Every OTC Drug a Family Should Have This Season

With the threats of new viruses and climate change, it is imperative that we keep our family prepared and stocked up against seasonal allergies and illnesses that we may catch on from time to time that are treatable.

You can prepare for the most common diseases by keeping some OTC medications found at local pharmacies; here’s our list of recommended medicines that you should always have to treat common illnesses and help your family get through the season.

Depending on your lifestyle, some medications may not be as necessary, but you can always add more to the list.

Cyclobenzaprine HCL

Cyclobenzaprine is a common medical drug used to treat and relieve muscle spasms. It relaxes your muscles by reducing the activity of the nerves connecting your skeletal and muscular systems.

It is a general muscle relaxant perfect for short-term spasms caused by musculoskeletal conditions. 

Cyclobenzaprine is commonly found in most pharmacies, and the average cyclobenzaprine hcl cost: $9.49 per pack, but the price may vary per prescribed refill.

It is also important to remember that generic Cyclobenzaprine is not associated with potential drug abuse.

Still, it can be addicting and will have lasting side effects if used irresponsibly, so this drug is best used in minor injury treatments at home paired with a lot of rest. 

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is every family’s go-to painkiller; it can treat most fevers and bodily aches and pains, whether for children or adults. 

Every family should have paracetamol because of its effectiveness; this medication is available for consumption even for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers; they are also a staple in all pharmacies, so finding one pack of paracetamol won’t be too much of a hassle. 

But a small reminder, when taking paracetamol, ensure you’re not taking other paracetamol-based or drugs containing paracetamol to minimize the risk of overdosing, and you should not take more than eight tablets in a 24-hour window.

Also, choose from various pill, capsule or liquid-based variants and see what works best for your family.

Salicylic Acid

They are commonly known as aspirin. This well-known medication has a wide range of treatments, from body pain, swelling and inflammation to high fever.

It also has anti-blood clotting properties that can be a first aid treatment for an impending stroke or heart attack.

But not everyone can handle aspirin; some patients are sensitive to its composition, and aspirin is known to provide stomach irritation or kidney failures if taken haphazardly.

While aspirin is a must-have for families, take note of any medical restrictions your family has, especially for those who have arthritis or have been known to take aspirin regularly. 

Acetaminophen

Aside from aspirin, Acetaminophen is a well-known OTC drug used to treat minor body pains and fever. This is a good alternative for patients who can’t take aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs for their case. 

Although, taking this drug depends on the labeling and dosage instructions.

To minimize the risk of overdosing, taking Acetaminophen should be well-adjusted based on the patient’s age and weight, especially for children and infants who are generally sensitive to medications in their growing years, which you can ask at your local pharmacy or talk with your doctor. 

Several familiar names associated with Acetaminophen, like Tempra and Tylenol, are only used by people without liver complications like hepatitis and other organ-related illnesses.

Hydrocortisone Cream or Steroid Ointments

We all experienced insect bites at least once, especially in tropical or damp areas. When these things happen, best rely on your nearby hydrocortisone cream.

Commonly known as steroid creams or ointments, they treat skin-related diseases like swelling from insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, etc.

These creams are highly aggressive in treating you, often taking a few days to a week of regular application to cure you of skin ailments. 

Usually, you take this cream twice a day until it fully heals. However, hydrocortisone creams cannot be used around the face without your doctor’s approval, especially for open cuts and bruises.

It also increases the risk of impetigo or acne if steroid ointments are not used properly. 

Guaifenesin 

Also known as Robitussin or Mucinex. These are categorized as expectorants, and they help adults and children recover from colds faster by loosening up their airways and letting mucus push out of their system.

You might cough more at the first hour of using Guaifenesin, but as it goes on, you get to spit more mucus, and it becomes easier to cough around until it disappears. 

Take a pad of these medications in preparation for colds, and along with proper hydration, you’ll surely recover and feel relief faster than expected.

Final Note

It never hurts to prepare, and filling your medicine cabinet with the proper medications will help you fight diseases and injuries you may face. 

Our listing is based on common ailments a typical family may experience, but don’t let that stop you from protecting your family and taking more options so you can keep them well against the most common ailments of the season.