your medicine cabinet for children

Eight out of ten GPs believe patients are not sufficiently prepared for minor incidents and illnesses. One survey found that more than half the patients couldn’t tell their temperature because they didn’t have a thermometer and more than a third had no sunscreen. Two-thirds had no anti-histamines for instances of allergic reactions and runny noses, and a quarter had no antiseptic. One in ten had no paracetamol or ibuprofen.

More than 400 relatively minor, self-limiting conditions can be treated with non prescription drugs.

The top-ranked list of everyday health concerns for children which can be treated at home includes:

  • headache
  • athlete's foot
  • teething pain
  • lip conditions – cold sores and mouth ulcers
  • common cold and other virus illnesses
  • coughs
  • cradle cap and other minor skin conditions including nappy rash
  • constipation
  • upset stomach including vomiting , diarrhoea and constipation
  • dry skin
  • ear aches
  • nose bleeds
  • minor cuts and scrapes
  • scalds and burns
  • colic

useful information for your household

Keeping contact numbers of local health care providers close to the telephone and within the medicine cabinet will be beneficial.

  • NHS Direct 0845 4647
  • Local GP
  • Local pharmacy
  • Children’s department of your local hospital or clinic

over-the-counter medicines - what to look for on the label

  • active ingredients and purpose
  • uses - indications
  • warnings - when not to use the medicine, when to stop taking the medicine, when to see a doctor, and possible side effects
  • directions - dosage information
  • any recent significant product changes
  • expiry date - when to throw it out

Ensure you check expiry dates frequently. Most people are unaware that first-aid kits even have expiration dates.

Do not give aspirin to children because it has been linked to Reye syndrome - a rare disorder that affects the brain and liver and in some instances, can kill children.

Never refer to medications as sweets. (If children find medicine on their own, they're likely to remember that you called it sweets).

Pay particular attention to dosing instructions. The potency levels of medications intended for children are very different from those intended for adults. Parents should always use the dosing instrument that is supplied in the package.

Be especially careful with supplements containing iron. Iron tablets are one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in children.

Keep all items in their original containers so that no one takes the incorrect medication.

Throw away unused or old medicines. Cough mixtures will get concentrated by evaporation and may overdose the patient

potions, lotions, pills and creams that can be brought at your local pharmacy

  • Analgesic relieves pain - paracetamol or ibuprofen. Use supermarket own brands
  • Antiseptic ointment or creams reduces risk of infection
  • Antacid relieves upset stomach - Gaviscon
  • Antihistamine relieves allergy symptoms - Piriton or Clarityn – syrups and tablets
  • Decongestant relieves stuffy nose and other cold symptoms -  Phenergan, Vallergan or Piriton
  • Teething gel and relievers - Boots Alternatives Chamomilla sachets
  • Fever reducer (adult and child) - paracetamol based. Use supermarket own brand
  • Oral rehydration solution for diarrhoea or vomiting – for the under 1’s
  • 1% hydrocortisone relieves itching and inflammation
  • Liquid antiseptic helps stop infection
  • Calomine lotion for chicken pox spots
  • Nystaform or Canesten creams for nappy rash
  • Insect bite reliever – After Bite
  • Insect repellent – Bite Block (combines with sunscreen)
  • Eye wash for sore eyes and washing out bits and pieces
  • Golden Eye Ointment for sticky eyes
  • Cold sore cream – Blisteeze
  • Verrucca cream – Bazooka Gel
  • Travel - sickness tablets
  • Sunscreen - SPF15 or higher
  • Sunburn treatment - calamine lotion

When we discuss the medicine cabinet, it is of course advisable it is placed out of reach from children. As well as medication, first aid kits still include equipment which can be harmful if not used correctly, for instance scissors and thermometers.

homeopathic remedies

These are now available from large chemists and pharmacies to treat babies and children. They are used to treat:

  • Colic
  • Nappy rash
  • Teething
  • Eczema
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Chicken pox
  • Colds
  • Coughs
  • Bruises and sprains

Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies are available in health shops and some chemists. The most common potencies are 6c and 30c. Both of these can be used; 6c can be repeated more frequently.

your family medicine cabinet will benefit from the following

Bandages, Dressings and Plasters

  • Adhesive plasters - use coloured and patterned variety
  • Bandage supplies - including a roll of 3 inch wide gauze, individually packaged 4 inch sterile gauze pads, a roll of 1 inch bandage tape, butterfly bandage tape, and scissors.
  • Triangular bandage for use as an arm sling (but you can use a tea towel!)
  • Low allergy bandage tape
  • Non stick dressings (Melolin)
  • Gauze pads
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Non-absorbent cotton wool

Other first aid equipment

  • Disposable gloves
  • Tweezers and needle for splinters or ticks
  • Thermometer  - electronic or tape – NOT GLASS BULB TYPE
  • Calibrated measuring spoon
  • Syringe for medicines, no needles!
  • Nit comb, non disposable type
  • Disinfectant
  • Sterile eye pads
  • Safety pins
  • Sharp scissors
  • Small torch to light up the mouth, illuminate splinters or in case of power failure!!
  • Small reward, kiss and cuddle for the brave patient (and parent)!

 

 


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