Holiday Medicine Cabinet: What to Keep on Hand When Pharmacies Are Closed

Christmas Eve, 10 p.m. Outside, all is quiet; shops are shut and pharmacies out of reach. And then — your child spikes a temperature, your father-in-law gets heartburn after a heavy meal, and you yourself feel a headache coming on. Sound familiar? Most of us have been there.

Christmas, Easter, bank holidays — these are precisely the times when most pharmacies are closed or working reduced hours. The nearest duty pharmacy may be across town, requiring a drive through empty streets at midnight. That is exactly why a well-stocked home medicine cabinet is not a luxury but a holiday necessity.

In this article you will find a specific, practical list of what to buy before the holidays — including which formulations and active ingredients to choose, when to reach for a particular medicine, and when you should head to A&E regardless. At the end we explain how to put together your whole basket and compare the total cost across various online pharmacies.

Why does a holiday medicine cabinet deserve special attention?

During the rest of the year, if something catches us off guard we can pop to the local pharmacy — or order for next-day delivery. Over the holidays those options disappear or shrink dramatically:

• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day — most bricks-and-mortar pharmacies closed; duty pharmacies operating on limited hours
• New Year's Eve & New Year's Day — similar situation, with the added complication of parties and the widespread "collective hangover"
• Easter Sunday & Monday — many pharmacies closed for both days
• Long bank-holiday weekends — three days without normal access to a pharmacy

On top of that, holiday gatherings tend to be larger: grandparents come to stay (and may have forgotten their regular medicines), young children (prone to sudden fevers), adults in varying states of health. One medicine supply has to cover the whole family.

Pain relievers and fever reducers — the foundation of any medicine cabinet

This is the category without which there is no point starting to assemble a cabinet at all. A headache, a fever, toothache, aching muscles after a long journey — any of these can strike anyone.

Paracetamol — safe for the whole family

Paracetamol (sold under brand names such as Panadol, Efferalgan, and many generics) is the first-choice medicine for mild to moderate fever and pain. Its greatest advantage is safety — it can be used by children from three months of age, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with a sensitive stomach.

• Adults: 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours, maximum 4000 mg per day
• Children: dose by weight (10–15 mg/kg); liquid suspension or suppositories are most convenient
• Available forms: standard tablets, effervescent tablets (faster-acting), children's suspension, infant suppositories

Important: Paracetamol is an ingredient in many combination cold and flu products (hot drinks, all-in-one tablets). Do not use them alongside paracetamol on its own — it is easy to accidentally exceed the safe daily dose without realising.

Ibuprofen — when anti-inflammatory action is also needed

Ibuprofen (Nurofen and many generics) relieves pain and reduces fever but also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It outperforms paracetamol for toothache, sore throat, muscle pain, and period pain.

• Adults: 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours, maximum 1200 mg per day without a prescription
• Children from 6 kg: ibuprofen suspension (check the packaging for the correct weight-based dose)
• When to avoid: peptic ulcer disease, asthma, third trimester of pregnancy, kidney disease, use of blood thinners

Keep both at home — paracetamol and ibuprofen. They work through different mechanisms and can be alternated for a stubborn high fever when one medicine is not enough (always check with a pharmacist or doctor first).

A thermometer — without one you're guessing

A digital thermometer is a piece of equipment, not a medicine, but without one your holiday medicine cabinet is incomplete. Never assess a fever by touch alone — it is unreliable. An ear or forehead thermometer is quick and child-friendly. A standard underarm thermometer is perfectly adequate for everyday use.

Indigestion and heartburn remedies — a holiday must-have

Rich roasts, pie, pudding, cheese boards, multiple rounds of appetisers — the festive table is a genuine test for the digestive system. It is no coincidence that stomach complaints peak precisely during the holidays.

Products for heartburn and excess acid

• Antacids (Rennie, Gaviscon, Maalox) — neutralise stomach acid and work quickly (within minutes). Ideal for occasional heartburn after a large meal. Available over the counter.
• Proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole) — over-the-counter (OTC) versions — available without a prescription in lower-dose packs. They block acid production, take effect more slowly (1–2 hours) but last longer. A good option for anyone who knows from experience that the festive period means several days of heartburn.
• Simeticone (Espumisan and similar) — for bloating, a feeling of fullness, and trapped wind. Safe and can be combined with other medicines.

Antispasmodics and digestive enzymes

Antispasmodic tablets containing hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) or mebeverine act on smooth-muscle spasms in the gut and bile ducts — useful for cramping abdominal pain, especially after rich or fatty meals. Digestive enzyme supplements support the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates — a good option for older family members or those who struggle with heavy food.

Diarrhoea remedies — because bad luck doesn't choose its moment

Food poisoning, a stomach bug brought home by a child, or simply stress and a sudden change of diet — diarrhoea during the holidays is particularly inconvenient.

Rehydration comes first

When diarrhoea strikes, restoring fluids and electrolytes is the top priority. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) — available as sachets from any pharmacy — are an absolute must, especially for children and the elderly. They contain an optimal mix of salts and sugars that rehydrates far more effectively than plain water.

Medicines to reduce diarrhoea

• Loperamide (Imodium and generics) — slows gut motility; effective for functional diarrhoea in adults. Do not use in children under 12 without medical advice. Do not use if a bacterial infection is suspected (fever plus blood in the stool).
• Diosmectite (sold as Smecta and equivalents) — adsorbs toxins and pathogens, soothes the gut lining. Safe for children from birth and for pregnant women.
• Activated charcoal — adsorbs harmful substances when food poisoning is suspected. Take as soon as possible after ingestion, with a large glass of water.

Red flag: Diarrhoea accompanied by a high fever, blood in the stool, or lasting more than 2 days in an adult (24 hours in a child) requires medical attention.

Allergy medicines — because even the Christmas tree can be an allergen

It sounds like a joke, but it is not. Live trees can carry mould spores. Fireplace smoke, scented candles, incense — all of these can trigger a reaction in someone with allergies. And a winter cold can be hard to tell apart from allergic rhinitis.

Second-generation antihistamines

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec and generics) — 10 mg once daily; fast-acting (20–30 minutes); may cause mild drowsiness in sensitive individuals
• Loratadine (Claritin and generics) — 10 mg once daily; virtually non-sedating; a good choice for drivers and active people
• Desloratadine (Aerius and generics) — works somewhat more strongly and quickly than loratadine; available as a syrup for children

Always keep one antihistamine in your cabinet — even if you have no diagnosed allergy. It may prove useful for a sudden reaction to nuts, an insect bite (spiders are still around in winter), or unexpected contact with a cat at a friend's house.

Hangover remedies — less discussed, but very real

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are when pharmacies see an unofficial seasonal peak in demand for a particular category of products. Medically speaking, a hangover is a combination of dehydration, hypoglycaemia, gastric irritation, and the effects of toxic alcohol metabolites.

What actually helps?

• Rehydration — the single most important thing. Water, electrolyte sachets, still isotonic drinks
• Paracetamol for a headache — yes, not ibuprofen (ibuprofen can worsen stomach irritation when the gut lining is already inflamed). Remember: paracetamol and alcohol are a risky combination for the liver — wait several hours after your last drink and do not exceed the recommended dose
• Activated charcoal — taken before going to sleep after a party, it may reduce morning symptoms
• Vitamin C and B vitamins — alcohol depletes B vitamins and vitamin C; a supplement the following day genuinely helps
• Antacids — alcohol increases stomach acid secretion; an antacid or short-course PPI can bring morning relief

There is no miracle cure for a hangover — only time and rehydration. But the right medicine cabinet makes that time more bearable.

Stocks of regular medicines — plan ahead

If you or anyone in the family takes prescription or over-the-counter medicines on an ongoing basis, the holidays are no time to discover the pack is nearly empty. This applies especially to:

• Medicines for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid conditions, or asthma
• Contraceptives
• Regularly taken supplements (iron, vitamin D, magnesium)
• Medicines for reflux or chronic heartburn

A practical rule: Two weeks before the holidays, check the supply of every regular medicine. If any will run out within two weeks after the holiday period — restock now.

For prescription medicines: ask your doctor for a prescription with an extra pack well in advance — most doctors are happy to prescribe two or three packs if you explain the situation.

Other elements of a holiday medicine cabinet

Cold and cough medicines

Winter is cold season. Consider adding:

• Saline nasal spray (e.g. Sterimar, Physiomer) — safe for the whole family including infants; moisturises and clears the nose
• Xylometazoline or oxymetazoline nasal spray (e.g. Otrivin) — for a blocked nose; use for a maximum of 3–5 days; do not use in children under 2 years without medical advice
• Cough syrup — for example, acetylcysteine (ACC) for a productive cough, or dextromethorphan for a dry, tickling cough (caution: do not combine with certain psychiatric medicines)
• Throat lozenges — Strepsils, Isla, Tantum Verde — soothe pain and discomfort from a sore throat

First-aid supplies and antiseptics

• Plasters in various sizes (kitchen injuries while cooking holiday meals — a classic)
• Sterile gauze and an elastic bandage
• Wound antiseptic (Octenisept, Betadine, or similar)
• Antibiotic ointment — available over-the-counter in small packs — for small contaminated wounds

Other useful items

• Glycerine suppositories — fast, effective relief for constipation in adults and children
• Low-strength hydrocortisone cream (available over-the-counter) — for itchy, irritated skin; use short-term only
• Lubricating eye drops (e.g. Systane, Hylo) — overheated rooms and long sessions in front of screens dry out the eyes

Pre-holiday medicine cabinet check — a checklist

Two to three weeks before the holidays, it is worth spending 15 minutes reviewing your home medicine cabinet:

1. Check expiry dates — dispose of expired medicines (return them to a pharmacy, not household waste)
2. Restock gaps — go through every category in the list above
3. Check the regular medicines for the whole family and ensure you have enough for the entire holiday period
4. Make sure the cabinet is accessible — but out of reach of children
5. Note the number of the nearest duty pharmacy — it is better to have it before you need it

When a medicine cabinet is not enough — when to go to A&E

There are situations where no home remedy can substitute for a doctor. Do not delay going to A&E or an emergency department when:

• A fever above 39.5°C (103°F) in an adult that does not come down after two doses of medicine, or 38°C (100.4°F) in an infant under 3 months
• Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations
• A severe headache described as "the worst of my life", especially with a stiff neck
• Signs of anaphylaxis: swelling of the face, difficulty swallowing or breathing after contact with an allergen
• Diarrhoea or vomiting with blood
• Loss of consciousness or seizures
• A head injury with vomiting or confusion

If in doubt, call emergency services (112) or your country's medical helpline — available 24/7, where nurses and doctors can answer questions about medicines and help you assess whether a visit is necessary.

Frequently asked questions

Do medicines in a cabinet expire, and what should I do with out-of-date ones?

Yes, every medicine has an expiry date, and after that date it may be less effective or — in rare cases — harmful. Return expired medicines to a pharmacy; pharmacies are required to accept them for safe disposal. Do not put them in household waste or flush them down the toilet, as they contaminate water and the environment.

Can I give a child the same medicine as an adult?

Definitely not — not without checking the paediatric dosage first. Children are not small adults. Paracetamol and ibuprofen have separate paediatric dosing (usually 10–15 mg/kg of body weight), and many medicines used by adults are contraindicated in children below a certain age. Always read the leaflet or check with a pharmacist. Buy dedicated children's formulations — suspensions and suppositories with pre-calculated doses.

How should I store medicines so they remain effective?

Most medicines should be stored at room temperature (15–25°C / 59–77°F), in a dry place, away from light. The bathroom is one of the worst places for a medicine cabinet — moisture and temperature fluctuations shorten shelf life. An ideal spot is a bedroom cupboard or a living-room drawer, away from radiators. Insulin, some probiotics, and certain eye drops require refrigeration — always check the leaflet.

What if my medicine cabinet lets me down over the holidays anyway?

In most countries at least one duty pharmacy operates around the clock, 365 days a year. You can find your nearest one through your local council website, a pharmacy-finder app, or simply by searching online for "duty pharmacy near me." Save the number in your phone before the holidays start.

Is it worth buying medicines in larger quantities throughout the year?

Yes — buying larger packs or multi-packs is both financially advantageous and logistically convenient. The only pitfall is expiry: only buy as much as you will realistically use within a year. Review your stock before each holiday period, restock what you need, and dispose of anything that has expired.

Should dietary supplements also be in the medicine cabinet?

If you take supplements regularly (vitamin D, magnesium, iron, omega-3), treat them the same as regular medicines — ensure you have enough for the whole holiday period. Vitamin D is particularly important in winter when sun exposure is minimal. A probiotic is also worth keeping on hand in case antibiotic treatment becomes necessary or traveller's diarrhoea strikes.

Summary

✅ Pain relievers and fever reducers — keep both: paracetamol (safe for everyone, including children) and ibuprofen (adds anti-inflammatory action), plus a digital thermometer.

✅ Digestive medicines — an antacid for heartburn, simeticone for bloating, loperamide or diosmectite for diarrhoea, oral rehydration solution (ORS) — essential when children are involved.

✅ A second-generation antihistamine — at least one (cetirizine or loratadine) for sudden allergic reactions, itching, and allergic rhinitis.

✅ Stocks of regular medicines — check and replenish at least two weeks before the holidays; this applies to the whole family, including visiting grandparents.

✅ First-aid supplies — plasters, gauze, antiseptic; kitchen accidents during festive cooking are a perennial classic.

✅ Pre-holiday review — dispose of expired medicines, restock gaps, and note the number of the nearest duty pharmacy.

✅ Know when to see a doctor — a high fever that does not respond to medicine, chest pain, signs of anaphylaxis, or seizures require immediate emergency care, whatever the time or day.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a therapeutic recommendation. Before taking any medicine, read the package leaflet. If you have any doubts about dosage, drug interactions, or your health, consult a doctor or pharmacist. The information in this article does not replace an individual medical consultation.

Putting together your holiday medicine cabinet is the perfect opportunity to build your whole basket of over-the-counter essentials and compare the total cost across various online pharmacies on CheaperForDrug — because real savings come from comparing the whole basket, not a single pack. Buying everything together from the online pharmacy with the lowest combined total can save you a meaningful amount before each holiday season.