Over-the Counter (OTC) medications to stock.

I'm an old (very old) US Coast Guard EMT. Here's a starter list of OTC meds to stock. Prescription medications are not included.

With prices going up and the economies of the world crashing, this might be a useful list and the right time to stock up on meds. I’ve put in the generic names. There is little (if any) difference between the generic store brand and the “name-brand” drug in the fancy package.

Oral Medications:
multiple vitamin – 300 tablets per person in your household (a 10 month supply).
Gator Ade (powdered sports drink) – mix with water for use in treating dehydration
potassium iodate - for radiation exposure, 1 bottle per person and 1 for the dog
aspirin - anti-inflammatory, blood thinner
Motrin (ibuprophin) - pain relief, anti-inflammatory
Aleve (neproxin sodium) - pain relief, anti-inflammatory
Imodium (loperamide) - for diarrhea
laxative - senna-based, for when you gotta go and can’t
Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) - allergy relief, sleep aid, treat mild anaphylactic shock

Topical Medications:
Bacitracin - antibiotic topical petroleum jelly-based wound dressing
Cortaid (hydrocortisone cream) - treats itching associated with mild allergic reactions and insect bites.
medical rubbing alcohol - gives the germs a good high
hydrogen peroxide – for use in cleaning wounds
Vaseline (petroleum jelly)- treats chapped areas of skin and lips
Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) - anti-fungal for athletes foot and "jock itch"
Monistat (tioconazole) - for vaginal yeast infection. “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

Dental Medications and Treatments:
Orajel - topical anesthetic for toothache and minor wounds
oil of clove – apply with cotton swab to treat toothache
temporary filling kit
denture repair kit

You should keep the following wound care products on hand. Remember, a “dressing” is what goes directly on the wound and is sterile. A “bandage” holds a “dressing” in place.

Wound Care:
Band-Aids (adhesive bandages) – buy the heavy duty and large sizes
Steri-Strips - for closing wounds rather than suturing
Army field dressings – large compression dressings, surplus stores sell them cheap
Telfa – sterile non-stick dressings
4X4 gauze squares - sterile, for dressings, get many
roller gauze - various sizes for bandages, 4” wide are probably most useful
Ace bandages (elastic bandages) 3” and 4” - 3 each, also for bandages and immobilization
triangular bandages - don't buy these, make them yourself from cheap muslin from the fabric store
safety pins – to fasten elastic and triangular bandages
adhesive tape, 4” wide rolls- for holding bandages (buy bulk at athletic trainer supply store)
Q-tips (cotton swabs) - for applying medications to wounds

For Major Wounds: (these may not be available “over-the-counter”)
Quick Clot - will stop major bleeding from major vessels. Must be removed surgically
Traumadex - will stop bleeding from head wounds
Gold Dust - will promote healing in certain hard to heal areas like bed sores

For Your Family's Regular Use:
antibacterial handwash soap

Finally, have a good commercial-grade antiseptic cleaner on hand for counter tops and bathrooms.


Most of the above can be purchased in the US at Wal-Mart generically under the Equate brand at a substantial savings.

USA is a great place to get a lot of OTC, we head to Sault border and grab what we can

Here in Canada that stuff is expensive.....

and a final note...especially for anyone in colder climates, once the heat goes out..everything will freeze, even medications...so make sure you have an extra back up plan for medications that you need to take


P.S kelee found this out checking the Terry trailer today...even shampoo is frozen

Ibuprofen + Naproxen Sodium = stronger pain relief than either alone.

Oil of Oregano is a powerful natural antibiotic that's widely available in health food stores.
I prefer to buy the pre-mixed (usually with olive oil) type and put it in Single 0 gel capsules. (Although the label of this product advises "A sensation of warmth is normal", that "sensation of warmth" can be quite surprising and unpleasant - unless you're used to the "warmth" of something like Five Alarm Chili.)