OTC Meds

[Nuthatch]

Just wanting some feedback on the over-the-counter (OTC) meds and what you find necessary.

Besides my extensive herb collection (I'm an herbalist by trade), I also have some OTCs. They include aspirin, tylenol, ibuprofen, benadryl, mucinex, generic Claritin, various cold/flu combos, emergen-c, anti-diarrheals, sodium bicarbonate (an Italian blend)......what other ones are you purchasing now?

I also have a few things for first aid and toothaches/filling problems (repair kits).

I have this urge that now is our last best chance to get them.

 

[Deena in GA]

Colloidal silver is at the top of my list of must-haves. We also keep a good stock of generic allergy medication. We have a lot of allergies, but it also knocks us out when we can't sleep.

 

[macten_1]

Cold-Eze is a must have for me. It's been years since I've taken aspirin or anything else.....

 

[juco]

Blistex and chapstick

 

[Trek]

sodium bicarbonate (an Italian blend)

Why an italian blend? Please send me a pm if you don't want to drift the thread.

I would add Zantac to your OTC collection. Used as a precautionary measure when taking Ibuprofen without food. DH did a number on his stomach lining taking Ibuprofen on an empty stomach.

 

[DustMusher]

Actually, Pepcid would be a better choice for an 'antiacid' H2 inhibitor. Less interactions with other meds.
DM

 

[Seabird]

I would add some liquid bandage (it's awesome, quick, and one little ounce lasts forever) and among other such things, braces wax (the kind used to cover braces that are irritating inside the mouth.) The wax is really great when all else has failed to keep a tooth from hurting when breathing in, or cold & hot sensitivities, etc.

 

[LilRose8]

All good choices, but, in all the prepping threads, I rarely see anyone mention meds and treatments for constipation. If people start eating alot of foods from their storage that is different from their normal diet, such as no fresh fruits or veggies, constipation may be a problem. Have some Milk of Magnesia, mineral oil, and maybe a few fleets enemas or suppositories on hand. ESPECIALLY if you have older folks living with you, since this is a big deal with the elderly.
I also keep Airborne on hand at all times. Whenever I feel a cold or virus coming on I take it and WHOOSH the virus disappears. Great stuff.
Also Vaseline and good skin cream, fungal cream or powder, 30-60 days of stockpiled prescription meds ( save 5 every month and you will soon have an extra month or two).

 

[Nuthatch]

Trek-- no problem. It is called Galeffi and is packed in glass and way cheap at a little import store....plus it tastes good! I usually use herbs, but some of my family find this works fast and is easy for them to take. Used to be used for Italian royalty you know

Lilrose: Airborne has very similar ingredients to emergen-c, fyi.

Several of my herbs treat constipation to varying degrees (some are stronger than others). I agree that needs met as well.

 

[wasabell]

Chapstick (already mentioned above)
Visine
Nose spray (to help unstuff noses)
Eye Wash (comes with an eye cup)
Vaseline
Vicks Vaporub
Ambesol (for tooth aches)
Neosporin
Leg Cramp Pills (quinine) Dh gets leg cramps due to dehydration. They help a lot.
Alka-Seltzer

I guess I'll be adding some Milk of Magnesia to my list. I wonder if they still make it in pills? Thanks LilRose, I never thought of constipation as a first aid need before.

 

[watchin]

I used to keep the medicine cabinet full of OTC junk, but the more I learn about alternatives, the less need I have of them. I still keep aspirin, BC Powder, Benedryl, & iodine tincture, & that's about it.
We don't have much digestive trouble that either digestive enzymes, activated charcoal, or probiotics won't fix or prevent. Whole psyllium husks prevent any need for laxative.
Colds, flu, & sinus trouble are pretty much a thing of the past, because of colloidal silver, Oscillococcinum, food grade hydrogen peroxide, & alcohol hand sanitizer (the drinking kind).
A tiny charcoal poultice will fix small skin infections that iodine tincture can't handle.
Dh used to be in the hospital with kidney stones every 3 years or so, until he started taking Tri-Boron Plus, & a little extra magnesium, after his last attack in 1997. He hasn't had a twinge since then.
Hmmm, I guess these are OTC stuff, too.

 

[fruit loop]

From PREP 101: PART 3, THE MEDICINE CHEST

Invest in a good first aid kit. Better yet, make your own, and you can add a larger variety of supplies.

A hard plastic or metal (I suggest plastic for rust and waterproof reasons) FISHING TACKLE BOX makes an excellent first aid kit. The sectioned trays allow you to organize your supplies and see at a glance what you have.

First off: SUPPLY OF RUBBER GLOVES. If you're treating a stranger, or just anyone who's bleeding, protect yourself first!!

Basic bandaids
Butterfly bandages - better for blisters on feet because they don't rub off
Adhesive bandages in various sizes
Gauze in rolls and various size bandages
First Aid Tape
Pair of scissors
Pair of nail clippers
Pair of tweezers
Moleskin for blisters
Instant ice pack
Assorted ace bandages
Safety pins
Petroleum jelly
Calomine lotion
Solarcaine
Bactine - best in the world for skinned knees!
Triple antibiotic cream
Neosporin
Betadine solution
Burn cream
Alcohol
Hydrogen Peroxide
Kaopectate/ other diarrhea medicine
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen
Aspirin (NEVER give to children or teens because of Reyes Syndrome)
Antihistamine such as Benadryl
Thermometer - ear thermometers are great and don't break as easily

Antiseptics are available in the "moist towelette" style and they're wonderful

Over the counter cold meds
Throat spray
Vicks

For adults: condoms, spermicidal jellies, contraceptive sponges. Don't underestimate the need for these items. "Panic Sex" does happen, with unintended consequences nine months later.

Suggested Reading (in ADVANCE of the crisis):

Red Cross First Aid manual

"Wilderness Medicine: Beyond First Aid" by William Forgey, M.D., Globe Pequot Press www.globe-pequot.com (available through Amazon.com)

"Where There Is No Doctor" by David Werner

"The Herbal Drugstore", White and Foste, Rodale Books

"The Green Pharmacy" by James A. Duke, PhD.

Prevention's "New Choices in Natural Healing" Rodale Books

 

[Splicer205]

Though it's not longer recommended, if a poison control center wasn't available, and you know when to induce or not induce vomiting, syrup of ipecac would be good to have on hand.

Also, some cola syrup for nausea or upset stomach. If you're fortuante and don't have to use it, you could use it for cola drinks.