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4

The medicine chest or first-aid kit should be kept well stocked. The following basic supplies are useful to have on hand:

• Activated charcoal (a poison control center should be called before using)
• Adhesive tape
• Antihistamine
• Antiseptic ointment (such as bacitracinSome Trade Names
  BACIIM
  )
• AcetaminophenSome Trade Names
  TYLENOL
  or ibuprofenSome Trade Names
  ADVIL MOTRIN
  
• Chewable baby aspirinSome Trade Names
  BAYER
  (in case of symptoms of a heart attack; a doctor should be called before using)
• Cold pack or ice bag
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Elastic wrap
• First-aid manual
• Gauze bandages in a roll, 2 or 3 inches (5 or 7 centimeters) wide
• Sharp scissors
• Soap or instant hand sanitizer
• Sterile adhesive bandages in several sizes
• Thermometer
• Thin, plastic gloves
• Tissues
• Tweezers

Last full review/revision August 2007 by Justin L. Kaplan, MD