Over the counter medications are well worth stocking. Many of them were originally prescription medications and some still are in larger strengths. One of the items that I have listed is not what you would normally consider medications, but it can be used to treat some conditions.
These over the counter medications can be used to treat many conditions including: headache, fever, sore throats, dehydration, ear ache, menstrual cramps, heartburn, arthritis, ulcers, diarrhea, allergies, hives, congestion, dizziness, mild anxiety, nausea, vomiting, poison ivy, athlete’s foot, ringworm, eczema, insomnia, backache, gout, diaper rash, yeast infections, and many more common illnesses.
15 Over the counter medications
1. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Ibuprofen can be used to treat pain and inflammation, including headaches, earaches, sore throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis and back pain. It is useful for reducing fevers, but is not good for most stomach pains.
2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Acetaminophen is used for many of the same conditions as Ibuprofen, however it will not reduce inflammation. Combined with ibuprofen it will work similar to codeine to reduce more severe pain. This should only be done on the advice of a Doctor.
3 Aspirin, 325mg: In addition to Ibuprofen and acetaminophen you should stock Aspirin. Aspirin has been used since the late 19th century as a pain-reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory. However it also has the ability to thin blood. So it can be used to treat people who need anti-coagulants or have heart problems. How Aspirin and Willow Bark are Similar
4. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) An inexpensive antihistamine, diphenhydramine is primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and nasal allergies, in both adults and children. It is also indicated for allergies, hives and itching, including itchy rashes such as poison ivy. This will make some people sleepy.
5. Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) This is an antihistamine that is useful for treating allergies. It does not make people sleepy. Stock dissolving tablets for children and the elderly.
6. Loperamide (Imodium) A very effective over the counter medication for diarrhea. Stock it in both adult and children’s strengths.
7. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Pseudoephedrine is effective at relieving congestion in both the upper and lower respiratory tract due to infections, allergies, chemical irritations, and mild asthma or bronchitis. Not recommended for children under 6.
8. Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) This antiemetic drug is available in both over the counter medications and by prescription. It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness. I use the over the counter form for vertigo and it helps.
9. Ranitidine (Zantac) Omeprazole 20-40mg (Prilosec) Cimetidine 200-800mg (Tagamet) All of these over the counter medications are available for the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions. Ranitidine is inexpensive and well tolerated,
10. Hydrocortisone cream– The 1% version of hydrocortisone is the strongest over the counter steroid cream available. It is safe for use in both adults and children in treating inflamed and/or itchy rashes such as eczema, poison ivy, diaper rash, and other minor genital irritations.
11. Triple Antibiotic Ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin, Bactroban) Triple antibiotic ointment is normally applied at the site of injuries to prevent infections. It should be noted that triple antibiotic ointment won’t cure a deep infections.
12. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), Miconazole (Monistat) These antifungal medications can be used to treat Athlete’s feet (tinea pedis), vaginal infections (monilia), ringworm , and jock itch (tinea cruris).
13. Mucinex (Also known as Glyceryl Guaiacolate or formerly Guaifenesin) This is a drug, which reduces the thickness of mucus secretions. In respiratory infections it helps your body to expel phlegm. It is available in liquid or tablet form.
14. Calamine lotion, for the treatment of poison ivy or oak. These conditions may become much more common after a disaster, due to spending more time outdoors.
15. Gatorade powder. While this would not normally be listed with over the counter medications, it can be effective for rehydration.
The above over the counter medications will let you treat many different conditions and not cost you an arm and a leg. Watch the sales and buy generics whenever you can. Remember I am not a Doctor and am not giving you medical advice, use these medications as directed on the packaging or as advised by your doctor.
Howard
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