Home Medicines

Cabinet

Home Medicines Cabinet

Why is a Home
Medicines Cabinet
Important?

Poison and Drug Information Center

Reach us at our National toll free number

800-424
(Sunday to Thursday 7 am - 3 pm)
Or e-mail address:

pdic@haad.ae
and visit our website:

pdic.haad.ae

Poison & Drug Information Center

There are several reasons

why
you
should
keep
medicines cabinet in the
home. One reason is that you
should always be prepared
for day-to-day emergencies
that can emerge. Having
a fully stocked cabinet
can ensure that minor and
major incidents are tended
to quickly. For major incidents that require first aid, the
impact in some cases can be lessened if aid can be given
at home before medical care is given by a healthcare
professional.

Pain Medicine
Pain medicine can come in several common forms
including paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin. All three
can be used for fever and alleviating the symptoms of a
common cold. However, only ibuprofen and aspirin can
be used to reduce inflammation caused by an injury or
sprain.

Antihistamines
Antihistamines are extremely useful to have in the cabinet.
They can be used for allergies, insect bites and even hay
fever. They come in two different forms such as topical
and tablets which are swallowed. The cream is useful
for rashes, itching and insect bites, while the tablets
can aid in sleeping. However, you may want to take one
that does not cause drowsiness during the daytime. Your
pharmacist can help you select the appropriate one.

Home Medicines Cabinet

First aid

Indigestion Treatment
Indigestion treatment such as antacids, which comes
in several forms, can be useful for heartburn, gas, and
stomach ache.

Along with the

medicines listed
above, it is a good
idea to keep a
first aid kit in the
medicines cabinet
as well. Thiskit will
contain items that
can help to treat
minor cuts, sprains
and bruises, and it can reduce the risk of cuts becoming
infected. The kit should contain the following items:
: Bandages: these can useful for cuts and sprains.

Oral Rehydration Salts

Some conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever can
cause a loss of water and minerals leading to dehydration.
If you experience any of these conditions, oral rehydrating
salts can help restore your bodys natural balance of
fluids and minerals, and relieve discomfort and feeling of
tiredness. However, oral rehydration salts do not counter
the cause of the illnesses such as bacteria or a virus.

Sunscreen
Always keep a sunscreen lotion of at least 15 SPF in the
medicines cabinet. Even brief exposure to the sun can
lead to a sunburn or increase your chances of developing
skin cancer. Make sure that your sunscreenprovides both
UVA and UVB protection.
You can also protect yourself further against the sun by
wearing sunglasses, a hat, or protective clothing, and
by avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day,
between 11am and 3pm.

: Medical tape: this is used to secure dressings. It can also

be used to tape an injured finger to an uninjured one.
: Antiseptic: this can be used to clean cuts before theyre
bandaged. Mostcan treat a range of conditions,
including insect stings, ulcers and acne. Alcohol-free
antiseptic wipes are usefulto cleancuts.
: Thermometer: digital thermometers that you put
in your mouth produce very accurate readings. A
thermometer placed under the arm isa goodway to
take the temperature for infants.
: Sterile dressings: larger injuries should be covered with
a sterile dressing to prevent infection until treatment
can be given by a health professional.
: Tweezers:for taking out splinters. If splinters are
not removed, they can cause discomfort and even
become infected.
: Plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
: Distilled water for cleaning wounds and as an eye bath
: Keep disposable sterile gloves and a scissors

Home Medicines Cabinet

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Location of the Medicine Cabinet

If you must keep the medicines in the kitchen, store them
away from the stove, sink, and heat releasing appliances.
If you must store the medicines in the bathroom, always
keep the containers tightly closed. Never repackage
them.

Other Helpful Tips

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Always follow the directions on medicine labels and never

use more than the recommended dose.
Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of
children.
Regularly check the expiration dates of the items. If a
medicine is past its use-by date, dont use it or throw it
away. Take it to your pharmacy, where itcan be disposed
ofproperly.

For additional information, please contact the

Health Authority - Abu Dhabi

Poison and Drug Information Center
at our toll-free number

800 -424

800-424

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800 - 424
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pdic@haad.ae
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pdic.haad.ae

Poison & Drug Information Center

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