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Self-Care Center

A self-care center is located in the Health & Wellness Center outside the entrance to Clinical Services. Over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, condoms, educational materials and instruction sheets for self-care are available.

The following medications are available through self-care free of charge:

  • Acetaminophen/Tylenol
  • Ibuprofen/Motrin/Advil 
  • Bacitracin Ointment
  • Chlortrimeton
  • Medi-Phenyl

Be sure to take an active role in your healthcare by:

  • following the teaching instructions
  • taking the medications as prescribed
  • returning for follow-up visits, as needed
  • practicing good healthcare habits (such as washing your hands frequently, eating well,      getting enough exercise and sleep, maintaining healthy relationships, and reducing stress).

 

MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS

ACETAMINOPHEN/TYLENOL

TYPE OF DRUG:  Analgesic, antipyretic

PURPOSE:  Pain killer and fever reducer

CONSIDERATIONS:            

  • Take regularly for best effectiveness. Advise your prescriber if using for more than 10 days.  Do not use for fever over 103 degrees°F, fever lasting longer than 3 days or for recurrent fever without consulting prescriber.
  • No alcohol use, may result in liver damage.
  • Avoid caffeine while taking as it may increase the analgesic effects of Tylenol.
  • Avoid the herb, watercress, while taking as it can inhibit the metabolism of Tylenol.

IBUPROFEN/MOTRIN/ADVIL

TYPE OF DRUG:  Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic

PURPOSE:  Pain killer, decreases swelling, decreases fever, eases menstrual cramps

DOSE:  Take two (200 mg.) tablets by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed while awake.

CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Take medication with food or milk
  • May cause drowsiness or dizziness 
  • Do not drive or operate machinery (rare) 
  • Take regularly for best effectiveness 
  • No alcohol

BACITRACIN OINTMENT

Type of Drug: Local topical anti-infective

Purpose: Topical infections, abrasions, cuts, scrapes, minor burns or wounds.

Considerations:  

  • Clean skin before applying ointment, especially if skin is crusted.
  • Apply a thin film to affected area 1-3 times daily based on the severity of condition.
  • Area may be covered with a sterile bandage
  • For external use only
  • Do not use in the eyes or apply over large areas of the body
  • Do not use for longer than one week
  • Persons allergic to neomycin or any ingredient in bacitracin should not use it.
  • In case of deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns, consult a physician or medical professional before applying.
  • Discontinue use and consult a medical professional if you develop a rash, itchy skin, burning, stinging or swelling of the lips or face.

CHLORTRIMETON

TYPE OF DRUG: Antihistamine

PURPOSE: To treat various allergic conditions

DOSE: Take one (4 mg.) tablet by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed

CONSIDERATIONS:

  • May cause drowsiness
  • Do not drive or operate machinery
  • No alcohol

MEDI-PHENYL

TYPE OF DRUG: Nasal Decongestant

PURPOSE: To relieve nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, runny nose, and stuffiness

DOSE: Two tablets every four hours as needed; do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours

CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Take as directed for best effect
  • Avoid taking at bed time if it causes nervousness
  • May cause dry mouth and nose