18 Over the Counter Meds You Should Always Have On Hand

otcIt is very important to insure you have a good stock of the following OTC or over the counter, medications or treatments in the house, in your bug out bag, your get home bag. Many of these items should also be carried as part of your EDC (everyday carry).

Most likely there isn’t a person reading this that doesn’t have a bottle of aspirin or acetaminophen, most commonly known as Tylenol, in the house. Chances are you even have some ibuprofen which sells under the name of Advil or Motrin. We have this because from time to time we have all suffered some sort of ache and pain.

Do you have something in the house to handle an allergic reaction? What about something to handle a sudden bout of diarrhea?

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Always be prepared with:

  • Aspirin – pain relief and fever reduction, some take it in small does for heart health
  • Acetaminophen – pain relief and fever reduction, many times used for dental pain, menstrual cramps
  • Ibuprofen – pain relief and fever reduction
  • Naproxen sodium – long-acting for pain relief and fever reduction
  • Extra Strength Excedrin – Great for migraine relief
  • Diphenhydramine hydrochloride – commonly known as Benadryl, an antihistamine – helps allergic reactions, bee stings, etc.
  • Loperamide HCl – Imodium anti-diarrhea medication
  • Bismuth Subsalicylate – commonly known as Pepto-Bismol – good for stomach upset and anti-diarrhea medication
  • Benzocaine – this one is for the ladies, commonly known as Vagisil, relieves feminine itching and burning
  • VaporRub – such as Vicks. Vapors help relieve coughing due to common cold. Can also relieve minor muscles aches and pains when rubbed on sore spot.
  • Antacid/Heartburn relief – such as Tums, Rolaids, Pepsid,
  • Cold/Flu Remedies – these could include cough syrup, cough drops, Dayquil/Nyquil and the like.
  • Liquid Bandage – also known as New Skin, handy for sealing up a cut in place of or in addition to band aids
  • Antibacterial ointment – to protect cuts, scraps & burns, Also can help with chapped skin.
  • Medicated First Aid Spray – to protect sooth cuts, scraps, sun burn.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide – to clean out wounds
  • Isopropyl Alcohol – to clean out wounds, but it will sting
  • Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract – natural remedy for flu symptoms

Of course if you have children in the house you will want to ensure all these OTC meds are out of their reach plus ensure you have children doses in the house as well.

Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of the writer, it is not meant to be used as medical advise. Always do your own research on any type of medication you have in the house or take to insure you are not allergic to it or that it won’t conflict with any other medication you or anyone in your house are taking. Before taking any medication consult with your health care professional.
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