Household Remedies: What is needed in Medicine Cabinet for the Little Ones?

Household remedies or OTC (Over-the-counter) are medicines you can buy without a prescription from the doctor for treating symptoms that don't require the help of a physician or healthcare practitioner. You can buy them in a pharmacy, convenience store, and sometimes even in a gas station.

Household remedies can be divided into two types: modern medicine and traditional medicines. Both of them have the word “Household remedies” stated on the label.

How to get the Right Household Remedies

• Read drug facts on the label carefully before buying
• Buy medicines with drug facts label only
• Have ingredient stated on the label
• Have characteristics and effects indicated on the label
• Have dosage and administration stated on the label
• Have manufacture and expiration date stated on the label

Suggested medicines for Family with Young Children

1. Fever Reducer
2. Cough syrup / Cough medicine
3. Decongestants or antihistamine
4. Antidiarrheal medication, ORS powders
5. Bismuth subsalicylate
6. Saline solution for wounds
7. Tincture
8. Ointment for bug bites

Facts: How to choose the right OTC

- Using syrup medicines for young children. For baby, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use a drug is recommended. Grown children can have the same prescription as adults (adjust dosage according to their weight).

- For pregnant women, breastfeeding mother, or people with chronic illness such as high blood pressure and diabetes, don’t use a medicine prior to consulting with your doctor. Long-term medication is not recommended. If the symptom doesn’t get better, go to see the doctor.

- Some medicines, such as vermifuge, is considered as a household remedy. It’s safe but as it’s used for non-urgent symptoms. Just buy them when needed. You don’t have to stock them up in your medicine cabinet.