Here's a starter list of OTC medications that I keep for daily use and emergencies. In a really bad situation, my stash of meds will have to last quite a while, so I buy the big bottles of the "Equate" generic brand from Wal-Mart, keep several on hand, and save big bucks over the smaller containers of brand-name drugs. I've given the regular brand names here. If anyone has any additions to make, feel free. Aspirin - anti-inflammatory, blood thinner (1-a-day keeps the cardiologist away) Motrin - pain relief, anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) Aleve - pain relief, anti-inflammatory (naproxen sodium) Benadryl - allergy relief, sleep aid, treats mild anaphylactic shock Bacitracin - antibiotic topical petroleum jelly-based wound dressing - more effective than the "triple-antibiotic" ointment Hydrocortisone Cream - treats itching associated with mild allergic reactions and insect bites Lamisil - for athletes' foot and "jock itch" Monistat - for vaginal yeast infections Imodium - for diarrhea Dulcolax - for constipation Orajel - topical anesthetic for toothache and minor wounds Zantac 150 - for serious indigestion and gastric reflux Tums - a mild antacid and calcium supplement In addition, I keep the following, which are not available in the "Equate" brand to my knowledge: Potassium Iodate - in case of radiation exposure Vaseline - treats chapped areas of skin Oil of Clove - treats toothache OTC Motrin and Aleve are just lower dosages of the prescription drugs, so check "Where There Is No Doctor" or your PDR for proper dosage instructions. Note that I do not have (nor do I recommend) Tylenol. There are some issues of long-term use which make me rather uneasy about this drug. Upcoming posts: equipment and sources, literature, and dressings and bandages.
I always keep Dramamine and Dramamine II on hand... The latter is the exact same as the prescription drug Antivert...and is wonderful for nausea, vertigo, and/or vomiting... Sugar water is also good for it...(ck the ingredients on Emetrol...all sugars...)
Don't forget Prep-H also Hydrogen Peroxide, good for cleaning minor wounds also has a mouthwash if needed. I'm getting ready to take my boys to cub scout camp this next week, so I am going through my supplies picking out the things I need to take, pretty much everything on your list is now packed.
Prep-H is actually good for a lot of things.... My OTC med container is ...um...well stocked. Nice way to say "REALLY BIG!"
Tylenol is the drug of choice for reducing fever, especially in children. It also is the drug of choice for reducing pain while still allowing blood to clot. This is something that most NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, ect.) do not allow for, or do as well. As such, I believe it does have a place in all kits. While it would not be my first choice, due to what you spoke of above, I believe that there are times it can't be beat. Also, while it is true that long term usage of Tylenol can be hard on your system, it is worth noting that the same can be said about nearly all meds. NSAIDs can be just as hard on you if taken 24/7 for instance. I believe that moderation is the key. I'm not saying that you are thinking any different, just felt that it should be mentioned. Just my .02, phishi
I didn't think of Dramamine. Does it have any alternative uses? Motion sickness doesn't seem to be a problem in an upcoming economic/geopolitical meltdown where fuel for vehicles will be expensive and hard if not impossible to obtain. But an addition to my kit this week (which Dramamine triggered - don't ask me how my brain worked on this) will be the powdered version of "Gator-Aide" for heat exhaustion/electrolyte imbalance. Good point on the Tylenol... we all have our preferences. Fortunately, I'm a retired grandfather and our chances of any more children (at least in our house) are somewhere between nil and none.
Exactly... I just had a ton of Oral Surgery , including some extractions and took Tylenol...because of that very reason...and also on hand at all times... Have to say I would much rather had meperidine...but it just wasn't in the cards.....
DONT FORGET Iodide,GENTIAN VIOLET SOL 1% IODIDE makes a great and gentian violet can stop any fungal any where even in the mouth and gums.... and these can be picked up for less than $1.00 ea and there are concentrated a little goes a long way and thay dont go bad or go out of date...
I'd seriously see a doc about giving you a prescription for an EpiPen, we need one for a child with some serious allergies and I've thought more than once what about finding out someone else has a serious allergic reaction (bee stings anyone) and not having something like that on hand. Nice thing is when they expire you can use them as a test on something like an orange to make sure you remember the proper amount of pressure to put on someone to get the injection right.
We stock no OTC drugs but can handle most any emergency/sickness here at home. DW and I do have a 40 acre pharmacy though. If you take the time to learn about herbs then you start to understand that there is little need for stocking such things, because the medicines that you need are all around you. OGM
Somehow the idea of scraping willow bark and fumbling with a mortar and pestle pale in comparison to popping a Bayer... But, you know what? That knowledge could save your life Speaking of which, I highly recommend researching IV's, and being able to learn how to apply a saline drip. In the Army, this is part of our CLS (combat life saver) course, and it is essential for treating hypovolemic shock, burns, and basically any injury where your body could lose fluids rapidly. You can buy all of the items needed, including hypodermic needles, drips, saline locks, and bags of NS (normal saline) or Ringers. In a survival situation, this could be the difference between life and death. Most deaths occur simply because the bleeding can't be stopped and because of loss of blood volume. Learning how to apply proper tourniquetes and pressure dressings combined with IV will keep you on top of the game in a survival situation. Medicine is good stuff. I personally swear that ibuprofen is the most amazing OTC drug ever. I am so grateful for our rainforests!!! I must keep a linear f*c* ton of Advil around. Hehe.
...I think witch hazel is good to have on hand, I have used it on cuts and such and found it worked well without the stinging of rubbing alcohol.
DramamineII or Bonine, is Meclizine HCI...which is the same drug as the Rx Antivert...given for vertigo and/or nausea...it's a good anti emetic.....Not just motion sickness...That's why I keep it on hand....
I too store a lot of over the counter meds. However a word to the wise here needed I think. A lot of people may not be aware that plain asprin has a very definate expiration date and should never be ignored. It can turn to poison after that date.
From what I have read during my Internet searches is that aspirin is a NSAID... and does have anti-inflammatory effects.
I had some aspirin that smelled like vinegar... even tasted very bitter so spit it out. When aspirin is exposed to air/moisture it breaks down into one of the acetic acid components... like vinegar has. Best to toss it.
Great stuff ,it is good for the hemorrhoids,and all scraps and cuts . Not many people remember about the witch hazel being the old household standard !!