What you should have in your medicine cabinet

3. Antibiotic ointments
What they do:
When applied to minor burns, scrapes and cuts, they ensure the wound does not become infected and that it heals promptly. Antibiotic-containing medications are available in a wide range of formulations as both brand-name and private-label products.

Generic name/category: Polymyxin B

Brand names: Neosporin; Polysporin; Polytopic; Polytracin

Not recommended for:
As with any antibiotic-containing medication, prolonged use (more than a week) may result in the growth of resistant organisms, including fungi. Should this occur, discontinue use and seek medical help.

Side-effects:
Used as directed, these medications are generally free of side-effects. However, an allergic reaction to one or more of the ingredients is a rare possibility.

4. Allergy medications
What they do:
Relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and burning and watery eyes that are a result of seasonal allergic reactions to pollens (such as hay fever). Products include ones that are less sedating, longer lasting or faster acting than others. Some may also contain a decongestant. Some brands are available in the form of topical creams, which may be applied to the skin to relieve the itching caused by insect bites and rashes.

Generic name/category: Antihistamine

Brand names: Allegra; Benadryl; Claritin; Reactine

Not recommended for:
Pregnant or nursing women. Everyone should use antihistamines with caution because they may cause drowsiness. Not to be used for extended periods (more than a week) without consulting a doctor. Some formulations not appropriate for children under 12.

Side-effects:
Drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, headache, nausea and nervousness. Reactions can vary wildly from person to person and with the specific medication.

5. Cough and cold remedies
What they do:
• Dextromethorphan-containing products (DM) help suppress dry, hacking coughs.
• Pseudoephedrine-containing products (D) relieve nasal congestion.
• Guaifenesin-containing products (E) loosen mucus/phlegm in coughs due to colds.
• Many people choose a multipurpose DM-D-E formulation to take care of the runny nose, cough and chest congestion caused by a winter cold.

Generic name/category: Cough suppressant (DM), decongestant (D), expectorant (E ).

Brand names: Benylin DM-D-E; Buckley's Mixture; Dimetapp-DM; Nyquil; Robitussin DM; Sudafed DM; Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat; Vicks Formula 44 E Adult/Pediatric.

Not recommended for:
• Pregnant, breastfeeding or elderly people without first consulting a physician.
• DM-containing products or E-containing products are not recommended for patients with asthma unless prescribed by a physician.
• People with diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, glaucoma or coronary artery disease should use D-containing products with caution.
• In children, it is especially important not to exceed the recommended dosage given for the child's age and weight.

Side-effects:
Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and tightness in the chest. If a cough persists for longer than seven days, see a physician.

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