What are you likely to need?
Will you use it before it expires?
Is it something that is safe for everyone who uses the kit to have access to?
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Considering the purpose of the kit may help you determine whether medications are appropriate.
Where Will the Kit Be Used?
Where the kit will be used can help you determine what items to place in the kit.
Who Has Access?
If adults in your family are the only ones who use the kit, including medications is no concern.
Legal Considerations
This is mainly due to liability concerns.
These drugs provide relief for many minor aches, pains, and illnesses.
However, all have distinct strengths and weaknesses.
Most pain relievers come in tablets, capsules, chewable, and liquid formulas.
However, NSAIDs can cause gastric upset in some people.
Acetaminophen
Tylenol (aceetaminophen) reduces pain and fever without reducing inflammation.
Unfortunately, that means it does not really help with swelling or redness resulting from injury.
Acetaminophen has also been shown to be hard on the liver.
They may be useful for the quick treatment of minor scrapes, toothaches, and bug bites.
For example, Orajel is a benzocaine product that is applied inside of the mouth to ease oral pain.
Aspercreme is a lidocaine product that is applied directly to the skin to reduce muscle ache.
These drugs do nothing to reduce inflammation or fever, and their effects usually do not last very long.
They can easily wash off with water.
NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and topical anesthetics are available OTC as pain relievers.
Be sure you stock what you’re gonna wanna measure doses properly.
Ointments and Creams
Topical medications are commonly included in first aid kits.
These can be helpful for wounds and skin reactions.
As such, these ointments should be used sparingly.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisoneis a topical corticosteroid used to treat skin swelling and itching.
This may come in handy for:
Ointments and creams may be useful in first aid kits.
These might include antibacterial ointments for treating wounds and hydrocortisone for skin rashes and allergies.
Lotions are also available to treat itching from plants or other skin irritants.
The biggest side effect of diphenhydramine is drowsiness.
In fact, this side effect is so common that diphenhydramine is also used as a sleep aid.
In addition, some people use the medication off-label to treat nausea.
Diphenhydramine is not for use in kids under 6 years old.
Diphenhydramine is also available as a cream, often combined with calamine lotion.
it’s possible for you to use it on bug bites, poison oak, and poison ivy.
This form should not make you drowsy.
However, it is usually more expensive than diphenhydramine.
Epinephrine
AnEpiPen(epinephrine auto-injector) is used to treat severe allergic reactions.
Antihistamines can help control allergy symptoms.
They often also have a side effect of controlling nausea.
As some cause drowsiness, they may double as a sleep aid.
Nausea and Stomach Upset
Motion sickness and stomach upset are common when traveling.
Therefore, travel first aid kits often contain medication for nausea and diarrhea.
Dimenhydrinate
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is the most common OTC nausea medication.
It’s used primarily to combatmotion sickness.
Dimenhydrinate causes drowsiness, but it is OK to use in kids as young as 2 years old.
However, it is also useful for non-medical causes of motion sickness, like rocking boats or turbulent airplanes.
Meclizine’s more recent past as a prescription-only nausea medication means it may be more expensive than dimenhydrinate.
In addition, meclizine is not for use in kids under 12.
Loperamide
Imodium (loperamide) is the active ingredient in almost all anti-diarrhea medications on the market.
You should not use Imodium if you have acute diarrhea with a fever or blood in the stool.
Antacids
Strange germs or changes in diet can also lead to stomach upset and heartburn.
Therefore, antacids might also be a good idea for a travel first aid kit.
Medications for motion sickness, diarrhea, and heartburn may be especially helpful in travel first aid kits.
Important Considerations
When stocking and using a first aid kit, keep these things in mind.
Combination Drugs
Combination drugs are those that treat more than one symptom.
These medications usually have more than one active ingredient.
This consideration is especially important for people who take medication regularly.
Instead stick to single-use medications.
(A good rule of thumb?
Check both twice a year.)
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