Basic Medicines Cheatsheet
🚨 Important Disclaimer
Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication. This guide is for
educational purposes only. Follow dosing instructions on packaging or as prescribed by your
doctor.
Pain Relief & Fever Reducers
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Brand Names: Tylenol, Panadol
Uses: Pain relief, fever reduction
Adult Dose: 325-650mg every 4-6 hours (max 3000mg/day)
Notes: Safer for stomach, but can damage liver in high doses
Avoid: If liver disease or heavy alcohol use
Ibuprofen
Brand Names: Advil, Motrin
Uses: Pain, inflammation, fever
Adult Dose: 200-400mg every 4-6 hours (max 1200mg/day OTC)
Notes: Better for inflammation, can upset stomach
Avoid: If stomach ulcers, kidney problems, or blood thinners
Aspirin
Brand Names: Bayer, Bufferin
Uses: Pain, inflammation, fever, heart protection (low dose)
Adult Dose: 325-650mg every 4 hours for pain
Notes: Blood thinner, can prevent heart attacks
Avoid: Under 18 (Reye's syndrome risk), bleeding disorders
Cold & Allergy Relief
Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Uses: Allergies, itching, sleep aid
Adult Dose: 25-50mg every 4-6 hours
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth
Notes: First-generation antihistamine
Loratadine (Claritin)
Uses: Seasonal allergies, hives
Adult Dose: 10mg once daily
Side Effects: Minimal drowsiness
Notes: Second-generation, less sedating
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Uses: Allergies, chronic hives
Adult Dose: 10mg once daily
Side Effects: Mild drowsiness possible
Notes: Good for year-round allergies
Decongestants
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Uses: Nasal congestion
Adult Dose: 30-60mg every 4-6 hours
Notes: Behind pharmacy counter, can raise blood pressure
Avoid: High blood pressure, heart problems
Phenylephrine
Uses: Nasal congestion
Adult Dose: 10mg every 4 hours
Notes: Less effective than pseudoephedrine, available OTC
Digestive Issues
Antacids
Calcium Carbonate (Tums)
Uses: Heartburn, acid indigestion
Adult Dose: 500-1500mg as needed
Notes: Also provides calcium, can cause constipation
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
Uses: Heartburn, constipation
Adult Dose: 400-800mg as needed
Notes: Can cause diarrhea in high doses
Acid Reducers
Famotidine (Pepcid)
Uses: Heartburn, acid reflux
Adult Dose: 10-20mg once or twice daily
Notes: H2 blocker, longer lasting than antacids
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Uses: Frequent heartburn, GERD
Adult Dose: 20mg once daily
Notes: Proton pump inhibitor, very effective for acid reduction
Anti-Diarrheal
Loperamide (Imodium)
Uses: Diarrhea
Adult Dose: 2mg after each loose stool (max 8mg/day)
Notes: Don't use if fever or bloody stools
Cough & Cold
Cough Suppressants
Dextromethorphan
Uses: Dry, unproductive cough
Adult Dose: 15-30mg every 4 hours
Notes: Found in many combination products
Expectorants
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
Uses: Chest congestion, productive cough
Adult Dose: 200-400mg every 4 hours
Notes: Helps thin mucus, drink plenty of water
Topical Treatments
Antiseptics
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Uses: Wound cleaning, mouth rinse
Notes: Foams on contact with blood/bacteria
Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)
Uses: Skin disinfection, thermometer cleaning
Notes: Stings on open wounds
Anti-inflammatory Creams
Hydrocortisone (1%)
Uses: Itching, rashes, insect bites
Notes: Mild topical steroid, safe for most skin
Calamine Lotion
Uses: Poison ivy, chickenpox, insect bites
Notes: Drying agent, helps reduce itching
Sleep & Anxiety
Sleep Aids
Melatonin
Uses: Sleep regulation, jet lag
Adult Dose: 0.5-3mg, 30 minutes before bed
Notes: Natural hormone, start with lowest dose
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Uses: Occasional sleep problems
Adult Dose: 25-50mg at bedtime
Notes: Antihistamine with sedating effects
First Aid Essentials
Wound Care
Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Gauze pads and tape
Antiseptic wipes
Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
Emergency Items
Thermometer (digital)
Ice packs (instant)
Elastic bandages
Tweezers
💊 Dosing Guidelines
General Rules
Follow package instructions or doctor's orders
Don't exceed maximum daily doses
Space doses evenly throughout the day
Take with food if stomach upset occurs
Complete antibiotic courses even if feeling better
Special Populations
Children: Use weight-based dosing, not age
Elderly: May need lower doses due to slower metabolism
Pregnancy: Consult doctor before taking any medication
Chronic conditions: Check interactions with existing medications
⚠️ When to Seek Medical Help
Red Flags
High fever (>103°F/39.4°C) or fever lasting >3 days
Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling)
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Severe abdominal pain
Signs of infection (red streaking, pus, increased warmth)
Medication not working after appropriate trial period
Drug Interactions
Always tell healthcare providers about ALL medications and supplements
Check with pharmacist about potential interactions
Don't mix alcohol with medications unless approved
Be cautious with multiple medications containing the same ingredients
📋 Medicine Cabinet Checklist
Essential Medications
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Antihistamine (Benadryl or Claritin)
Antacid
Thermometer
Adhesive bandages
Antiseptic
Optional Additions
Cough suppressant/expectorant
Anti-diarrheal
Hydrocortisone cream
Melatonin
Decongestant
🗓️ Medication Management Tips
Storage
Cool, dry place away from bathroom humidity
Original containers with labels
Child-proof locations
Check expiration dates regularly
Record Keeping
Keep a list of current medications
Note allergies and reactions
Track when medications are taken
Bring list to medical appointments
Remember: This cheatsheet is a general guide. Individual needs vary, and professional medical advice
should always take precedence over general information.
