​​​​​​​​​​​Maybe it's an upset stomach, a headache or a small scrape. Or perhaps it's a stuffy nose. Whatever your minor health problem, you want an over-the-counter treatment—fast. That's when you head to your trusty medicine cabinet.

A well-organized medicine cabinet can help you manage everyday aches and pains, said Jordan Ryan, MD, a primary care physician at The Christ Hospital Physicians.

“It's important to keep all your medications in one place because you never know when you're going to need it," he said. “If you or your child need something—during the day or in the middle of the night—you don't want to stumble around trying to find it. It's good to know where your medicines are."

Here, Dr. Ryan offered some insights on how to create and organize a well-stocked medicine cabinet. And he provided guidance on when to replace the contents.

Where to keep your medicine cabinet

Safety is the most important thing to consider when choosing a location for your medicine cabinet—especially if you have children.

“You always want to keep medications out of reach of children," Dr. Ryan said. “You don't want anyone getting hurt accidentally."

Otherwise, be sure you choose a spot large enough to store all your boxes and bottles. And keep everything organized so it's easy to find the right medication when you need it.

​You should also consider temperature when picking your medicine cabinet's location. To prevent medications from breaking down, manufacturers recommend storing them at room temperature and away from water. Keep heat in mind if you want your medicine cabinet to be in your bathroom. If you take steamy showers, your kitchen may be a better spot.

What to include in your medicine cabinet

Having the right over-the-counter medications available lets you handle minor health problems on your own. To stay prepared, Dr. Ryan recommended keeping these items on hand.

• Adhesives: Cuts and scrapes happen frequently. Keep bandages readily available to control bleeding as quickly as possible.
• Allergy medications: Even if you don't have allergies, keep an antihistamine like Benadryl® in your medicine cabinet for anyone who does. These medications can relieve or prevent itching or hives from bug bites or other allergens.
• Cold and cough medicine: These medications can help reduce symptoms from the common cold. Dr. Ryan suggested looking for medications that help control your cough (suppressant), break up your congestion (expectorate) and relieve stuffiness (decongestant).
• Digestive medication: An upset stomach is bound to happen now and then. Digestive medications, such as Imodium®, Tums®, Zantac® or Pepto Bismol®, help control diarrhea, heartburn and indigestion. Dr. Ryan noted that you shouldn't use these medications if you have a fever or blood in your stool.
• Pain relievers: Pain relievers are the number one item to have in your medicine cabinet, he said. They can relieve headaches, muscle soreness and menstrual cramps. The most common pain relievers are acetaminophen (Tylenol®), anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen or naproxen) and aspirin.
• Skin ointments: Topical ointments are available for people who have trouble swallowing pills. Calamine lotion or a topical antihistamine can reduce itching and skin irritation. If neither ointment works, a topical steroid like cortisone cream can treat symptoms. Ointments like Voltaren® can also relieve pain.
• Sterile saline solution: Have sterile saline solution available in case you get something in your eyes. This solution can help you flush away dirt, sand, wood or metal.
• Topical antibiotics: If you get a cut or minor burn, a topical antibiotic like Neosporin® can help prevent infection.

When to update your medicine cabinet

There's a good chance you don't use an over-the-counter medication every day, so it's easy to forget what's in your medicine cabinet. That's why it's a good idea to routinely check the expiration labels on your bottles and boxes, Dr. Ryan said. He suggested going through your medicine cabinet every six months to remove or replace items.

Do more than look at the expiration date, though. Examine the medication each time you take it, he said.  

“Always look at medicine that you're going to put into your mouth or on your skin," he said. “If it doesn't look right to you, it's not worth using."

​Even if the medication isn't expired, you should never take:

• Liquid medications that have started to crystalize
• New or individually packaged medications with broken seals
• Pills that crumble in your fingers

Minor health problems can develop at any time. But that doesn't mean you must head to the doctor. With a well-organized medicine cabinet filled with these go-to medications, you may be able to manage small health needs on your own.

Getting rid of prescription medicines safely

​You might be tempted to flush prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are no longer taking down the toilet or sink. Agencies like Northern Kentucky's Sanitation District No. 1 warn that flushing medicines can pollute our waterways and harm aquatic life.

There are more environmentally friendly options for getting rid of medications that are also safer for keeping controlled substances from falling into the wrong hands, especially children who are at greater risk for accidental drug poisoning.

​Donate to a charitable pharmacy

There is a large, unmet need across Greater Cincinnati among people who cannot afford prescription medications. Charitable pharmacies, like those operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, offer a safety net for those in need.

In addition to getting medication donations from local hospitals and pharmacies, St. Vincent de Paul also accepts donations from the community. This is possible because of a newer Ohio law that expanded opportunities for patient donations.

The most in-demand prescriptions accepted by the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy include insulin, GLP1s, inhalers, blood thinners, eye drops, IBS medications, Entresto, and creams and ointments.

If you are interested in donating, you can call St. Vincent de Paul at 513-562-8841, Ext. 963, and leave a message about what medications you have to donate. A member of their staff will contact you about whether it can be accepted.

Donors will have to meet with a pharmacy representative to complete a drug transfer form. If the patient prescribed the medication has passed away, this form can be completed by next of kin.

All donated medications have to be unused and unexpired. Refrigerated products must have been stored in proper refrigeration at all times.

​Take medications to a prescription drop box location

Unused medications can also be taken to any number of prescription drop box locations throughout the Tristate. Many are located in the lobbies of local police departments and sheriff's offices. Others are affiliated with major pharmacy chains.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration promotes a national Drug Takeback Day at the end of every April. You can search for local collection sites by Zip code on the Take Back Day website.​

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