Cuts etc first wash gently with soap and water
If profuse bleeding or normal bleeding that doesn’t stop in half hour go to emergency room
If X-rayed ask for lead vest to cover you, most emergencies have them but don-t bother
Cold compress on back of neck for fever and certain headaches is very useful
For sprains if you want to put ice, just have a bag of something like frozen peas in freezer for this, cheap and can take shape of your body. But never more than 15 minutes!!!
Some long term sprains do well with alternating cold and hot either submerging of each temperature in water or alternating compresses.
DRUGS
Now, talking about drugs, know your painkillers. We have researched, and have found out the following: (Sources: drugs.com; www.saga.co.uk; label on boxes) Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice we www.survivalforidiots.com are not a substitute!
Never take painkilling medication because you needed it yesterday. Only take it if you really need it today. Take only what you need for the pain at the time, not what you may get later or remember from another day.
You can download HERE the FDA pdf of a checklist for your over the counter medicine!
NAPROXEN
Adult dose of naproxen: 550 mg naproxen sodium orally once, followed by 550 mg naproxen sodium every 12 hours, or 275 mg (naproxen sodium)/250 mg (naproxen) every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Titrate to a maximum daily dose of 1100 mg naproxen sodium or 1000 mg naproxen. Do not exceed 2 caplets in any 8- to 12-hour period..
What is naproxen? Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
When should you take naproxen? Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.
What are the dangers of taking naproxen? Naproxen may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal
Taking naproxen with other medications? Ask your doctor before using naproxen if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily..
PARACETAMOL (acetaminophen)(Tylenol)
Adult dose of paracetamol: 500mg -1g every four to six hours, maximum 4g daily.
What is paracetamol? Paracetamol is a non-opioid (or non-narcotic) painkiller.
When should you take paracetamol? Paracetamol is used to ease mild to moderate pain from headaches, toothache, muscle and joint pains and period pains.
What are the dangers of taking paracetamol? Paracetamol side-effects are rare if you do not take more than the maximum recommended dose. However, it can be very dangerous if you take an overdose.
Taking paracetamol with other medications? It is usually safe to take paracetamol with other medications but check with your doctor or pharmacist if you suffer from liver or kidney problems. And be careful if you're taking other non-prescription remedies, such as cold treatments, which may also contain paracetamol.
The active ingredient acetaminophen is used in hundreds of prescription and OTC medicines. Some common products include: Tylenol® Excedrin® Bromo Seltzer® TheraFlu® Dayquil® and Nyquil® Midol® Darvocet® Percocet® Zebutal®
ASPIRIN
Adult dose of aspirin: 300-900 mg every four to six hours, maximum 4g daily.
What is aspirin? Aspirin belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
When should you take aspirin? Aspirin can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains, backache, headache, sore throat, toothache and period pain. It can also be used to treat flu-like symptoms and reduce fever in adults. In low doses, it can be used to thin the blood.
What are the dangers of taking aspirin? Some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, asthma, stomach ulcers, and liver and kidney disease, could make aspirin a bad choice for you.
Taking aspirin with other medications? Aspirin can mix badly with other medicines, vitamins, herbals, or dietary supplements. People who are already using a prescribed medicine to thin the blood should talk to a health professional before using aspirin, even occasionally.
IBUPROFEN (Advil)
Adult dose of ibuprofen: 1200 - 1800 mg daily in three to four divided doses, preferably after food. Maximum daily dose 2400mg.
What is ibuprofen? Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
When should you take ibuprofen? Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic and muscular pain, headaches, backache, and period pain. It can also be used to relieve cold and 'flu-like' symptoms.
What are the dangers of taking ibuprofen? Ibuprofen may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Taking ibuprofen with other medications? Ibuprofen can interact with medications, including herbal and complementary preparations. Check with your pharmacist before taking it if you have blood clotting problems, peptic ulcers, kidney or heart problems.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE
(Allermax, Banophen, Benadryl, Compoz Nighttime Sleep Aid, Diphedryl, Diphenhist, Dytuss, Nytol QuickCaps, Silphen Cough, Simply Sleep, Sleepinal, Sominex, Theraflu Thin Strips Multi Symptom, Tranquil, Triaminic Thin Strips Allergy, Twilite, Unisom Sleepgels Maximum Strength, Valu-Dryl, Z-Sleep)
What is Diphenhydramine ? Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
When should I take it? Diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
Diphenhydramine is also used to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Adult dose: Since it is used for many things doses vary but Maximum daily dose 400 mg
What are the dangers?
Interactions:When taking diphenhydramine, use caution driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects.
