What Every Man Needs in His Medicine Cabinet

Maybe you’re a brand new adult moving out on your own for the first time, or maybe you just never bothered to stock your medicine cabinet. Either way, the experts at BRG put together a list of the over-the-counter medicines and tools every man should have in his home. Of course, if you have a specific medical condition or issue, you may have to add your prescriptions or treatments to this list.

Pain relievers

If you or a guest has a headache, a fever or cramps, you’ll want a pain reliever. Experts recommend keeping a couple of different types on hand, for different needs. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an effective and safe drug that even pregnant women can take. You may also want to consider keeping ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) around as well. Unlike Tylenol, it’s an anti-inflammatory and works well for muscle aches and swelling. Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin) is another popular choice, but keep in mind that kids under 12 can’t take aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.

Allergy medications

There are two classes of allergy medications and both have their benefits. The newer class of drugs includes Zyrtec and Claritin, which both work well for seasonal allergies without making you sleepy. It’s a good idea to also have at least one first generation antihistamine, like Benadryl, around as well. While diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, Notol and Sominex, is more likely to make you sleepy, they can be used to reduce swelling and itching from bug bites or bee stings. Kids under 2 shouldn’t take allergy meds without a doctor’s approval.

Cough medicines

At some point, someone in your household is going to get a cough. If it lasts longer than a week or is accompanied by a fever, get it checked out. In the meantime, keep two different types of cough medicine in your cabinet. First, you should have one that includes dextromethorphan (DayQuil Cough, Robitussin Cough). If your cough is also producing mucus, you should take something that has guaifenesin, an expectorant, that loosens the mucus. Some examples are Mucinex, Robitussin Mucus + Congestion, and Tussin Expectorant.

Anti-nausea medications

You don’t want anyone throwing up in your house, even you. That’s why keeping an anti-nausea medication around is important. Pepto Bismol and Kaopectade are good choices. If your nausea is caused by motion sickness, consider Dramamine or Bonine.

Ointments and creams

• An antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or bacitracin will help prevent infection of minor cuts and burns.
• Hydrocortisone cream can help reduce swelling and itching from bug bites and poison ivy
• An antifungal cream like Lotrimin can treat skin infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm

Tools

• A thermometer. There are several different types available, from digital to ear to the old-fashioned kind. Pick what you like best and store it with your fever-reducing medications.
• Bandages. Keep bandages of a few different sizes and fabrics in your cabinet to cover scrapes and burns.
• Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls and q-tips

If you have all the above items already in your medicine cabinet, you may be ready to level up to the advanced medicine cabinet. Here are a few items to keep around that will really impress your friends.

• Cough drops
• Antacids
• Laxatives
• An eyeglass repair kit
• Extra toothbrush
• Orajel
• Tampons