Medicines to Carry While Traveling Abroad
When embarking on a journey, it is essential to carry all prescribed medication for yourself for the entire journey as you may not get the same medicines at your holiday/travel destination. This is often the case while traveling overseas as names of medicines differ from country to country. Further, many countries have strict laws regarding medicines available over-the-counter (i.e., without a doctor’s valid prescription).
Hence, if you are on any prescribed medication, the full dosage for the entire journey should be carried along with yourself. The dosage per day should be multiplied with the number of days of the visit to arrive at the medication required for the period of overseas stay.
These preparations need to be taken along especially when traveling with kids as dosages differ depending upon the child’s age and weight. There are some general medicines that can be part of the first aid kit to carry along with you.
Combat Fever
A paracetamol based medication to combat fever and any kind pain, whether headaches, toothaches or body aches.
Motion Sickness
If the mode of travel includes air, sea or road travel, it is advisable to carry motion sickness medicines. However, these must be taken only if the sickness is unbearable as they tend to make the person sleepy and fuzzy headed.
Stomach Ailments
Visiting new places means a change in diet which often leads to upset stomachs. New foods in new places can lead to loose motions in adults and children. Alternatively, changes in schedules and time zones can lead to constipation. To combat loose motions and associated dehydration, hydrating salts should be carried along. Otherwise, these are generally available across the counter at local pharmacies. Often, stomach disorders are accompanied with stomach cramps, which can be subsided with spasm control medication.
Cold and Cough
Changes in zones and climates can often create sniffles. Some general cold and cough medication should be carried. Nasal (saline) drops can also be carried along as they help on long flights that tend to create discomfort in the ears.
General First Aid
Some general first aid medication should be carried to treat minor injuries. An antiseptic lotion (or a cream as it is easier to carry), small bandages, and cotton wool should be sufficient.
