332 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR MEDICINE KIT
1. CAUTION: Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Any medicine taken
in large doses can be poisonous.
2. Be sure that all medicine is well labeled and that directions for use are kept
with each medicine. Keep a copy of this book with the medicine kit.
3. Keep all medicines and medical supplies together in a clean, dry, cool place
free from cockroaches and rats. Protect instruments, gauze, and cotton by wrapping
them in sealed plastic bags.
4. Keep an emergency supply of important medicines on hand at all times. Each
time one is used, replace it as soon as possible.
5. Notice the DATE OF EXPIRATION on each medicine. If the date has passed or
the medicine looks spoiled, destroy it and get new medicine.
Note: Some medicines, especially tetracyclines, may be very dangerous if they have
passed their expiration date. However, penicillins in dry form (tablets or powder for
syrup or injection) can be used for as long as a year after the expiration date if they
have been stored in a clean, dry, and fairly cool place. Old penicillin may lose some
of its strength so you may want to increase the dose. (CAUTION: While this is safe
with penicillin, with other medicines it is often too dangerous to give more than the
recommended dose.)
Keep medicines out of reach of children.