As winter approaches, the home pharmacy should be stocked with medications that help deal with common health problems during the cold season, such as cough, fever, cold, sore throat, and pain.
German pharmacist Alexander Schmitz said that the home pharmacy during the winter should contain the following medications:
1- For fever and body pain:
Antipyretics: Fever can be reduced and pain relieved with the active ingredients ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin.
Thermometer: A thermometer is indispensable in the home pharmacy, especially in the winter. If there are children in the house, it is better for the thermometer to be equipped with a flexible tip, as this makes rectal measurement easier.
Adults should take their temperature orally, placing the tip of the thermometer under the tongue during the measurement. According to German pharmacist Schmitz, ear and contact thermometers are relatively inaccurate.
2- For sore throat and cough:
Emulsifying medications: Emulsifying medications moisturize the mouth and throat, as they stimulate saliva production, which soothes irritated mucous membranes.
Cough solvents and suppressants: There are two types of cough syrups. Solvents thin the mucus and make it easier to expel. Cough suppressants, on the other hand, relieve the urge to cough in the case of an irritating dry cough.
Cough and bronchial tea: Medicinal tea helps dissolve mucus, relieves irritation and soothes the bronchial tubes. Examples of this include tea containing thyme, anise, and linden blossom. It is important to cover the tea with a small plate while it is steeping, so that the essential oils do not escape with the steam.
3- For nasal congestion:
Decongestant nasal sprays: Decongestant nasal sprays help combat nasal congestion, as sprays containing active substances such as “xylometazoline” or “oxymetazoline” cause the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa to constrict, making breathing easier again. !
Attention should be paid to the risk of addiction to these sprays if used over a long period. Therefore, it should be used for a maximum of 7 consecutive days.
Nasal sprays containing seawater: Although nasal sprays containing seawater do not remove congestion, they moisturize the nasal mucosa, which helps dissolve stubborn mucus. Nasal washes or saline inhalation have a similar effect.
Pharmacist Schmitz also advises keeping hand sanitizer and an FFP2 mask in the home pharmacy during the cold and flu season, in order to reduce the risk of infecting others, in addition to medications to treat digestive problems, as well as ointment for wounds, cold compresses, and bandages.
Proper placement
Regarding the appropriate location for the home pharmacy, Schmitz explained that it should be placed in a cool and dry place, for example in the bedroom or basement. If there are children in the home, you should ensure that they are not able to access the contents of the pharmacy.
It should also be noted that cough syrup only lasts for a specific period after it is opened. Therefore, the opening date should be noted on the medicine package.