5 OTC Medicines Every Liberian Family Should Have at Home

Illness does not wait for convenient hours — a child wakes up with fever at midnight, someone has food poisoning on a Sunday. Having the right medicines at home means you can act fast without panic. These five over-the-counter medicines require no prescription and should be in every Liberian home.

1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) — For Fever and Pain

Paracetamol is the most important medicine to have at home. It safely lowers fever in children and adults and relieves pain from headaches, body aches, toothaches, and the muscle pains that come with flu and malaria-like illnesses.

It is gentle on the stomach, works within 30 minutes, and is safe for children from 3 months of age when the correct dose is given.

Adult dose: 500mg–1000mg every 4–6 hours (maximum 4000mg per day). Children: Always dose by weight — ask our pharmacist for the correct amount for your child's age and weight.

Never give aspirin to children under 16 — it can cause a serious condition called Reye's Syndrome. Always use paracetamol for fever in children.

2. ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) — For Diarrhoea and Dehydration

Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of death in young children in Liberia, and the killer is not the diarrhoea itself — it is the dehydration that follows. ORS sachets replace the fluids and minerals the body loses during diarrhoea and vomiting.

ORS is cheap, easy to use, and more effective than plain water or sugary drinks like soda. It saves lives — especially in children under five.

How to use: Mix one ORS sachet with 1 litre of clean, boiled and cooled water. Give small sips frequently. Do not add sugar or juice to the solution.

3. Antacid — For Heartburn and Indigestion

Eating spicy, oily food — a regular part of Liberian cuisine — can cause heartburn, stomach acidity, and indigestion. Antacid tablets or liquid neutralise excess stomach acid and bring fast relief within minutes.

They are also helpful for the stomach upset and nausea that some medications can cause. Safe for adults and children over 12.

If you have heartburn more than twice a week every week, see a doctor — you may need stronger treatment.

4. Antihistamine — For Allergies and Itching

Allergic reactions, insect bites, rashes, and itchy skin are common in Liberia's tropical environment. An antihistamine tablet quickly reduces itching, swelling, redness, and sneezing caused by allergic reactions.

Antihistamines are also used for mild allergic food reactions and hay fever. Some cause drowsiness — do not drive or operate machinery after taking them.

If someone has a severe allergic reaction — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat — this is an emergency. Go to a hospital immediately. Antihistamine alone is not enough.

5. Antiseptic Solution — For Wounds and Cuts

In Liberia's humid climate, small cuts and wounds can become infected quickly if not cleaned properly. An antiseptic solution (like povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine) kills bacteria in wounds and prevents dangerous infections from taking hold.

Every home should have antiseptic and clean bandages. Clean any wound with antiseptic immediately after it happens, before covering it.

Wound care steps: (1) Wash your hands first. (2) Rinse the wound with clean water. (3) Apply antiseptic. (4) Cover with a clean bandage. Change the dressing daily and watch for signs of infection (pus, increasing redness, warmth).