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A MadeForMums report says pharmacist Amir Bhogal recommends checking seven types of medicines and first-aid supplies before winter: painkillers, throat lozenges, antihistamines, reflux remedies, loperamide, oral rehydration salts and antiseptic cream. His advice also includes checking expiry dates, reading product instructions and storing medicines safely; the report does not say families need to buy every item.
Pharmacist Amir Bhogal has shared seven types of medicine and first-aid supplies that families may want to check as winter approaches, according to a MadeForMums report. The checklist covers common complaints including pain, sore throats, allergies, heartburn, diarrhoea and minor cuts, while advising readers to check labels, expiry dates and whether a product is suitable for each person.
The seven suggestions are paracetamol and ibuprofen, medicated throat lozenges, antihistamines, acid reflux remedies, loperamide, oral rehydration salts and antiseptic cream. Bhogal is identified in the report as Superintendent Pharmacist and Director of Pyramid Pharmacy Group. The list is presented as items to consider, rather than a requirement to stock every product.
The report says paracetamol may help with pain and fever, while ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and may be used for period pain or minor injuries. It warns that some cold and flu remedies already contain paracetamol, so readers should check active ingredients to avoid taking more than intended. Bhogal advises taking ibuprofen with food and consulting a pharmacist before using it if there is a history of stomach ulcers.
For sore throats, some medicated lozenges contain a local anaesthetic and others contain flurbiprofen. The report says most sore throats improve by themselves within a week, and advises contacting a GP if symptoms worsen or have not improved after seven days. It also says non-drowsy antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine are generally preferred during the day, though they can still cause sleepiness in some people.
Practical Checks Before Winter
The list matters because it pairs seasonal preparation with medicine safety. Checking supplies in advance may help a household identify expired or depleted products before common illnesses or minor injuries arise. The report does not establish that these conditions will occur, or that keeping all seven items at home is necessary.
Some of the cautions address risks that can arise when medicines are combined or used without checking instructions. Cold remedies may contain paracetamol, and antacids can affect the absorption of other medicines. Loperamide is not appropriate in every circumstance, while diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to fluid and salt loss. The article directs readers to product leaflets and pharmacists for suitability questions.
For families, the advice also puts safe storage and child-specific directions at the center of preparation. Medicines should be kept out of children’s sight and reach. Adult products or doses should not be assumed to be suitable for children; packaging should be checked for age and dosage guidance, with a pharmacist consulted when uncertain.
What the Seven Items Cover
The checklist spans several different uses. Antacids can neutralise stomach acid, and some reflux products contain alginates that form a protective barrier. Because antacids may affect how other medicines are absorbed, the report says to check the leaflet; some treatments may need to be spaced a few hours apart.
Loperamide, sold under brands including Imodium, can provide short-term relief from diarrhoea by slowing movement through the gut. Bhogal advises against using it for longer than 48 hours without speaking to a doctor, particularly if symptoms are not improving. The report says people with blood in their stool alongside a high temperature should seek medical advice before taking it.
Oral rehydration sachets contain glucose and salts intended to help the body absorb water during fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhoea. The report stresses following the packet directions, including mixing the sachet with exactly the stated amount of water. If signs of dehydration continue despite using them, it advises contacting a pharmacist or another healthcare professional.
For minor cuts and grazes, the report recommends first rinsing the wound with clean water and gently drying it, then applying a suitable antiseptic cream, such as one containing chlorhexidine, and covering it with a sterile plaster. Worsening swelling or pus are given as reasons to seek medical advice.
““not using it for longer than 48 hours without speaking to a doctor””
— Amir Bhogal, as quoted in the MadeForMums report
Advice Does Not Fit Everyone
The report gives general advice and does not assess any reader’s medical history, current symptoms or other medicines. It does not specify which products are appropriate for every age group, pregnancy, long-term health conditions or particular drug combinations. Individual suitability remains a question for a pharmacist or clinician, alongside the instructions on each product’s packaging.
The supplied source does not provide a publication date, survey, clinical study or evidence that stocking these items changes winter health outcomes. It also does not identify a single set of products every household should keep. The recommendations are attributed to Bhogal and should be read as a checklist to consider, not as a diagnosis or individualized treatment plan.
The article gives some signs that warrant further advice, including a worsening or persistent sore throat, blood in stool with a high temperature, ongoing signs of dehydration, or increasing swelling or pus around a wound. It does not offer a full guide to urgent symptoms. Readers with serious or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek appropriate medical help.
Check Labels and Expiry Dates
The immediate step in the report is to review what is already in the cupboard before restocking. Check expiry dates, storage instructions and active ingredients, and dispose of unwanted or expired medicines safely. In the UK, the report says unwanted medicines can be taken to a pharmacy for disposal.
Before using or buying a medicine, read its packet and leaflet. Pay particular attention to age and dosage instructions for children, duplicate ingredients in combination remedies, and directions about food or spacing doses from other medicines. If a product’s suitability is unclear, the report advises speaking to a pharmacist.
Key Questions
Which seven items does the pharmacist suggest checking?
The checklist names paracetamol and ibuprofen, medicated throat lozenges, antihistamines, acid reflux remedies, loperamide, oral rehydration salts and antiseptic cream. The report describes them as items to consider, not a compulsory shopping list.
What should I check before taking a cold and flu remedy?
Check its active ingredients. The report warns that some cold and flu products contain paracetamol, which could lead to taking more than intended if combined with another product containing it. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
When does the report advise seeking help for a sore throat?
It says most sore throats improve by themselves within a week, and advises speaking to a GP if symptoms worsen or have not improved after seven days.
Can children use the same medicines or doses as adults?
Do not assume an adult product or dose is suitable for a child. Check the product’s age and dosage instructions and ask a pharmacist if you are uncertain. Store all medicines out of children’s sight and reach.
Source: rss
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