Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves

There's nothing worse than being miserably sick and out of the very medicine that will make you feel better. Having a properly stocked medicine cabinet means you'll always have what you need on hand.

By: Ellen Foord

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Bandages

Keeping a variety of different sized bandages will prevent you from getting caught unprepared just when you need one most. From small to large, waterproof to sensitive skin, patterned or skin-toned, a stockpile will never let you down.

Painkillers

Some folks swear by ibuprofen, some prefer acetaminophen. Whichever works best for you, be sure to have some on hand for headaches, muscle and joint pain, and minor bumps and bruises.

Allergy Medicine

No matter where you live, at some point in the year, there’s probably something that blooms outside, or kicks up indoors that will set off a storm of sneezing. If you have seasonal allergies, stock up on a once a day allergy medicine. If it’s once in a while thing, it’s still a good idea to have some antihistamine on hand for those random one-off occurrences of allergic reaction.

Antibiotic Ointment

Keep these next to your bandages and you’ll be ready to treat cuts and scrapes, protecting from infection.

Pink Bismuth

There is nothing worse than an upset stomach. Don’t let overindulgence or a bad bug catch you off guard when you’re least able to make a run to the pharmacy.

Cortisone Cream

New laundry detergent giving you red bumps? Mosquito bite driving you crazy? Cortisone cream will calm most itches quickly.

Cough Syrup

Sometimes the cold wasn't bad, but the lingering cough is a bear. Rather than relying on cold medicines that cover everything, try taking only the medicine you need. A good cough syrup will keep that cough from keeping you awake all night, without loading you down with a decongestant and painkillers, too.

Thermometer

No matter how old you are, it’s important to keep an eye on a fever. A working thermometer is a must in every medicine cabinet. No need for anything fancy, just make sure it works.

Aloe

Overdid it in the sun? Pamper torched skin and soothe the burn with aloe.

Antacids

You knew that last helping of pie was a mistake or maybe it was the heavy-handedness on the Sriacha? Either way, you’re paying for it. This is the moment when you’ll be thankful that you made sure antacids were on the list for your medicine cabinet.