The Family Medicine Chest

We feel it is important that all households should keep a reasonably stocked medical cabinet at home to deal with minor ailments; remember all medicines should be stored in a box or cupboard with a lock and kept well out of the reach of children.

Always check the expiry date on medicines and do not keep them for future use, as they lose their effect or become dangerous.

Non-urgent advice: Patient Notice

Remember that your pharmacist can give advice about medicines.

  • Sedative Cough Linctus – For dry or painful coughs
  • Antiseptic Cream – For sores, grazes and septic spots
  • Antiseptic solution – Dilute in water & use to clean cuts and grazes
  • Calamine lotion – For use on dermatitis, and on insect bites & stings and sunburn to soothe
  • Tweezers – For removing splinters
  • Plasters – For minor cuts
  • Thermometer – For checking fevers
  • Indigestion Remedies – For relief of heartburn and indigestion pains
  • Crepe Bandage (3 inch) – For sprained joints & for holding dressings in correct place
  • Paracetamol Tablets – For general pain relief in adults
  • Paracetamol Liquid – For relief of pain and/or fever in young children
  • Soluble Aspirin Tablets – For adults or children over 12 – good for headaches, colds & sore throats
  • Ephidrine Nose Drops – For runny noses in children over 1 year. Do not use for more than 4 days
  • Vapour Rub – For steam inhalation, stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub into chest and on nose
  • Antihistamine Tablets/Ointment – For relief of inflammation from itches/rashes and allergic reactions caused by body’s over production of histamine. Useful in allergy reactions such as watery eyes, sneezing, swelling and for insect bites. Recommend to use newer brands which are less sedative
  • Rehydration Solution – For replacing fluids and salts lost due to vomiting or diarrhoea