10 Things You Should Always Keep in Your Medicine Cabinet

You wake up at 2 a.m. with a headache, or cut an onion that stings your finger to eat. You rush to the bathroom, open the drawer, and find nothing but three years’ worth of expired cough syrup and a single, crusty bandage.

We were all there. But looking for things you have when you are sick or bleeding is not just stress; it often leads to late night pharmacy operations where you end up overpaying for the basics out of desperation.

You don’t need to turn your bathroom into a hospital supply room, but a little preparation goes a long way. Before you end up paying for basic necessities store maps, take 10 minutes to check out their offerings.

10 essential things you really need

Here’s a practical, no-nonsense list of what you should always have.

1. Pain relievers and fever reducers: You’ll want acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil). They do different things. Acetaminophen is good for colds, while ibuprofen deals with inflammation and muscle pain.
2. Bandages in various sizes: Forget the fragile ones that fall out of the shower. Get plenty of high-quality adhesive bandages, as well as a few larger pads and medical tape for larger bruises.
3. Antibiotic Ointment: A basic tube of bacitracin or tri-bacterial ointment helps prevent infection in minor cuts and burns. It also keeps the wound moist, which can help speed healing.
4. A reliable digital thermometer: Guessing your temperature by feeling your forehead doesn’t work. Keep a good digital thermometer and a spare battery for it.
5. Antihistamines: Even if you don’t have chronic allergies, a sudden rash from a new food or a severe reaction to an insect bite can happen. Keep a basic antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) on hand.
6. Hydrocortisone cream: If an unexplained rash appears or gnats stick to your ankles, 1% hydrocortisone cream will stop the itch so you don’t have to scratch it raw.
7. Quality tweezers: Stop using bare tweezers for splinters or stingers. Buy a sharp, angled pair specially designed for first aid and clean them before and after each use.
8. Antacids or acid reducers: Heartburn rarely strikes at the right time. Keep a bottle of basic chewable antacids or an acid reducer in the cupboard for after-dinner emergencies.
9. Cold and cough medicine: You’ll want a nasal decongestant and a cough suppressant to help you sleep. Shop general store brands; they have the exact same active ingredients as the more expensive name brands. If you’re looking for ways to cut down on expensive medications, being able to save money on prescriptions can save hundreds in your pocket each year.
10. Basic first aid manual: When panic sets in, your brain becomes foggy. A small, portable handbook from the Red Cross that explains how to handle burns, suffocation, or suffocation is invaluable if the Wi-Fi is down or you can’t think straight.

Let your tax-earning accounts pay taxes

If you have a variable spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA), don’t pay for these items with your regular checking account.

Thanks to federal rule changes in the past few years, you can use your tax-advantaged HSA or FSA dollars to buy almost everything on this list. Over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy medications, antacids, bandages, and thermometers are all reasonable expenses.

You no longer need a prescription to get the most out of your HSA when stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials.

If you have an FSA, this is a great way to burn through any funds left over at the end of the year so you don’t lose that money. Simply use your account’s debit card when you pay at the pharmacy or save your receipts for reimbursement.

How to manage your stash

Don’t buy the larger club sizes of these items unless you have a large family. Medicines lose potency over time. Buying a 500 count bottle of ibuprofen only to throw away half of it when it expires is not saving money.

Check your closet once a year, get rid of outdated items, and put back the basics. Cheap insurance for your peace of mind.