In health, as in many areas of life recognising a problem early and being able to start the appropriate treatment straight away can make an enormous difference. It really is a case of a stitch in time saves nine. Most of these medications are readily available at your local pharmacy so it will just be a case of a bit of forward planning.
- Antihistamine
Really handy if you get hives, have an episode of allergic rhinitis (hayfever) or even react badly to mozzie bites. Choose a non-sedating one such as Telfast or Clarantyne. They come in different strengths depending on what your problem is so check with the chemist before stocking your first-aid kit.
- Serious heartburn medication
If you’re someone who chews the Quikeze or swigs the Mylanta on a regular basis you can do better. Try something like Zantac that you can buy over the counter at the chemist (no script required). It belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 antagonists that were used to actually heal peptic ulcers in the past so they work very very well for most cases of heartburn. Of course, if the heartburn is new, if it’s very severe or if it is associated with other symptoms or signs (such as losing weight) see your doctor.
- Stronger pain killers
Most people would have a packet of Panadol or Nurofen at home somewhere. But occasionally a really bad headache, a wry neck or some low back pain will have you wanting something a little stronger. You don’t need to get a script to up the pain relief a little. All three of the common pain-killers (aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen) have formulations that combine with about 10 mg of codeine such as Panadeine or Nurofen Plus. Worth having on hand when you need it. Just take care as the codeine can cause constipation.
- Ural
This is for women who experience urinary tract infections and who will well know these uncomfortable symptoms can come on very quickly and not always at a convenient time. At the first sign of a problem you need to drink plenty of water and start taking an alkaliniser such as Ural. This will relieve the symptoms but will not actually clear the infection. You will still need to see a doctor for some antibiotics but at least you will feel more comfortable waiting in the waiting room.
- Morning after pill
Now no one would advocate this as a regular means of birth control but you should know it’s there and that YOU DON’T NEED A SCRIPT FOR IT. It costs about $25 and you buy it from the pharmacy. You really should take it as soon as you can after the risky sex, but up to 3 days after is ok and even up to 5 days it is likely to be effective.
- Thrush treatment
As soon as you start getting that soreness and distracting itch you need to start using the pessaries or cream such as Canesten (or the oral tablet that is now available) so, if you are vulnerable to getting thrush, best to buy the treatment from your chemist and have it there in your bathroom just in case.
- Cold sore medication
If you get that tingling sensation that signals a cold sore is about to erupt you have a very short window in which to stop it. In this initial phase you need to take an oral antiviral such as Famvir. You will need a script for it so if you get cold sores think about asking for a script next time you see your doctor. Get the script filled and have the medication in your medicine cabinet ready at a moment’s notice.
- Coloxyl with senna
Not exactly life-threatening but constipation can certainly make you miserable. Having a mild laxative such as Coloxyl with senna on hand can improve your quality of life overnight.
- Buscopan
For crampy abdominal pain not associated with fever and not related to periods, this anti-spasmodic medication can offer much relief. If the pain continues or keeps coming back when the Buscopan wears off see your doctor.
- Stingose
This handy little spray is very useful for stings from bees, bull-ants and other creepy crawlies. If you’re allergic to any of these you will need medical help (if you are very allergic you may need adrenalin in the form of an EpiPen). Available over the counter it can be very useful to have around.
There were many possible inclusions in this list and our final 10 were the subject of much discussion. You’ll notice we haven’t included anti-diarrhoea medication (you should try to let this condition run its course rather than take tablets for it straight away), cough mixture (only really needed for chronic dry coughs, rarely needed acutely), or vomiting medication – should be taken with medical advice.
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