Minor illness and mild aches or pains are common. It is useful to keep a few medicines at home in case you need something when you can’t get to a pharmacy, or they are closed.
Always read the labels carefully and follow the instructions, and store the medicines out of the reach of children. Your pharmacist is a good person to give you more information about over-the-counter medicines which do not need a prescription from your doctor.
See your doctor if your symptoms get worse or do not go away.
Minor illness is common, especially in young children. Here are some suggestions of medicines that are useful to keep at home just in case they are needed.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol eases pain. It also reduces distress when a child has a high temperature (fever). It comes in tablet form for adults and older children and as a liquid for young children and babies. You can also obtain soluble tablets and melt-in-the-mouth tablets for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets. If you have young children, paracetamol is perhaps the most important medicine to keep in at all times. Paracetamol is safe at normal doses but is harmful if you take too much (overdose). Therefore, it is extremely important to check the right dose for the person taking paracetamol. Be careful not to exceed the maximum amount recommended on the packet.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers
These are painkillers which also reduce inflammation. Most need a prescription but you can buy ibuprofen from pharmacies and supermarkets. This is helpful for muscular aches and sprains and can be used to relieve period pain. Like paracetamol, ibuprofen also reduces distress during a fever. Ibuprofen also comes in tablet, soluble tablet, melt-in-the-mouth and liquid forms. There are many brands of ibuprofen. The dose advised varies with age.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers should not be used by certain people – for example, if you have, or have had, a stomach or duodenal ulcer. These painkillers should be taken with food if possible, because they can cause irritation if taken on an empty stomach. If you develop stomach pain or heartburn after taking ibuprofen tablets, you should stop them. They may interact with some prescribed medication, so check with your pharmacist if you are not sure whether you should take them.
Ibuprofen and some other anti-inflammatory painkillers are also available as a gel or foam. These can be rubbed directly into the painful area. They are used for painful joints if you have rheumatoid arthritis or wear and tear arthritis (osteoarthritis). They can also be used for sprains and muscle injuries.
