Our expertise at JASE is focused on providing our patients with the more difficult to obtain prescription medications for their emergency preparedness. Specifically, antibiotics and medications for chronic conditions. Our five specially selected antibiotics can all be found on the WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines. However, when putting together a useful first-aid/med kit you should include much more than just prescription antibiotics. Here are a few other important medications to consider:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Everyone is familiar with this medication. It is a great option for mild to moderate pain. It is safe for those who may have kidney or GI problems as it is processed mainly by the liver and doesn’t cause the same kind of stomach/intestinal issues that ibuprofen can cause.
Ibuprofen (Advil): Another very common and effective medication to treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen is processed in the kidneys so caution should be exercised in people who have kidney disease. It can also be hard on the stomach and has been known to cause GI bleeds (although this is rare).
Loperamide (Lomotil): Not all diarrheal causes are from bacteria. Most of the time a diarrheal illness will be self-limited (meaning it will go away on its own without any treatment). Having some loperamide on hand is great when stopping every few minutes to go to the bathroom just isn’t an option. You may be traveling, on a bus or plane, hiking, or at work when you don’t have quick access to a bathroom. Caution when taking this medication as it can sometimes work too well and you will end up with constipation instead! Take as directed and follow the dosage guidelines.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This medication should be in everyone’s first-aid kit. It is an antihistamine and can be used for minor allergic reactions or even as a sleep-aid.
This is just a very small list of over-the-counter medications to consider when putting together a first-aid/med kit. And don’t forget those daily chronic medication needs such as medications for high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, seizure disorders, antidepressants, asthma, etc. Our physicians can determine which medications would be appropriate to prescribe in long-term amounts. Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at answers@jasemedical.com.