Throw out expired medications. Do not take prescriptions or over the counter medicine that is expired. Medications expire because the ingredients decompose or evaporate, making the drug less effective.
Avoid storing medications in locations like the bathroom or other areas they can be exposed to extreme temperatures, light or moisture.
A better location to store medication is your pantry.
Clean out your medicine cabinet at least once a year and stock it appropriately based on your family's needs.
Group 1: General necessities
Tweezers to remove splinters
Thermometer
A calibrated measuring spoon to ensure proper dosage of medications; an oral medicine syringe for families with small children
Pill organizer
Group 2: First Aid materials
Alcohol wipes, gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment like bacitracin and adhesive bandages & tape should be kept on hand to cover cuts and scrapes - Neosporin would be a good anti-biotic ointment.
Cortisone cream to treat rashes - Cortizone Intensive Healing Formula 1 oz. for anti-itch.
Calamine lotion to treat itching and irritation of poison ivy, poison oak or insect bites
Group 3: Symptom relief medicines for common ailments like:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin tablets and ibuprofen. If you have children, children's Tylenol or Children's Motrin for fever reduction. - Tylenol Extra Strength, Advil, Bayer, Tylenol and Motrin liquids for pediatric pain relievers.
Cough suppressant. If you have children, a suppressant that is appropriate for their age group - Mucinex or Delsym for adult colds. Do not show children's cold medications.
Decongestant tablets such as Sudafed (pseudophedrine) to ease nasal congestion from allergies or colds
Benadryl to treat allergy symptoms or allergic reactions - Claritin or Zyrtec. Benadryl perfect measures for children
