Household Medication & Medical Information Guide

Use: Pain relief, fever reduction

Do not exceed 3,000–4,000 mg/day. Avoid if you drink alcohol regularly or have liver conditions. Safe for most adults including those who cannot take NSAIDs.

Use: Pain, fever, inflammation

Take with food. Avoid if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or are on blood thinners. Not recommended for those over 65 without physician guidance.

Use: Longer-lasting pain and inflammation relief

Longer-acting than ibuprofen. Same cautions as ibuprofen. One tablet typically lasts 8–12 hours.

Use: Pain, fever, anti-inflammatory; low-dose for heart health

Many adults take low-dose (81 mg) aspirin daily for cardiovascular health — only do so under physician guidance. Do not give to children or teenagers.

Use: Non-drowsy allergy relief — sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes

Non-sedating. Safe for most adults. Once daily dosing. Good choice for daytime allergy management.

Use: Allergy relief — may cause mild drowsiness in some people

Slightly more effective than loratadine for some people. May cause mild drowsiness. Once daily.

Use: Allergy relief, sleep aid, mild sedation

Causes significant drowsiness. Not recommended for older adults as a regular sleep aid — associated with increased fall risk and cognitive effects. Use with caution.

Use: Nasal and sinus congestion

Kept behind the pharmacy counter — requires ID to purchase. Avoid if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or take MAOIs.

Use: Nasal congestion (less effective than pseudoephedrine)

Available on shelves without ID. Less effective than pseudoephedrine for most people. Same cardiovascular cautions apply.

Use: Nasal moisturizing, congestion relief, allergy symptom management

No drug interactions. Safe for daily use. Particularly helpful in Arizona's dry desert climate. Helps flush allergens from nasal passages.

Use: Heartburn, acid indigestion, upset stomach

Fast-acting. Calcium-based antacids also provide a calcium supplement. Do not use as a primary treatment for frequent or severe heartburn without physician evaluation.

Use: Frequent heartburn (2+ days/week)

Proton pump inhibitor. Takes 1–4 days for full effect. Not for immediate relief. Long-term use should be discussed with a physician.

Use: Heartburn, acid reduction

H2 blocker. Faster acting than omeprazole. Can be taken before meals to prevent heartburn.

Use: Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn

Contains salicylate — avoid if allergic to aspirin. Can temporarily turn stool and tongue dark/black (harmless). Do not give to children with viral illnesses.

Use: Diarrhea

Do not use if you have bloody diarrhea or high fever. Seek medical attention if diarrhea persists more than 2 days.

Use: Stool softener for constipation

Gentle stool softener. Takes 1–3 days to work. Good option when straining should be avoided (after surgery, cardiac events).

Use: Constipation

Osmotic laxative. Mixes into any beverage. Gentle and effective. Takes 1–3 days. Safe for most adults.

Use: Itching, rashes, insect bites, mild skin inflammation

Do not use on face, groin, or underarms without physician guidance. Do not use on infected skin. Short-term use only.

Use: Minor cuts, scrapes, burns — infection prevention

Apply thin layer to clean wound and cover with bandage. Some people develop allergic reactions to neomycin — if redness worsens, discontinue use.

Use: Minor wound care — alternative for those sensitive to neomycin

Good alternative to triple antibiotic for those with neomycin sensitivity.

Use: Sun protection — essential in Arizona

Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ recommended for extended outdoor activity in Arizona.

Use: Sunburn relief, minor burns, skin soothing

Keep refrigerated for extra cooling relief. Pure aloe gel without alcohol or fragrance is most soothing.

Use: Athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, yeast infections

Use for the full recommended duration (usually 2–4 weeks) even if symptoms improve earlier.

Use: Itching from insect bites, poison ivy, chickenpox

Shake well before use. Apply to affected area and allow to dry. Safe for most adults and children.

Use: Dry eyes, eye irritation, dust and allergen flushing

Preservative-free formulas are gentler for frequent use (4+ times daily). Arizona's dry climate makes these a daily essential for many residents.

Use: Itchy eyes from allergies

Twice-daily dosing. Do not use while wearing contact lenses — wait 10 minutes after application before inserting lenses.

Use: Prevention of swimmer's ear after water exposure

Apply a few drops after swimming or water exposure. Do not use if you have ear tubes or a perforated eardrum.

Use: Earwax softening and removal

Do not use if you have ear pain, drainage, or a perforated eardrum. Consult a physician if symptoms persist.

Use: Sleep onset support, jet lag adjustment

Start with the lowest effective dose (0.5–1 mg). Higher doses (5–10 mg) are not necessarily more effective. Short-term use for schedule adjustment is generally well-tolerated.

Use: Occasional sleeplessness

Not recommended for regular use in older adults — associated with increased fall risk, confusion, and next-day grogginess. Discuss chronic sleep issues with your physician.

Use: Occasional sleeplessness

Same cautions as diphenhydramine. Avoid in older adults for regular use.

Use: Minor cuts, scrapes, blisters

Stock a variety of sizes. Waterproof versions are useful for active individuals.

Use: Wound dressing, bleeding control

Essential for larger wounds. Keep both 2x2 and 4x4 inch pads on hand.

Use: Securing dressings and bandages

Paper tape is gentler on sensitive skin.

Use: Sprains, strains, compression support

Do not wrap too tightly — check for numbness, tingling, or color changes below the wrap.

Use: Temperature measurement

Oral, axillary, or tympanic (ear) thermometers are all acceptable. Normal adult temperature is approximately 97–99°F (36.1–37.2°C).

Use: Home blood pressure monitoring

Particularly important for those with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions. Measure at the same time each day for consistent readings.

Use: Oxygen saturation and pulse rate monitoring

Normal SpO2 is 95–100%. Below 90% warrants medical attention. Useful for monitoring respiratory conditions.

Use: Splinter and foreign body removal

Clean with alcohol before and after use.

Use: Cutting bandages and tape

Blunt-tip bandage scissors are safer for cutting near skin.

Use: Acute injury swelling, sprains, bruising

Apply wrapped in a cloth — never directly on skin. Use for 15–20 minutes at a time.

Use: Wound cleaning, surface disinfection

70% concentration is more effective as a disinfectant than 90%+ concentrations.

Use: Wound cleaning (use sparingly)

Current wound care guidelines suggest limited use — it can damage healing tissue. Saline or clean water is often preferred for wound irrigation.