What a Nurse Keeps in Their Medicine Cabinet (and What to Toss Today)

By Jason Dunne, Chief Academic Officer at Arizona College of Nursing

Most of us have a medicine cabinet filled with things we haven't looked at in years. There's the half-used bottle of cough syrup, a few mystery pills rolling around in the back, and medications that may have expired long ago.

The truth is, many of us don't think about what's in our medicine cabinet until we actually need something. That's why summer is the perfect time for a reset. A quick cleanout can help you safely dispose of expired medications and make room for the essentials nurses recommend keeping on hand for everyday illnesses, minor injuries, and unexpected health hiccups.

How to Safely Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

First and foremost, before adding anything new, take everything out. This is extremely important for older individuals who are managing multiple prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, as there is a great risk of expired medications. 

Start by looking for anything that has passed its expiration date, appears to have changed color, or is no longer identifiable. Medications should only be kept if they are clearly labeled, within their expiration date, and stored properly. 

Keeping expired or unused medications in your home is more dangerous than most people realize. Over time, medications break down and lose their effectiveness, and in some cases can even become harmful to take.

When it comes to disposal, the safest option is a drug take-back program or authorized collection site. If one isn't available near you, most medications can be mixed with an undesirable substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, placed in a sealed bag, and thrown in the household trash. Before disposing of any medications, be sure to check the FDA's guidance for a full list of disposal instructions.

One more thing worth noting: excess medications in the home increase the risk of children or pets accidentally getting into bottles and are harder to maintain. 

Restock Your Medicine Cabinet, A Nurse's Way

Once the cabinet is cleared out, it's time to restock with the essentials. Many nurses recommend keeping the following common items on hand: 

Bandages and wound care: A good assortment of adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, along with sterile gauze pads and medical tape, should be the foundation of any medicine cabinet. Add an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin for minor cuts and scrapes.

Pain and fever relief: Keep both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) on hand. They work differently and having both gives you options depending on the situation.

Antihistamine: An antihistamine such as loratadine (Claritin) or, when appropriate, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be helpful for seasonal allergies, insect bites, or minor allergic reactions. Older adults should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the most appropriate option.

Hydrocortisone cream: A 1% hydrocortisone cream is a go-to for insect bites, rashes, and minor skin irritations. It reduces inflammation and relieves itching quickly.

Antacid: Tums or a similar antacid is a simple fix for heartburn and indigestion and a staple most people reach for more than they expect.

Thermometer: A reliable digital thermometer is non-negotiable.

Cold and flu basics: A decongestant and a cough suppressant are worth keeping around, especially during cold and flu season. Just be sure to check expiration dates regularly since these tend to sit unused for long stretches.

Electrolyte packets: Often overlooked, electrolyte packets like Liquid IV or Pedialyte powder are incredibly useful during illness, heat, or dehydration. Parents should consult their child's healthcare provider regarding appropriate hydration products for children.

How to Properly Store Medicine

Despite being called a medicine cabinet, the bathroom is actually one of the worst places to store medications due to heat and humidity. A cool, dry drawer or shelf away from direct sunlight is a better option. Medication should not be accessible to children or pets. 

And some medications, like insulin, require refrigeration, while inhalers and liquid medications should be kept at room temperature and away from heat. Store frequently used items at eye level and keep an up-to-date list of medications, including dosages and expiration dates, to stay organized and avoid confusion.

Medication Safety Reminder 

Always read and follow package directions. Medications that are safe for one person may not be appropriate for another based on age, medical history, allergies, pregnancy status, or other medications being taken. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

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