When it comes to being prepared for life’s little mishaps, your medicine cabinet is your first line of defense. Having a well-stocked cabinet ensures you’re ready for anything from a minor cut to a bad cold. It can save you time, worry, and even a trip to the store or doctor. To help you get started (or reassess what you already have), here’s a list more than 30 essential items every home medicine cabinet should have. You’ll find basics like bandages and pain relievers, as well as less common but equally important items. Let’s dive in!

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a personal first aid kit.

1. Bandages Of Assorted Sizes (e.g Band-Aids)

From small paper cuts to larger scrapes, bandages are an absolute must for every medicine cabinet. Having a variety of sizes on hand ensures you’re prepared for any cut, blister, or small wound that might happen around the house. This variety pack includes six different sizes and includes antibacterial ointment (more on that later) on the pads of the bandages.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a sample of Band-Aids.

2. Gauze Pads

For larger wounds or injuries, gauze pads are essential. They help protect the area and absorb any blood or fluids, making them ideal for deeper cuts that small bandages can’t handle.

3. Adhesive Medical Tape

Used to secure gauze pads or bandages, medical tape is important for keeping dressings in place. Choose a hypoallergenic option if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation. It comes in clear and skin tone colors but can also be found in a rainbow of colors perfect for if you have kids to bandage up.

4. Antiseptic/Alcohol Wipes

These are perfect for cleaning cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds before applying a bandage. Antiseptic or alcohol wipes help prevent infection by killing bacteria and are individually wrapped so they’re easy to use on the go.

5. Rubbing Alcohol

An essential disinfectant, rubbing alcohol is great for sterilizing small tools like tweezers or cleaning minor cuts. Just be sure to avoid overuse on the skin as it can dry it out.

6. Cotton Balls and Swabs

Cotton balls are perfect for applying ointments or cleaning small wounds. Cotton swabs are great for applying small amounts of medication or cleaning hard-to-reach areas – not inside your ears.

7. Antibiotic Ointment (e.g., Neosporin)

To help wounds heal faster and prevent infection, antibiotic ointments are a must. Apply a small amount to cuts and scrapes before bandaging to keep bacteria at bay.

8. Thermometer

A good digital thermometer is essential for monitoring fevers, especially during flu season. Look for a model that gives quick, accurate readings and is easy to use. This one includes covers to keep it clean and is used in the ear for both adults and children.

9. Pain Relievers (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen)

For headaches, muscle aches, or minor pain, having over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) is important. Both help reduce pain and fever, but ibuprofen also helps reduce inflammation.

10. Aspirin

Aspirin isn’t just for pain relief—it can also be life-saving in the event of a suspected heart attack. If you’re at risk, keeping aspirin in your medicine cabinet could be crucial.

11. Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl)

For allergic reactions, including sneezing, hives, or mild swelling, antihistamines can provide quick relief. They’re especially handy if you have seasonal allergies or suffer from unexpected reactions to food or insect bites.

12. Allergy Eye Drops

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or dryness, allergy eye drops can be a quick way to relieve itchiness, redness, or discomfort. Keep a bottle in your cabinet for those uncomfortable moments.

13. Cold and Flu Medicine

Cold and flu medicine that helps with congestion, coughing, and sore throat symptoms can be a lifesaver during the colder months. Stocking up on multi-symptom relief formulas can make you more comfortable when you’re under the weather.

14. Cough Syrup

Whether it’s for a dry, hacking cough or something more productive, cough syrup provides soothing relief. Keep both expectorants and cough suppressants handy, depending on your symptoms.

15. Decongestant

A nasal or oral decongestant can ease the discomfort of stuffy sinuses or congestion caused by allergies or colds. Look for non-drowsy options to use during the day.

16. Saline Nasal Spray

Great for keeping nasal passages moist or clearing out congestion, saline spray is safe for daily use. It’s also a great alternative to medicated sprays, which can lead to dependence.

17. Hydrocortisone Cream

This mild steroid cream helps soothe itching, redness, or inflammation from bug bites, rashes, or minor skin irritations. It’s safe for short-term use on most areas of the skin.

18. Antacid Tablets

For heartburn, indigestion, or an upset stomach, antacid tablets like Tums or Rolaids can offer quick relief. They’re easy to take and work fast to neutralize stomach acid.

19. Anti-Diarrheal Medication

For those uncomfortable moments, having an anti-diarrheal medication like Imodium in your medicine cabinet is essential. It helps slow down your digestive system and ease symptoms quickly.

20. Laxatives or Stool Softeners

On the opposite end, if you’re dealing with constipation, having a gentle laxative or stool softener on hand can help get things moving again. These are especially helpful if you’re taking medications that cause constipation as a side effect.

21. Burn Ointment

For minor burns, having a burn ointment like aloe vera or a specialized burn gel can provide soothing relief and help the skin heal faster. Aloe vera is also great for sunburns!

22. Tweezers

Tweezers are perfect for removing splinters, ticks, or other small objects from the skin. Keep a pair in your medicine cabinet for those unexpected moments.

23. Nail Clippers

While mostly used for trimming nails, nail clippers can also come in handy for trimming hangnails or snipping away small bits of damaged skin around a cut.

24. Eyewash Solution

Whether it’s from dust, debris, or chemicals, getting something in your eye can be uncomfortable and dangerous. An eyewash solution helps flush out irritants and soothe the eyes.

25. Gloves (Latex-Free)

Keep a box of latex-free gloves handy for when you’re tending to wounds or cleaning up bodily fluids. They help protect both you and the injured person from germs.

26. Calamine Lotion

Perfect for soothing itchy skin caused by poison ivy, oak, or other irritants, calamine lotion is a must-have for anyone who spends time outdoors.

27. Vapor Rub

Vapor rub is great for relieving chest congestion, helping you breathe easier when you’re feeling under the weather. Rub it on your chest or feet to help soothe coughs. This pack of sticks makes appplication quick and clean too!

28. Elastic Bandages (e.g., Ace Bandages)

For sprains, strains, or other joint injuries, elastic bandages provide the support and compression needed to reduce swelling and promote healing.

29. Cold Compress (Reusable or Instant)

Cold packs are great for reducing swelling, relieving pain, or cooling down a fever. Keep both reusable and instant packs on hand for convenience.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a travel ice pack.

30. Heat Pack

For sore muscles, cramps, or stiff joints, a heat pack can provide soothing relief. Reusable microwavable packs are easy to use and provide long-lasting heat.

31. Petroleum Jelly (e.g., Vaseline)

A versatile item, petroleum jelly can be used to protect cuts, soothe dry skin, or prevent chafing. It’s great for moisturizing rough areas like elbows, knees, and lips.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Vaseline sample.

Conclusion: Be Ready for Anything

Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet means being ready for life’s little surprises. Whether it’s a scraped knee, a headache, or a sudden bout of heartburn, you’ll have what you need to handle it without the added stress of running to the store. Take a few moments to review your cabinet today—replace anything expired and fill in the gaps. Your future self will thank you!