Home pharmacy – Emergency medication & first aid kit

Introduction

A list of all conceivable emergency medications would be almost endless in view of the fact that virtually all illnesses can cause an emergency. In the following you will find an overview of the most common medications used in emergencies as well as all other utensils used for first aid. Of course, a distinction should be made between drugs that are suitable for the “medicine cabinet” and those that an emergency doctor carries with him. The following information should serve as a general overview. At the end of the sections you will find a reference to the main article of the respective medicine.

Medicines for the medicine chest

Painkillers

“NSAR” stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is a class of well-known pain medication such as ibuprofen or diclofenac (Voltaren®). NSAIDs inhibit an enzyme that produces signal substances in the body that are involved in pain and inflammatory reactions, among other things.

They therefore have an anti-inflammatory effect in addition to relieving pain, and are particularly suitable for treating joint pain. A fever-reducing effect has also been observed. The most important side effect of NSAIDs is the inhibition of the production of gastric mucus, which can make the stomach lining susceptible to diseases such as gastritis or peptic ulcer.

If NSAIDs are taken over a longer period of time, so-called acid blockers (“proton pump inhibitors”), such as Pantoprazole, should therefore be taken prophylactically. You will find detailed information under NSAIDs, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac. Acetylsalicylic acid, better known as ASS or as the trademark Aspirin®, also belongs to the NSAIDs ́s.

However, a special feature of ASA is that it inhibits coagulation and is therefore also used as a “blood-thinning” drug, for example in patients who have suffered a heart attack. Because of its blood-thinning effect, it has now been replaced by the above-mentioned substances when used purely for pain relief. In addition, caution should be exercised when using ASA in children, as the so-called Reye syndrome can occur as a rare side effect.

Another side effect of ASA is the inhibition of the production of gastric mucus (see above). You can find detailed information under Aspirin®. Although paracetamol inhibits the same enzyme (“COX”) in the body as the NSAID ́s and thus has a similar effect to it, it does not chemically belong to this group.

Paracetamol is known above all for its strong antipyretic effect and is also popular for administration to children, for example as an antipyretic juice. An overdose of paracetamol affects the liver, so paracetamol should not be taken in combination with alcohol. For adults the maximum dose is 4 grams per day.

You will find detailed information under Paracetamol. As described above, some painkillers (especially paracetamol, ibuprofen, ASA) have a fever-reducing effect. This is because the signal substance responsible for pain stimuli in the body and inhibited by painkillers also plays a role in the development of fever.

The classic antipyretic, especially for children, is the active ingredient paracetomol. For children, paracetamol is also available in age-appropriate dosage forms as suppositories or fever remedies. You can find detailed information on our page How can fever be reduced?