Suggested Items to Bring to School
Antacids (available over the counter – for example: Maalox, Tums, Pepcid-AC, etc)
Antifungal creams (available over the counter)
Antihistamines for environmental allergies or allergic reactions: either over the counter preparations [diphenhydramine (e.g. Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine (e.g. Chlor-Trimeton)] or prescription allergy medications if you have them
Anti-itch cream (e.g. 1% hydrocortisone cream)
Cough syrup, with or without an expectorant (guaifenesin)
Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (e.g. Sudafed)
Digital thermometer
Pain relievers [ibuprofen, naproxen (e.g. Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol)]. Can be
used for minor aches and sprains, muscle/body aches, menstrual cramps and to
help reduce a fever.
Throat lozenges or throat spray
Tweezers (to remove splinters, thorns, etc)
First aid supplies:
Bandaids of various sizes
Bacitracin antibiotic ointment
0.5-1.0 inch gauze (rolls)
Gauze pads (2” by 2” and 4” by 4”)
Tape (cloth or micropore)
Reusable ice packs/zip lock bags to make ice packs (quart size or bigger)
Elastic bandages
Other items to consider:
Large pillow for back support (reading pillow)
Heating pad (electric)
Hot water bottle
Cool mist humidifier
Kleenex
A multivitamin (not necessary if you eat a well-balanced diet)
Sun screen (SPF 15 or higher)
If you wear contact lenses and have a pair of glasses as well, we encourage you
to bring your glasses to school as a backup.
Prepared 4/11/02 by: Mary Johnson, RN
Alain Joffe, MD, MPH
