First Aid Kit & Medication Miscellaneous*
Minor emergencies and illnesses may occur at any time. We recommend you assemble the following medications and items and bring them to campus with you.
The specified brand name medications mentioned are merely suggestions. They may be substituted with comparable generic products. Do not take any of the medications listed below if allergic to them.
Some general information about medications is provided in the second half of this information.
Suggestions
Pain reliever (ibuprofen, aspirin substitute such as acetaminophen, or naproxen)
Antiseptic skin cleanser (Betadine)
Antibiotic cream or ointment (Bacitracin)
Antihistamine for itching, stings, seasonal allergies (Benadryl or Chlortrimeton, Claritin)
Hydrocortisone cream for skin rashes, itching (Cortaid)
Antacid tablets or liquid (preferably) for upset stomach caused by eating/drinking foods/beverages that irritate the lining of the stomach (Maalox or Mylanta)
Drying agent for poison ivy, oak, sumac (Calamine Lotion)
Antidiarrheal/antinausea tablets (Pepto-Bismol - however, do not use if you have an allergy to aspirin)
Antidiarrheal (Immodium A-D)
Antinausea (Emetrol)
Decongestant (Sudafed - will need to sign for this at pharmacy counter)
Cough expectorant (Robitussin)
Cough suppressant (Robitussin DM)
Throat lozenges (Cepastat or Chloraseptic)
Oral or digital thermometer
Band-aids in assorted sizes, include butterfly bandages for small lacerations
Sterile gauze pads (4 x 4s)
Gauze - 3 inch roll
Paper tape
Scissors
Tweezers
ACE bandage for sprains (3 inch for ankle/wrist, 4 inch for knee)
Ice bag for sprains, bee/wasp stings (zip lock bags work very well)
Box of table salt for sore throat (gargle with 1/4 tsp. in 8 oz. water 3-4 times daily)
Sunscreen
Many health problems that occur throughout life are minor and self-limiting rather than life threatening. Most of these ailments cause annoying symptoms. Treatment is often aimed at relieving the uncomfortable symptoms and is referred to as symptomatic relief. Many nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or medications are available without a doctor's prescription. These drugs can be used safely by most people as long as label instructions are closely and accurately followed.
Prescription medicines are prescribed by various health care providers (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, etc.) for individuals who have health problems requiring specific medical evaluation and supervision.
Take all medication as directed on the label.
If an antibiotic is prescribed, take the total number of capsules or tablets prescribed. An incomplete course of antibiotics may only suppress and not kill the organisms, or other resistant organisms may emerge.
Take single ingredient medicines whenever possible. These drugs allow moreselectivity in treating symptoms. Single ingredient medicines are drugs such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Multiple ingredient medicines are drugs such as Vicks Nyquil and Robitussin CF.
Read thoroughly all product information about the medicine.
Observe all warnings about side effects and interactions with other drugs or food.
Become familiar with the ingredients in each medicine taken. Taking more than one medicine containing the same ingredient increases the possibility of overdose.
Know, by name, any or all medicines taken.
Store all medicines in a cool, dry place.
Consult a health care provider if any unusual side effect is experienced. Body chemistry varies from person to person. Therefore, the same medicine may affect people differently, even exerting an adverse effect on some individuals.
DO NOT take any of the medications suggested in the First-Aid Kit if allergic to them. Allergies to medicines are not outgrown.
DO NOT take medicines or drugs unnecessarily. As stated previously, many medicines or drugs relieve symptoms but do not cure the problem. Therefore, if the symptoms are tolerable, avoid medicine.
DO NOT take medication prescribed for others. Medicine prescribed for another person may not be appropriate.
DO NOT take outdated or deteriorated medicines. They may be ineffective and even harmful.
DO NOT take prescription medicine left over from a previous illness. It may not be the appropriate medicine for the present problem.
DO NOT take aspirin if there is a vinegary odor when the bottle is opened. This odor indicates chemical deterioration that may be harmful to the kidneys if the aspirin is ingested.
* Acknowledgements to Oxford College, Emory University - adapted from
http://www.emory.edu/OXFORD/CampusLife/Departments/Health/FirstAidKitRecommendations.htm
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