Medicine Cabinet Upkeep

Think inside the box
When stocking your medicine cabinet, take the environment into account. Deodorant, lotion, cotton balls and cosmetics can withstand the heat and humidity of your morning shower, so they're okay in the bathroom. But the active ingredients in medicines break down under those conditions, so keep them somewhere cool, dark and dry. Janet Engle, Pharm.D., FAPhA, associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago/College of Pharmacy recommends a kitchen cabinet or a box kept on a high shelf, safe from children.

Doing it yourself
Every household should be stocked with the following:

Thermometers. One oral digital is okay for all the adults and older children to share - just wash it between usages. Babies should have their own rectal thermometer.

Basic analgesics. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is good for minor aches and pains.

'Cold and flu medicines. Keep a decongestant that contains  phenylephrine for a stuffy nose and a cough medicine with guaifen­esin to loosen mucus or dextromethorphan to suppress coughs.

Allergy medicines. Antihistamines that contain diphenhy­dramine can make you drowsy, so consider loratadine, a non-sedating antihistamine, says Charles Emerman, M.D., chairman of the department of emergency medi­cine at the Cleveland Clinic.

Dosing syringe for children. The difference between one kitchen teaspoon and another can be as much as 50%, says Engle. If you don't have a dosing syringe, you can pick one up for free from your BJ's pharmacist.
 

Maintain your meds

• Give your medicines a checkup at least once a year, suggests Engle.
• Look at their expiration dates and throw out anything that's expired.
• Discard medication that has changed color or formed a residue.
• Lose any pills that seem crumbly or capsules that have opened.
• Toss .any drugs where the label is miss­ing or unreadable.
• Throw away any prescription meds you're not currently taking. "Stockpiling medicine makes it too easy to reach for the wrong bottle by mistake," says Emerman.

            BJ's Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Chris Cella adds that expired medicine is considered hazardous waste, so you want to be careful how you dispose of it. "Check with your town for recommendations," he advises.

Separating "medicine cabinet" and "bathroom" in your home - and mind - can go a long way toward keeping your family in good health.

If you have any questions about the medicine you have at home or any you're considering for your family, stop by your BJ's Pharmacy_ Qualified and friendly professionals are there for you seven days a week. Check BJs.com to see if your Club has a pharmacy.

Updating Your First-Aid Kit with:

• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
• Antiseptic wipes or gel
• Aspirin
• Instant cold pack
• Disposable gloves
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)