Medicine cabinet check-up
By BETH BENCE REINKE for Smart
When was the last time you sorted through your medicine cabinet?
Try these simple guidelines on cleaning out and stocking up, from Wes Glaudin, pharmacy director at Memorial Hospital in York.
Step 1
Empty the cabinet.
Step 2
Check the dates. Flush any expired medicine down the toilet, so kids or pets aren’t able to get to them.
Step 3
Put back: Tums, Pepto-Bismol or Mylanta; Tylenol or Motrin; Benadryl; Robitussin.
If you have kids, add syrup of ipecac to the list, but always call the poison control center before administering it.
Step 4
Post this number: 1-800-222-1222, poison control.
Step 5
Move on. Once you’ve tackled the cabinet, check other places medications are stored, such as in purses, diaper bags, offices, lockers and first aid kits. Expiration dates are doubly important in car first aid kits because the medicines are exposed to temperature extremes, which could compromise the drug’s potency.
Step 6
Mark your calendar. Refresh and restock in six months.
Comments (1)
Beth · January 7, 2008 01:58 PM
Flushing some medications could be harmful to the environment or to septic systems. Check with your pharmacist about disposing of specific medications.