Why must there be over-the-counter medicines in the dorm?

• Because some illnesses come unexpectedly, such as headaches, diarrhea, or fever.
• When I was sick at night, it was very difficult to find a shop to sell things, and there was no one to take care of me.
• Living alone requires self-reliance, starting with basic care.
• Having a medication kit at your dorm can save you time, travel costs, and help you recover faster.

 

1. Fever reducer/pain reliever 

• Paracetamol  is a very basic medicine that should always be kept in your dorm room .
• Use when: having a headache, feeling hot, feverish, or having muscle pain from sitting in front of a computer all day.
• Tips:  Do not take more than 8 pills per day and leave at least 4-6 hours between pills.

 

2. Antihistamines/Decongestants 

• Cetirizine (  or  Loratadine )
• Use when: allergic to dust in the room, stuffy nose, runny nose or food allergies.
• Tips:  Be careful, some medications can make you drowsy. Don’t take them before driving or studying online in the morning!

 

3. Antidiarrheal medicine 

• Loperamide​
• Uses: Acute diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, helps reduce the frequency and volume of stool in patients with diarrhea.
• Tips:  If diarrhea is severe or accompanied by fever, stop taking the medicine and see a doctor immediately.

 

4. Wound dressing/plaster 

• Betadine  +  cotton /gauze  +  wound plaster
• Use when: there is a scratch, wound from a sharp object, or minor injury.
• Tips:  Clean the wound thoroughly with saline or alcohol before applying medication to prevent infection.

 

5. Cough/sore throat medicine 

• Throat lozenges ,  cough syrup  (non-alcoholic ones are better for the throat)
• Use when: Sore throat, slight cough after being in the air conditioner all night.
• Tips:  Drinking warm water frequently can also help relieve symptoms.

 

6. Medicine for stomachache/heartburn/acid reflux 

• Simethicone , antacids​ 
• Use when: bloating, stomach tightness, eating very spicy food and experiencing acid reflux, relieves stomach tightness, bloating, and flatulence from gas in the digestive tract.
• Tips:  Avoid going to bed immediately after eating. This will help improve digestion.

 

7. Mineral salt powder 

• ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt)
• Use when: To compensate for fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea.
• Tips:  Always mix according to the proportions specified on the packet, and drink slowly and sip after each use.

 

8. Inhaler / Balm / Mosquito repellent 

• Inhaler  – Helps with dizziness and faintness
• Balm  – Apply to relieve aches and pains or repel mosquitoes.
• Mosquito repellent  – ​​lotion or spray to help prevent mosquitoes in the dorm during the rainy season
• Tips:  If your dorm is near a water source or mosquitoes, carry this and you’ll be safe!

 

9. Hot/cold compress bag + thermometer 

• Digital thermometer  – easy to use, fast measurement
• Hot/cold compresses  – help relieve muscle pain or fever.
• Tips:  Hot compresses are good for stomachaches/menstrual pain, while cold compresses can be used to reduce swelling after falls/bruises.

 

 Tips for organizing a practical “dorm medicine kit”

• Keep medicines in separate boxes according to type, such as pain relievers, wound medicine, antihistamines.
• Clearly label the “expiration date” to prevent the use of expired medicines.
• Print a short medication guide and attach it to the cap or download a reminder app.
• Check the medicine stock once a month and replenish only the missing medicine.