What's In Your Medicine Cabinet?

Many of us check the expiration dates of grocery items before serving it, but do you also check the expiration dates on the over-the-counter medicine you've purchased for your family?

I make it a habit of thoroughly organizing our medicine cabinet -- actually a shelf in one of our hall closets because humid conditions could speed up how quickly medicines lose their effectiveness -- each time we have to reset our clocks. That's when I check expiration dates and make a list of what items we'll need. I also quick-check our medicine shelf each time someone in this family gets ill, which seems to be at least once a month.

I don't remember when I started checking expiration dates on medicines. I just remember I started doing that after I took some expired pain reliever for a fever. I didn't have a violent reaction to it, thank goodness (probably because it had only been three months since it expired), but the ibuprofen I took didn't help relieve my pain at all. Since then I've become more vigilant in checking our health supplies.

In addition to checking expiration dates for oral medication, I also periodically check expiration dates of ointments I keep in the house, such as Co*rtaid and Neo*sporin.

So what should you keep in a medicine closet? The following is a list of recommended items from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. I keep my medicines and my first-aid supplies in separate plastic bins. I also keep my child's medicines in a separate basket.

--Analgesic (relieves pain)
--Antibiotic ointment (reduces risk of infection)
--Antacid (relieves upset stomach)
--Antihistamine (relieves allergy symptoms)
--Syrup of ipecac (induces vomiting) PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE USING THIS.
--Decongestant (relieves stuffy nose and other cold symptoms)
--Fever reducer (adult and child)
--Hydrocortisone (relieves itching and inflammation)
--Antiseptic (helps stop infection)


--Adhesive bandages
--Adhesive tape
--Gauze pads
--Tweezers
--Thermometer
--Calibrated measuring spoon
--Alcohol wipes
--Disinfectant

Always remember to read label instructions before taking or giving any medication. If in doubt, call your pharmacist or your physician. Just Mom is not a doctor. I just play one at home.