MEDICINE CABINET

Below is a list of useful medicines and dressings. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions so you know how much medicine to take or to give to children, and how often to give it. If you're not sure, get advice from your pharmacist, GP or Health Visitor.

Never give the medicine more often than recommended, and don't give any more than the stated dose.

Keep all medicines locked-up and out of the reach of children.

Paracetamol: Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.

Paracetamol mixture: For relief of pain or fever in young children.

Sedative cough linctus: For dry or painful coughs - but not coughs caused by common colds.

Menthol crystals: Add to hot water to make steam inhalations for treating catarrh and dry or painful coughs.

Vapour rub: Again, for steam inhalations.  Also useful for children with stuffy noses or dry coughs.  Rub on the chest and nose.

Antiseptic solution: One teaspoon diluted in warm water for cleaning cuts and grazes.

Antiseptic cream: For treating septic spots, sores in the nose and grazes.

Calamine lotion: For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites and stings and sunburn.

Dressing strips: For minor cuts.

3" Wide crepe bandage: To keep dressings in place or to support sprained or bruised joints.

Gauze squares: For cleaning cuts and grazes.

Thermometer: For fevers.