This is my friendly reminder on the 35 OTC medications you should store now. While you might not have given too much thought in the past about stocking up on medicine for a disaster, now might be the time to rethink that decision. Just consider a traumatic event that cuts you off from going to the doctor, dentist, or even making a trip to the massage therapist.
That means no prescriptions, no (much-needed) root canal, and tense achy muscles. Talk about a world of discomfort and pain you’re left in. Stockpiling several over-the-counter medications before a crisis were to happen, seems to make pretty good sense to me.
Here’s a look at 35 OTC medications you should store that will need to help fight pain, nausea or even an upset stomach.
Top List of OTC Medicines You Should Store
Pain Relievers
1. Aspirin
Aspirin is not only a fever and headache reducer, but it also reduces toothaches, swelling, and muscles that might be aching.
2. Tylenol
Tylenol is similar to aspirin in taking care of most pain or discomfort. You can even grind it into a powder and rub it on irritated skin for relief. Make sure you use the recommended dosing.
3. Aleve
Aleve will rid you of most aches and pains and also help reduce fevers and headaches. It even works on menstrual cramps and arthritis. While it might be similar to the previous two pain relievers, it lasts much longer.
4. Advil
While it might work better on headaches, Advil is believed to work more effectively on pain, fever, and inflammation. You do not want to use any medicines past their expiration date.
5. Excedrin
Excedrin works great on migraines and tension headaches, along with reducing fevers and colds. It even works on nasal congestion.
6. Orajel
After a crisis happens, taking a trip to the dentist might not even be an option. Orajel is a numbing medication that will help reduce toothaches, minor gum irritation and also helps with sore throats and canker sores.
Digestive Issues
7. Tums or Rolaids
Tums will work to provide minor relief from heartburn and upset stomach by lowering stomach acid buildup. Be sure and check out the ones that work for you before you stock up several.
8. Zantac
Zantac will help fight off ulcers and can prevent them from coming back. It even works on throat issues, including acid reflux. I just heard on the news that Zantac may not be available in the future. Check things out before buying this med since there MAY be some adverse health issues.
9. Pepto-Bismol
When SHTF after a calamity (literally), this antidiarrheal drug is one you can’t go without. Pepto-Bismol works on stomach issues including diarrhea, heartburn, stomach discomfort, gas, and nausea.
10. Pepcid AC
Pepcid AC works on preventing reoccurring stomach ulcers. It also covers heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease and is proven to work much quicker.
11. Nexium
Another useful stomach reliever to have on hand would be Nexium. Not only will it fight stomach discomfort, ulcers, and heartburn, but it also heals acid damage to the stomach and the esophagus.
12. Imodium
Another medication that helps fight diarrhea, Imodium will decrease the number of bowel movements and watery stool.
13. Milk of Magnesia
If you’re suffering from constipation, Milk of Magnesia works as a laxative by adding water to your intestines and takes away discomfort. It also works on sour stomach and heartburn.
14. Alka-Seltzer
The last stomach aid that is not least on our list, is Alka-Seltzer. This medication fights a number of problems, including stomach ache, inflammation, indigestion, pain, fevers, and even on hangovers.
Cold and Flu
15. Dayquil
Catching a cold or fever after a crisis without anything to fight it can be deadly. Dayquil fights a number of symptoms including, cough, stuffy nose, fever, flu-like symptoms, body aches, and headaches.
16. Mucinex DM
If you’re having a rough time sleeping from all the coughing and mucus build-up in your throat, Mucinex DM just became the remedy you’re looking for.
17. Robitussin
Robitussin helps relieve constant coughing by reducing chest congestion. For Diabetics, it sounds like you have Diabetic-Tussin. The brand called Halls has sugar-free lozenges as well.
18. Sudafed or Sudafed PE
Sudafed PE is a short-term relief for nasal congestion while having pain-relieving benefits at the same time. It helps with the common cold and respiratory allergies.
You can get Sudafed behind the pharmacy counter by showing your driver’s license. They will ask you for your phone number as well in Utah. I believe you can set four packages per year per driver’s license here in Utah.
19. Nyquil
Nyquil works similar to Dayquil by fighting the same symptoms, yet causes drowsiness and helps you sleep at night.
Allergies
20. Zyrtec
Struggling with sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy or watery eyes? Zyrtec is an antihistamine that will work on all of those for much-needed relief. It’s also great for reducing rashes like hives.
21. Claritin
Claritin is another allergy relief medication that works similar to Zyrtec. It really depends on the patient to find which one works better than the other.
22. Benadryl
Benadryl fights symptoms such as rashes, sneezing or a runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes. It can also be taken to prevent vomiting, nausea, and dizziness. Benadryl is critical to have on hand for emergencies.
23. Allegra
Allegra is another antihistamine that works on most allergy cases.
Skin Irritation/Wounds
24. Aspercreme
Aspercreme will help treat minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints.
25. Lotrimin
If you are suffering from a yeast infection, ringworm, jock itch or athlete’s foot, Lotrimin will be the relief you’re looking for.
26. Cortizone 10
Cortizone 10 works great on bug bites, poison ivy, allergies, rash, and even eczema, by reducing the swelling, redness, and itching that may occur from them.
27. Neosporin
Everyone should have this in their stock to prepare for a catastrophe. If you’re suffering from a minor burn, wound, or cut, Neosporin will help keep bacteria from causing infections.
Misc. Medications
28. Charcoal Tablets
Charcoal tablets help filter out undigested toxins and poisons that might have been ingested.
29. Melatonin
Anxiety, stress, and insomnia more than likely will keep you awake after a devastating crisis. Having a stockpile of melatonin, or other sleeping aids, will help you get the rest you desperately need and help you make better decisions
30. Potassium Iodide Tablets
If there were ever a radiation emergency, potassium iodide tablets would help the thyroid from taking on radioactive iodine.
31. Electrolytes
During a crisis situation, you want to ensure your body is getting all the electrolytes needed for your body to function properly. Electrolyte Powder
32. Dramamine
Dramamine will provide relief from nausea, vomiting or motion sickness.
33. QuikClot
You never know when you’re going to need something to stop significant bleeding. QuikClot might just very well save your life. QuikClot
34. Multivitamins
Although not an over-the-counter medication, multivitamins will make sure you’re body is getting the right nutrients and minerals needed when you’re probably not eating the most nutritious food after an emergency.
35. Epsom Salt
Epsom Salt is another useful item to have, to reduce stress and relax the body. It sounds like the perfect solution to put in your next bath water after a crisis. Epsom Salt
Things to Keep in Mind About OTC Medicines
- Read the back of the label for active ingredients.
- Make sure you store medicines appropriately.
- Keep out of the reach of young children.
- Seek proper health care when needed, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
- If you have a medical condition, seek help from your doctor.
- Drug interactions affect people differently.
- Know there could be an increased risk of side effects.
Final Word
These are a number of over the counter medications that you’ll want to have stored away in case an emergency were to arise. Just be aware to rotate out your supplies to keep your medical stock from going out of date.
If you can think of any other medications that provide relief during this type of scenario, tell us about it. These are my favorite 35 OTC medications you should store if you use them. May God bless this world, Linda
October is a great month to stock up on these: What To Stock Up On In October
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