What a Pharmacist Actually Keeps in His Kids' Medicine Cabinet

The Problem With Most Medicine Cabinet Guides

Search "kids medicine cabinet essentials" and you'll get lists with 30+ items, half of which are redundant and a quarter of which you'll use once in five years.

I'm a pharmacist. I have two kids (ages 6 and 9). Our medicine cabinet has exactly twelve items in it, and I haven't once wished for more.

Here's what actually earns shelf space.

The Core Six

These six items handle roughly 90% of childhood ailments:

1. Children's Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

For fever and pain. Dose by weight, not age — the box has a chart. We keep both liquid (for the 6-year-old) and chewable tablets (for the 9-year-old who thinks liquid medicine is "embarrassing" now).

2. Children's Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil)

Also for fever and pain, but with anti-inflammatory properties — better for muscle aches and teething. Don't give to infants under 6 months. Alternate with acetaminophen for high fevers if needed.

3. Oral Rehydration Solution (Pedialyte)

Not technically medicine, but invaluable during stomach bugs. Juice and sports drinks don't have the right electrolyte balance. Keep a bottle or packets on hand.

4. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

For allergic reactions, hives, and the occasional bee sting. Also doubles as a sleep aid on long road trips (with pediatrician blessing). Dosing is very weight-dependent — always check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

5. Hydrocortisone Cream (1%)

For bug bites, minor rashes, and contact dermatitis. The 1% over-the-counter version is safe for short-term use on kids. Not for face or groin areas.

6. Digital Rectal Thermometer

Yes, rectal. Yes, I know. It's the most accurate for young kids. Once they're school age, a temporal artery thermometer works well and gets far less resistance.

The Supporting Cast

7. Saline Nasal Drops/Spray

For congestion — safe from birth, no medications involved. We go through multiple bottles during cold season.

8. Nasal Aspirator

The bulb syringe from the hospital is fine. The Frida NoseFrida gets mocked but it works better. (No, you don't actually inhale snot. There's a filter.)

9. Liquid Antacid (Mylanta/Maalox)

For stomachaches that aren't the vomiting kind. Occasional use only.

10. Bandages and Antiseptic Wipes

Buy the fun character bandages. This is not optional. Frozen Band-Aids have genuine healing properties in our house.

11. Tweezers

Splinters are a constant threat. Get a good pair with fine tips.

12. A Dosing Syringe

Throw away the dosing cup. Syringes are more accurate and less messy. Your pharmacist will give you free ones — just ask.

What I Deliberately Leave Out

• Cough and cold medicines: Not recommended for children under 4, limited evidence they work in older kids, and the dosing risks aren't worth it for symptom relief. Honey (for kids over 1), saline, and a humidifier do just as well.
• Ear drops: Ear infections need diagnosis first. Don't put drops in without knowing what you're dealing with.
• Expired medication: Every six months, I purge anything past its date. Potency degrades, and some drugs (like liquid acetaminophen) can become less stable over time.

Storage Note

Keep it locked or high up — this seems obvious, but medication poisoning is one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning in young children. Even vitamins can be dangerous in large doses.

My cabinet has a simple childproof latch. My 6-year-old has also figured out how to open it, which is why we're also moving to a locked box for the actual medications.

That's parenting. Evolving systems against an ever-smarter adversary.