A medicine cabinet on two levels: the federal government requires long-term medication «always in stock» but names no duration. Our recommendation: a reserve for 30 days – long-term medication and consumables. For prescription medicines, clarify the quantity and refills with your doctor or pharmacy (prescription validity, cold chain). Check for expiry at least once a year – anything expired goes back to the pharmacy.
Last reviewed on 26.07.2026
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no aspirin/ASA for children – clarify the choice of medicine with your doctor or pharmacy
Remedies for diarrhoea & nausea
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Cold & cough remedies, nasal spray
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Personal long-term medication
30 days
our recommendation: a reserve for 30 days – officially it is «always in stock»; clarify the quantity and refills with your doctor or pharmacy (prescription validity is regulated by canton, mind the cold chain)
Electrolytes / rehydration salts
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for severe diarrhoea – ask for advice at the pharmacy
Glucose (dextrose)
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an immediate measure for dizziness and circulatory problems – listed literally in the Canton of Zurich's home-medicine-cabinet list
Iodine tablets (50 km zone around a nuclear power plant: keep the pre-distributed pack within reach)
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take them only if instructed by the authorities; outside the zone the cantons distribute them in the event of an incident
No stockpiling of antibiotics
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leftovers go back to the pharmacy – never keep them for later illnesses