Preparing Your Home Pharmacy for Winter: Essential Medications and Tools for Cold Season
With the arrival of winter, it becomes increasingly important to prepare a well-equipped home pharmacy to manage common seasonal illnesses such as cough, fever, sore throat, cold symptoms, and body aches.
German pharmacist Alexander Schmitz recommends stocking specific medications and tools to help families deal with winter-related health issues safely and effectively.
1. Medications for Fever and Body Aches
🔹 Fever Reducers and Pain Relievers
To manage fever and general body pain, the following active ingredients are essential:
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Ibuprofen
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Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
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Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
These medications help reduce fever, alleviate pain, and improve overall comfort.
🔹 Thermometer
A thermometer is indispensable in the winter home pharmacy.
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For children: Prefer a thermometer with a flexible tip, as it makes rectal measurement safer and easier.
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For adults: Oral temperature measurement under the tongue is recommended.
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According to Schmitz, ear and contact thermometers tend to be less accurate.
2. Treatment for Sore Throat and Cough
🔹 Lozenges
Lozenges increase saliva production, helping moisturize the throat and soothe irritated mucous membranes.
🔹 Expectorants and Cough Suppressants
There are two types of cough syrups:
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Expectorants (Mucolytics): Help thin mucus and facilitate its removal.
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Cough Suppressants: Reduce the urge to cough in cases of dry, irritating cough.
🔹 Cough and Bronchial Herbal Teas
Medicinal teas help dissolve mucus, reduce irritation, and calm the airways.
Examples include:
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Thyme
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Anise
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Linden blossom tea
Tip: Cover the cup with a small plate while steeping to prevent loss of essential oils.
3. Medications for Nasal Congestion
🔹 Decongestant Nasal Sprays
Sprays containing xylometazoline or oxymetazoline constrict nasal blood vessels, providing rapid relief from nasal blockage.
⚠️ Important:
These sprays must not be used for more than 7 consecutive days due to the risk of dependency and rebound congestion.
🔹 Saline Nasal Sprays (Sea Water)
While they do not directly decongest the nose, they:
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Moisturize the nasal mucosa
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Help loosen thick mucus
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Support natural sinus drainage
Nasal rinses or saline steam inhalation offer similar benefits.
Additional Useful Items
Schmitz also recommends keeping the following in the home pharmacy:
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Hand sanitizer
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FFP2 masks (to protect others when sick)
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Medications for digestive issues
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Wound ointment
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Cold compresses
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Bandages and basic first-aid supplies
Best Location for a Home Pharmacy
According to Schmitz:
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Store the home pharmacy in a cool, dry place such as a bedroom or basement.
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Keep medications out of reach of children.
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Note that cough syrups expire shortly after being opened, so always write the opening date on the bottle.
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