← LCCMEDICINES & FIRST-AID
Medicines & First-Aid Cheat Sheet

DISCLAIMER: This is general reference information only — NOT medical advice. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, seek professional help.

  • Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) — for cuts and minor wounds
  • Sterile gauze pads (5×5 cm, 10×10 cm) + medical tape (Micropore)
  • Antiseptic solution — Betadine (povidone-iodine) + Savlon/Dettol
  • Digital thermometer (oral/axillary)
  • Scissors (blunt-tip) + tweezers + safety pins
  • ORS sachets (oral rehydration salts) — 5–10 packets
  • Disposable gloves (latex or nitrile) — 5–10 pairs
  • Cold pack (instant) — for sprains and minor burns
  • Eye wash solution (sterile saline) + eye cup
  • First-aid manual or emergency contact list
MedicineForAdult DoseMax DailyDo NOT take if...
Paracetamol 500mgFever, mild pain1–2 tabs every 4–6 hrs4g (8 tabs × 500mg)Liver disease; heavy alcohol use
Ibuprofen 400mgPain, inflammation, fever1 tab every 6–8 hrs with food1,200mgKidney disease, ulcers, pregnancy, asthma
ORS (oral rehydration)Dehydration (diarrhoea, vomiting)1 sachet in 1L water, sip slowlyAs neededKidney failure (reduce fluids on advice)
Cetirizine 10mgAllergy, sneezing, hives, itching1 tab once daily (evening — causes drowsiness)10mgSevere kidney disease
Antacid (Gelusil/Pudin Hara)Acidity, heartburn1–2 tabs after meals as neededAs directed on packKidney disease (magnesium-based antacids)
Loperamide (Lopamide)Acute diarrhoea (no blood/fever)2mg after loose stool, max 16mg/day16mgBloody stool, fever > 38.5°C, children < 2 yrs
Loratadine 10mgAllergy (non-drowsy)1 tab once daily10mgGenerally safe; reduce dose in liver disease
★NEVER exceed stated doses. Paracetamol overdose (even 2× dose over multiple days) causes serious liver damage. Empty stomach + ibuprofen = stomach bleed risk.
  1. Stop bleeding — Apply firm pressure with clean cloth/gauze for 5–10 minutes. Elevate above heart level if possible
  2. Clean the wound — Rinse under running water for 5 min. Remove visible debris gently. Do NOT use Dettol/alcohol directly on open wound (damages tissue)
  3. Apply antiseptic — Pat dry, then apply thin layer of Betadine or antiseptic cream (Soframycin, Neosporin)
  4. Cover — Apply sterile dressing/bandage. Change daily or when wet/dirty
  5. Watch for infection — Increasing redness, warmth, pus, swelling, red streaks = infection. See a doctor
  • Fever > 103°F (39.4°C) in adults, or any fever in infants < 3 months
  • Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden severe headache ("worst headache of life")
  • Suspected poisoning or overdose — call Poison Control (India: 1800-11-6117)
  • Deep wound (needs stitches), animal bite, or human bite
  • Signs of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurred — call 108 immediately (FAST)
  • Signs of allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): Throat swelling, difficulty breathing, hives + dizziness after food/medicine
  • Diarrhoea with blood, or lasting > 48 hours despite ORS
  • Eye injury or chemical splash to eye (rinse with water 15 min first, then emergency)