4 Tips to an Organized Medicine Cabinet

Here we are in 2017 chasing the same old bad habits. Today I want to encourage you to get into the corners of your medicine cabinet!

Pull out everything from your medicine cabinet (or wherever your medicine is stored); collect bottles from around the house if you have been storing them in different locations! *please make sure that you are cautious and alert when leaving any medicine out, especially if you have small children or friends who are not trust worthy; make sure you have enough time to complete this process from start to finish.
Throw out EVERYTHING that is out of date! *we advice that you look up your local laws on discarding medications.
Organize your medicine and first aid items by category. *Below is a guideline to organizing the medicine you have on hand or might need.
- Prescriptions
  - Please organize these by the individuals they belong too.
  - If any regularly used prescriptions are low or out of date please contact your PCM.
- Vitamins
  - If you need to separate these out by each family member do so now.
- Pain
  - Aspirin
  - Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  - Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Colds/Cough
  - Decongestant
  - Cough Medicine
- Allergies
  - Antihistamine
  - Eye Drops
  - Nasal Spray
- Digestive
  - Tums
  - Peto-Bismal
  - Malox/Mylanta
  - Prevacid
  - GasX
  - Nausea Medication
- Rashes/BugBites/Skin
  - Calamine Lotion
  - Benadryl Cream
  - Anti-fungal cream
- Infections
  - Yeast Infection Cream/Pill
  - Bladder/UTI medicine
- First Aid
  - Gauze pads
  - medical tape
  - bandaids (multipul sizes)
  - Hydrogen Peroxide
  - Rubbing Alcohol
  - Liquid Bandage
  - Ace Bandage/Braces
  - Rock Tape/ KT Tape
  - Icey Hot/ Rock Sauce
  - Epsom Salts
  - Ice Packs (freezer/instant cool)
- Tools
  - Heating Pads
  - Thermometer
  - Magnifying glass/tweezers
  - Pill cutter
  - Pill organizer
Storage: Tips
- Where Does It GO: I wish I could tell you there is a one size fits all for organizing and storing medicine in every home! THERE’s NOT! We each have different spaces. Most people choose to store their medicines in either the kitchen or bathroom. These are typically the most convient places. However, most prescriptions and medications are moisture sensitive and I would advise you not to store anything important in this manner.
- Lock and Key: Most medications are held under lock and key in drug stores for a reason, they are very potent and can be dangerous if consumed in a manner that is against the prescribe consumption. Also, adult medications can be very dangerous if consumed by children. Choosing a box or bin that can be locked is ideal. If you can’t afford a locking medicine cabinet or box choosing a place that is high and out of reach is second best.
- Organization: Storing medications in a manner that is easy to read is important, it creates ease of access when you need to get a specific item quickly.
  - Choose the area you want to store your medications in.
  - Decide how you want to store them in this area. This can be whatever works best for you and your chosen space. From color coded bins, to opec labeled bins, a clear box, or a drawer organizer with labels.
  - LABEL•LABEL•LABEL: I can not stress to you how important is it to label, especially if you are storing in bins or drawers.