Some Simple Aids to Self Treatment

MINOR ILLNESS –

Some simple aids to Self Treatment

Minor illnesses can happen at any time so it’s worth being prepared. It makes sense to keep some simple remedies in a safe place to treat minor complaints.

The list of medicines which follows can all be obtained from a pharmacist at less than the price of a prescription. This Medicine cupboard will get you through most problems.

NEED ADVICE?

· Ask your Pharmacist. They can offer advice on medicines and how to take them. They can also offer advice on common complaints such as coughs, colds, aches and pains. You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence – even about the most personal symptoms. Most pharmacies now have a quiet area away from other customers where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately.

· Ring NHS Direct. Telephone No. 0845 4647, A nice nurse is available 24 hours a day to talk you calmly and slowly through most minor illness remedies.

· Collect a leaflet from the surgery for advice on the management of most problems including cystitis, earache, backache, burns, stings, falls and cuts and bruises

REMEMBER:

· Keep medicines locked away and out of reach of small children.

· Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose.

· Watch expiry dates - don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date.

USEFUL TIPS

· Use digital thermometer for fever assessment

· Remember I-C-E for sports injuries

Ice

Compression strapping

Elevation of injured part

Pain killers/Fever relief

/ · Paracetamol or Paracetamol & Codeine tabs (Solpadeine)
· Soluble aspirin
· Ibuprofen
· Ibuprofen gel
· Ibuprofen for children
· Calpol or Disprol

Stomach remedies

/ · Peptobismol
· Kolanticon
· Motilium for spasms and gaseous bloating

For diarrhoea

/ · Imodium or Imodium Plus
· Diocalm capsules
In children these remedies are to be avoided – concentrate on fluid replacement such as Dioralyte. Calpol for pain after obtaining medical advice

For short term constipation

/ If not due to dehydration or lack of normal dietary fibre:
· Dulcolax
· Sennokot

For heartburn

/ · Gaviscon liquid
· Zantac 75

For infants consider Infacol or Dentinox for colic

Nausea and vomiting

/ · Kwells
· Stugeron 15 (not to be used in children)
· Kolanticon (suitable for children)

Anti-Itch and Allergy

/ · Clarityn
· Benadryl
· Piriton syrup for children
· Clarityn allergy syrup for non sedating hayfever remedy
· Beconase allergy nasal spray
· Opticrom eye drops

Rashes

/ · Dermacort cream for eczema (if no infection)
· Eurax cream, Hc45 & Ungentum M for simple irritations

These are not suitable for children under 10 years of age

Avoid antihistimine creams

Chicken pox

/ · Piriton (for itching)
· Sodium bicarbonate in a body heat bath
· Lactocalamine or aqueous calamine (not lotion)

Thrush/Athletes foot

/ · Canesten
· Daktarin Gold
· Lamisil cream
· Diflucan (for the ladies!)

Migraine

/ · Migraleve pink and yellow (ask your Pharmacist)

Threadworms

/ · Ovex tablets
· Pripsen
· Piperazine powder for young children

Headlice

/ · Quellada liquid
Shampoos are not recommended. Discuss with your Pharmacist current recommendations and products available

Insomnia

/ · Nytol – one a night

Colds and flu

/ · Steam inhalation with Olbas oil
· Vicks Vapour rub
· Benylin for children
· Tixylix Nightime SF
· Dequacaine lozenges for sore throats or TCP gargles
· Night Nurse capsules

Article supplied by Markyate Surgery- Dr.T.Sepai