Mentioned below for basic medicines in order to keep in First aid box
Pain relievers
Aspirin (eg
Aspro clear), paracetamol (eg
Panadol) or ibuprofen (eg
Nurofen) can be bought over the counter. They come in different forms including soluble tablets, ordinary tablets or suppositories, and can relieve headache, muscle pain, toothache and period pain. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.
Fever
Fever is most commonly caused by
viruses that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Even though antibiotics can be bought in some countries without a prescription, they should be avoided. If antibiotics are necessary, a GP should be consulted. A doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate antibiotics or other medication.
Sunburn
A sunblock to be applied prior to exposure to the sun should always be included in a first-aid kit, along with cream and lotion for use after
sunbathing. The pharmacist should be consulted as to the appropriate screening (SPF-sun protection factor) level.
Insect bites
Antihistamines and soothing lotions such as
calamine are effective at controlling the itching of
insect bites or stings.
Cuts and grazes
The following items are all useful for treating minor cuts and grazes:
sticking plasters
cotton wool
safety pins
a gauze bandage and supportive bandages
antiseptic lotion or saline to clean wounds.