No one wants to head to the store in the middle of the night for pain relievers, cough syrup or allergy relief pills that you or a family member may suddenly need.

Since you can’t always avoid the unexpected, it’s best to prepare for those minor medical maladies and mini emergencies that might not necessitate a physician visit right away but will keep you and family members safe and comfortable in the meantime.

“It’s good to stock up on over-the-counter medications and other emergency-type supplies that all of us need at some point, so that we have them when we need them,” said Melissa Monchelli, a clinical pharmacist in the outpatient pharmacy at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center.

While some medicine cabinet items, such as bandages and over-the-counter pain relievers, are good to have on hand year-round, the changing of seasons may call for relief from allergies in the spring and help for cough and colds in the winter.

Maintaining your medicine cabinet makes it easier to handle the inevitable sick day. Just don’t forget that rest and hydration also help you’re body’s own defenses work.

For those whose medicine cabinets might need a refresh, or for others who don’t have one at all, here is a good primer to get started.

Pain relievers

• For muscle and joint/body aches, reach for ibuprofen or naproxen.
• To reduce fever and relieve headaches, use acetaminophen (can be alternated with ibuprofen).
• To help with menstrual cramps, try Midol or Pamprin.

Flu symptoms

• Over-the-counter flu medicine comes in the form of liquid, pills and powder, and can provide temporary relief from body aches and headaches. Monchelli suggested discussing your symptoms with a pharmacist for help in selecting one that’s best for you, and contacting your physician if symptoms worsen.
• Also, it’s a good idea to have a few COVID-19 tests on hand as well, as sometimes COVID-19 has the same symptoms as the flu.

“Whether you have COVID-19 or the flu, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and try to minimize the amount of outside contact you have so you don’t get others sick,” said Monchelli.

Allergies and sinus problems

For seasonal allergies, try an antihistamine like Zyrtec, Allegra or Claritin, as well as an allergy nasal spray and eye drops.

Skin irritations

• Monchelli recommends having Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream to counter bee stings, bug bites or reactions to pets, as well as rashes from exposure to plants or other outside elements.

Stomach problems

• Indigestion, heartburn and an upset stomach can usually be remedied with products like Tums or Pepcid.
• For gastrointestinal issues or nausea, Pepto-Bismol can be used, although it is not recommended for children.

Coughs and colds

• A cough can be treated with over-the-counter products containing “DM” or dextromethorphan, although again, it is not recommended for children.
• A humidifier.
• Menthol cough drops.
• If you feel a sore throat coming on, gargling with a simple salwater solution may help, while a saline nasal spray can be beneficial for congestion and other cold symptoms.

“When it comes to coughs and cold, you need to manage your symptoms,” said Monchelli. “Pharmacists can be very helpful with guiding you to the best products to get you some relief.”

Minor first aid

• Bandages. Monchelli prefers cloth ones, as those made from plastic can cause rashes if worn for a longer period of time.
• Triple antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to protect wounds from becoming infected.
• Ice packs, which can be kept in the freezer and used for acute injuries to reduce swelling.
• Heating pads to loosen up sore muscles and joints.
• Monchelli advised checking all medications – over-the-counter and prescriptions – for expiration dates and protecting them from extreme temperatures to maximize their effectiveness.
• “As with any medication, keep them away from children and pets,” she said, “and keep them on your person when traveling.”

Monchelli encourages people to utilize the knowledge and convenience of their local pharmacists to assist them with questions about everyday ailments and other medicine-related questions.

“Pharmacists are always available and are here to guide you about prescriptions and over-the-counter products, as well as work with you and your doctors to maximize your health,” she said. “We can be a great resource.”

This article first appeared in the Steamboat Pilot.