ Digital thermometer – To measure fever.
• 💓 Digital BP monitor – To measure blood pressure.
• 🩸 Blood sugar monitor & strips – If recommended by a doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Before beginning a new medication, your doctor can provide you with important information and address any questions you may have. Here are some helpful questions to consider about your medication:

• What’s the name of the medication?
• What’s it for?
• Is there a more affordable option?
• What condition does it treat?
• How long before it starts working?
• How will I know if it’s working?
• Are there any potential side effects to be aware of?
• What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• Will it interact with other medicines, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs?
• What if I want to stop taking it?
• Is it okay to stop suddenly?

Further Reading

• National Health Service. (2022, October 20). How and when to take paracetamol for adults. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-adults/how-and-when-to-take-paracetamol-for-adults
• MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Ibuprofen — Drug information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html
• National Health Service. (2023). Antacids. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antacids
• Times of India. (2025, March 4). Monitor NDMA levels in antacid Ranitidine; Drugs body CDSCO. Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/monitor-ndma-levels-in-antacid-ranitidine-drugs-body-cdsco/articleshow/122961902.cms
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). About medication safety. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/medication-safety/about/index.html
• National Institute on Aging. (2022). Taking medicines safely as you age. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age

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