When you’re stocking your medicine cabinet, think about common illnesses and discomforts. First shop for those and then add any other over-the-counter medications required by members of your family. If you stock up on the items on this checklist, you’ll be prepared to cope with a wide range of minor maladies. It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor and your pharmacist for other medicine cabinet suggestions.

1. A fever reducer and pain reliever such as Tylenol or other aspirin substitutes containing acetaminophen. Many medical experts recommend taking nonaspirin remedies for fever and pain because they’re less likely to irritate or upset the stomach.

2. Ibuprofen. An anti-inflammatory used to reduce pain and swelling. It should be given only to adults because its use has not been proved safe in young children. Advil and Motrin are common brands.

3. Aspirin. It is wise to keep aspirin on hand in case someone in the house has a heart attack. Aspirin is a blood thinner and chewing one while dialing 911 could save a life. Aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers because its use by young people has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.

4. Antibiotic ointment for cuts, scrapes, or burns.

5. Hydrocortisone cream for rashes and other skin irritations.

6. Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds and disinfecting minor cuts.

7. Antihistamine (for colds, allergies, itching). Benadryl is the most commonly known name in antihistamines.

8. Decongestants and cough remedies (suppressants and expectorants) for cold symptoms.

9. Soothing lozenges for sore throats.

10. Antacids.

11. Antidiarrhea medication.

12. Band-Aids.

13. Tweezers. (Keep matches nearby to disinfect before using on splinters, ticks, etc.)

14. Thermometer.

15. Cotton balls and swabs for applying medication.