Take everything out of the medicine cabinet.
Check expiration dates. Throw out all
outdated medicines. If you are not
sure about a certain item, call your pharmacist.
Ask what the shelf like is.
Discard old tubes of cream that are hardened or cracked.
Throw out any liquid medicines that look cloudy or filmy.
If medications are not in original containers and clearly labeled, throw them away. Some medicines come in tinted glasses,
for example, because exposure to light my cause them to deteriorate.
Every medication is a potential poison. If there are children
in the house, keep all medicines and vitamins locked in a high cabinet,
well out of their reach.
Activated charcoal is not advised for home use for some swallowed poisons.
Call the
Poison Control Center
at 800-222-1222 before using syrup of ipecac.
(Note: The
American Academy
of Pediatrics advises that parents don’t
give syrup of ipecac to children.)
Basic Supplies to Help with Self-Care
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Adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, first aid tape, and scissors.
-
Antiseptic preparation (e.g., Betadine.)
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Eye dropper.
-
Heating pad/hot water bottle.
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Humidifier, vaporizer (cool-mist.)
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Ice pack/heat pack.
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Rubbing alcohol.
-
Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.
-
Thermometer (digital or ear.)
-
Tongue depressor and flashlight.
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