The family medicine chest
Here is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a description of their uses. All are quite cheap and worth stocking at home in readiness for minor illnesses.
Keep them in a box or cupboard with a lock - or store them well out of the reach of children.
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Soluble Aspirin Tablets
Good for headaches, colds, sore throats (gargle with the solution), and pains in general. Aspirin should NOT be given to children under 16. -
Paracetamol Mixture
For relief of pain or fever in young children. -
Sedative Cough Linctus
For dry or painful coughs - but not coughs caused by common colds. -
Menthol Crystals
Add to hot water to make steam inhalations for treating catarrh and dry or painful coughs. -
Vapour Rub
Again, for steam inhalations. Also useful for children with stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub on the chest and nose. -
Ephedrine Nose Drops
For runny noses in children over one year old. Use before meals and at night but not for more than four days. -
Antiseptic Solution
One teaspoon diluted in warm water for cleaning cuts and grazes. -
Antiseptic Cream
For treating septic spots, sores in the nose and grazes. -
Calamine Lotion
For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites, stings and sunburn -
Dressing Strips
For minor cuts. -
3" Wide Crepe Bandage
To keep dressings in place. To support sprained or bruised joints. -
Cotton Wool
For cleaning cuts and grazes. -
Thermometer
For removing splinters
Remember that your local chemist can give you advice about medicines.