Since the rise of COVID-19 cases and vaccination symptoms, most of us are getting too cautious when feeling unwell. An Emergency Medical Officer, Dr Asmi Syabil shared that the emergency room is getting flooded with unnecessary cases. He shares a list of Over-The-Counter (OTC) Pharmaceutical Drugs/medicines that you can get for your First Aid Kit at home.
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The first step is to visit the Pharmacy and purchase OTC Medicines if you’re having symptoms as listed below:
- Fever
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Itchiness
- Vomiting
- Stomach Ache
- Lightheadedness
- etc
If your symptoms continue to worsen or prolong even after taking medicine, then it’s time to get your doctor’s advice. Also, make sure to get treatment immediately if you suspect any allergic reactions to the medicines taken.
Types of OTC Medicine To Prepare At Home
- Paracetamol 500mg (Panadol)
Take it if you’re feeling lightheaded or have a fever. Recommended to take 2 pills each after meals, 3 times a day. Do not exceed 8 pills a day.
2. Loratadine 10mg
Take to reduce allergies such as itchiness, watery eyes, or even sinus. Recommended intake is 1 pill per day.
3. Chlorpenirmine 4mg (Priton)
Similar to Loratadine, take it if you have allergies. Recommended to take 1 pill, 3 times a day. This medicine can cause drowsiness, so avoid taking this if you’re working or driving.
4. Diclofenac Sodium 50mg (Voltaren)
This is a painkiller to take if Paracetamol is not working for you. Recommended to take 1 pill 3 times per day if you’re in continuous pain or once a day if needed. Avoid taking this with an empty stomach and for those with gastritis.
5. Metoclopramide HCI 10mg (Maxolon)
Take it if you’re feeling nauseous and vomiting, or even if you’re having a migraine. Advisable take is 1 pill 3 times per day or when needed.
6. Buscopan 10mg
This is to be taken to reduce stomach aches or abdominal cramps. Recommended intake is 1 pill 3 times per day or when needed.
7. Diphenoxylate + Atropine Sulphate (Lomotil)
Take to reduce diarrhoea. Suggested 1 pill 3 times per day or 1 pill when needed.
8. Activated Charcoal 250mg
Similar to Lomotil, it’s to be taken to reduce diarrhoea. Recommended intake is also 1 pill 3 times per day.
9. Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS)
ORS can also be taken if experiencing diarrhoea. Our body loses sodium and potassium when experiencing continuous diarrhoea; hence ORS is usually prescribed to cover that loss so that our body could function well again. It’s recommended to take 1 packet when needed.
10. Mist Magnesium Trisilicate (MMT)
It functions the same as Gaviscon is to treat heartburn. 15ml is to be taken 3 times per day before meals. Also, take note to not consume anything within 15 minutes after taking this.
General First Aid You Should Have At Home
Below is a list of general medications you should have in your first aid kit.
- Cough Syrup
2. Ammeltz Yoko Yoko
3. Eye Drops
4. Thermometer
5. Pregnancy Test
Dr Asmi Syabil also recommends a pregnancy test for couples planning to get pregnant as he has attended countless cases of couples rushing to the emergency to confirm their pregnancy. He advises not to be selfish and help reduce the number of ER cases. It should be best to visit a clinic instead.
Since the number of people visiting the Emergency Room each day is high, I also think we should also be considerate of the situation now and try to reduce visiting the ER for small symptoms. The best we can do is monitor our health at home first, probably spend some money on medical devices such as oximeters, thermometers or even a fitness watch. What do you think?
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