A guide to stocking a well-organized home medicine cabinet with essential over-the-counter medications, proper storage practices, and a system for tracking expiration dates.
Regular strength is 325mg per tablet; extra strength is 500mg. Maximum daily dose is 3,000mg for adults, lower if you consume alcohol regularly. Keep a 100-count bottle as a baseline; a household of 3-4 uses about 20-30 tablets per month.
Stock ibuprofen (200mg tablets)
Ibuprofen reduces pain and inflammation. Standard dose: 200-400mg every 4-6 hours, maximum 1,200mg daily without a doctor's guidance. Take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Not recommended for people with kidney issues.
Keep children's formulations if kids are in the household
Children's liquid acetaminophen and ibuprofen are dosed by weight, not age. A 30-pound child takes roughly 150mg of acetaminophen. Always use the measuring device included with the product; kitchen spoons are inaccurate by up to 20%.
Cold, Flu, and Allergy Medications
Stock a daytime decongestant
Pseudoephedrine (30mg tablets) relieves nasal congestion for 4-6 hours. In most states you must purchase it from the pharmacy counter with an ID. Keep at least 20 tablets; the average cold lasts 7-10 days.
Stock a nighttime cold and flu medicine
A combination product with a pain reliever, cough suppressant, and antihistamine helps with sleep when sick. Check that ingredients do not overlap with other medications you are taking; acetaminophen overdose from combo products sends 50,000 people to the ER annually.
Keep a non-drowsy antihistamine for allergies
Cetirizine or loratadine (10mg, once daily) controls allergies for 24 hours without drowsiness. Generic versions cost $5-10 for 30 tablets versus $15-25 for name brands. Stock up before allergy season (typically March-May and August-October).
Stock cough suppressant and expectorant
Dextromethorphan (DM) suppresses a dry cough. Guaifenesin loosens chest congestion. Do not use a suppressant for a productive cough since you need to clear the mucus. Keep one of each type on hand.
Keep throat lozenges and saline nasal spray
Menthol throat lozenges numb sore throat pain for 20-30 minutes. Saline nasal spray ($4-8) moisturizes nasal passages and is safe to use multiple times daily with no side effects. Both have a shelf life of 2-3 years.
Digestive Health
Stock antacid tablets or liquid
Calcium carbonate tablets (750-1,000mg) relieve heartburn within 5-10 minutes and last 1-3 hours. Liquid antacids work slightly faster. Keep 30-60 doses on hand. Do not take more than 7,500mg in 24 hours.
Keep an anti-diarrheal medication
Loperamide (2mg) slows diarrhea within 1-3 hours. Maximum dose is 8mg (4 tablets) in 24 hours for adults. Do not use for bloody diarrhea or diarrhea with a fever above 101.3°F; see a doctor instead.
Stock a gentle laxative
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) powder is a gentle osmotic laxative that works within 1-3 days. Mix 17 grams (the cap-full dose) in 8 ounces of water. Avoid stimulant laxatives for regular use as they can cause dependency.
Keep anti-nausea medication
Bismuth subsalicylate (262mg tablets) treats nausea and upset stomach. Typical dose is 2 tablets every 30-60 minutes, up to 8 doses in 24 hours. It can temporarily turn your tongue and stool black, which is harmless.
Skin and Wound Care
Stock hydrocortisone cream (1%)
Treats bug bites, mild eczema, and contact dermatitis. Apply a thin layer 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days. One 1-ounce tube ($4-6) lasts 20-30 applications. Do not use on broken skin or deep wounds.
Keep triple antibiotic ointment
Apply a thin layer to clean minor cuts and scrapes 1-3 times daily. Reduces infection risk by 25% compared to no treatment. If a wound does not improve in 5 days or worsens, see a doctor.
Stock sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays. Apply 1 ounce (a shot glass full) to cover an adult body 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen expires after 3 years; check the expiration date on the bottle.
Keep calamine lotion for itching
Calamine lotion ($5-8 per bottle) soothes poison ivy, insect bites, and chickenpox. Shake well and apply with a cotton ball 3-4 times daily. It dries pink on the skin and washes off with soap and water.
Storage and Organization
Choose a cool, dry storage location
The bathroom medicine cabinet is actually the worst spot due to heat and humidity from showers. Store medications in a bedroom closet or kitchen cabinet away from the stove. Ideal storage: 59-77°F with less than 60% humidity.
Keep medications out of reach of children
60,000 children visit the ER each year from unsupervised medication access. Use a cabinet with a childproof lock or store on a high shelf (above 5 feet). Never refer to medicine as candy when giving it to children.
Create an expiration date tracking system
Write the expiration month and year on the front of each package with a permanent marker. Check all dates every 6 months (set a calendar reminder). Most OTC medications remain effective for 1-2 years past their expiration date, but potency decreases over time.
Dispose of expired medications safely
Mix expired pills with coffee grounds or cat litter in a sealed bag and place in household trash. Many pharmacies accept expired medications for safe disposal. The DEA hosts National Drug Take Back Days twice a year (April and October).
Keep a written inventory taped inside the cabinet door
List each medication, its purpose, the adult dose, and the expiration date. This prevents buying duplicates and helps someone else find what they need during an emergency. Update the list each time you add or remove a product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What over-the-counter medications should every home have?
Stock acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) for pain and fever, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions, loratadine (Claritin) for daily allergies, loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea, famotidine (Pepcid) for heartburn, and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for nasal congestion. For households with children, keep pediatric versions of acetaminophen and ibuprofen with dosing syringes.
How should I properly dispose of expired medications?
The FDA recommends using drug take-back programs, available at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and police stations year-round. If no take-back is available, mix pills with coffee grounds or cat litter in a sealed bag and place in household trash. Never flush medications unless the label specifically says to. The DEA holds national take-back events twice a year in April and October.
Are expired medications still safe to take?
Most medications remain 90% potent for 1-5 years past their expiration date according to an FDA study. However, liquid medications degrade faster than pills, and certain drugs like insulin, nitroglycerin, and EpiPens lose effectiveness more rapidly and should always be replaced on time. When in doubt, replace expired medications rather than risk reduced effectiveness. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation.
Should I store medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet?
Ironically, the bathroom is the worst place. Humidity from showers degrades medications 25% faster than dry storage. Store medications in a cool, dry place like a bedroom closet shelf or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove. Keep all medications above 59°F and below 77°F unless the label specifies refrigeration.
How do I organize medications safely with children in the home?
Use a locked medicine cabinet or a high shelf at least 5 feet from the floor. Child-resistant caps are not child-proof and a determined toddler can open them in under 10 seconds. Keep a poison control number (1-800-222-1222) on the refrigerator. Store liquid medications with childproof measuring syringes, never spoons, to prevent accidental overdose.