4 Medications That As Pharmacist I've Learned Should NOT Be Missing In Your Bag While Traveling

As a full-time pharmacist working in a high tourist area, I've learned that when traveling we can make mistakes, such as realizing that we left home an important maintenance medication, maybe for our blood pressure, for our heart, our asthma or maybe just an over the counter remedy for a headache or maybe for a hangover. It's okay, this can happen. But how can we prepare a Fist Aid Kit for our travels that minimize needing assistance outside our home country? And if it happens, how can this process be simplified so the pharmacist, as an accessible healthcare professional, can help you in a more efficient way so you can continue enjoying your vacation?

The Basics of a Traveling First Aid Kit:

1. Maintenance Medications: The first thing we have to pack is our everyday medications. Example of these medications are the ones patients use for their high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, anticoagulants, blood thinners, etc. Think about those medications you HAVE to take everyday, the ones that you cannot miss or skip and that control your chronic conditions. This also includes devices like inhalers and pumps that are usually used for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); there are even travel nebulizer machines, so small that can fit in a bag and people with pulmonary conditions can bring during their travels without adding any significance weight in their bags. (Amazon find for travel nebulizer: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ11PQ7P/ref=nosim?tag=store040-20 ) If you don't have any chronic conditions you can skip this.

2. Allergy Medications (Antihistamines): One of the most common complaints that I receive from patients is allergy related issues; like rash, watery nose, itchy throat and eyes, among other symptoms. When we travel we are being expose to new cuisine and a new environment, so it's important to be prepared and bring medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®), the last one functions as anti-nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. These medications can cause drowsiness and should not be taken with alcohol. There are other non drowsy alternatives like loratadine (Claritin®) or fexofenadine (Allegra®). When we have patients with severe life threatening allergies, it's important that they bring their Epipen®, this injectable medication is reserve for patients with history of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).

3. Over the Counter Pain/Headache/Anti-inflammatory Medications: Acetaminophen (Tyenol®), Ibuprofen (Advil®) or Naproxen (Aleve®) are the most common remedies for fever, pain or hangover(common during vacations!). Important to always consult the pharmacist because people with allergies to medications derivate to Aspirin or other anti- inflammatories and taking some medications, like blood thinners, cannot use medications like Ibuprofen or Naproxen. Also, these medication can affect your blood pressure, among other things. Acetaminophen helps with the pain and fever, but unlike to the others, it doesn't help with inflammation. NEVER take more than indicated by manufacturer and ALWAYS consult a healthcare professional to know what's the best option for you.

4. Anti-diarrheals/Anti-acids: We have a lot of options Over the Counter (OTC) for these symptoms. Some options for anti-acids include Famotidine (Pepcid®), Aliminium,Magneium and Simethicome (Mylanta®), Calcium Carbonate (Tums®); and for anti-diarrhea we have Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol®) and Loperamide (Imodium®). Pepto Bismol it's not recommended in patients with allergies to Aspirin and also can turn your stools dark. Loperamide is not recommended when patient presents fever or other symptoms related to infection, instead of only an indigestion. Mylanta® helps if you have a mild case of heartburn and diarrhea ,also has an ingredient that works as anti-gas.

So many options! I know! That's why you always have to ask a healthcare professional to know what's the best option for you, but many of them,I'm guessing ,you know or maybe have been recommended to you. Start by picking those you already know work for you.

Lets say you already packed but "whoops!", you forgot one of your maintenance medications back home or you lost your bag. My recommendation is to always take pictures of your maintenance medications bottles; with your name, the name and strength of the drug, they need to legible. This will help the pharmacist or other health care professional to know what you are taking and maybe do an emergency supply for you.

One last recommendation, and something that I experienced wile traveling to Italy last May, try to always get a travel insurance. You never know when you will need a healthcare service and it can be really expensive when your normal insurance doesn't cover outside your country. Travel insurances can cover these expenses including visits to medical doctors, medications and even hospitalization, missed flights and lodging.

When we travel we don't think about what could happen, buts it's important to be prepared so we can enjoy our days off and do not worry about getting sick or leaving something important behind. This will also saves us time and money.

What will you add to your travel kit?

*Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications. The information on my site does not substitute medical advice or treatment from your certified medical provider.*