Travel smart with these 12 must-pack OTC medications and supplements

By Suzy Cohen

While traveling this summer, it’s important to be prepared to handle the little things. Based on my experiences, here are the 12 most important medications and supplements to pack for your next trip. I like to take unit-dose pills or capsules instead of lugging around entire bottles, as bottles can fill your suitcase pretty quickly. This will help you avoid unnecessary (and difficult) stops at pharmacies in unfamiliar terrain.

1. Antihistamine - For mild allergic reactions or itchy rashes. Claritin for day use, and Benadryl at night.

2. Cold medicine - A nose spray can help with nasal congestion or a sinus headache.

3. Anti-itch cream - Hydrocortisone cream relieves itching from bug bites, rashes or other minor skin irritations.

4. Sleep aid - Not sleeping properly on your trip will cause misery! I recommend melatonin for jet lag, but if you have Benadryl as your anti-histamine that will also put you to sleep.

5. Eye drops - A redness-reliever eye drop can soothe irritated eyes from air travel or allergies.

6. Earplugs - Silicone earplugs can help you sleep through loud noises at night.

7. Pain reliever - Ibuprofen or acetaminophen—either one of these can help relieve pain from headaches, toothaches and muscle aches that may occur during travel. Acetaminophen is a little better for fever if you happen to get sick.

8. Anti-diarrhea medicationImodium or other anti-diarrhea medication, along with a probiotic, can alleviate traveler’s diarrhea.

9. Electrolyte solution - Pedialyte® replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. It will also help you with leg cramps! You can take powder stick packets with you and make your own with some bottled water.

10. Antacids - Tums or Pepcid AC can alleviate heartburn or acid reflux symptoms after eating some spicy pozole rojo!

11. Bandages and antibiotic ointment - Treat minor cuts and scrapes with items like Neosporin and bandages.

12. Ginger capsules or tabletsUseful for nausea, motion sickness or queasiness from windy roads or boat rides.

If traveling with insulin and needles, inform the airline and pack it in your carry-on luggage. Take a look at TSA guidelines, and comply with proper labeling and temperature control measures.

Packing these OTC medications and supplements can prevent or alleviate many travel-related health issues, so you can focus on enjoying your trip. For chronic medical conditions requiring prescription medication, make sure to pack them in their original packaging or prescription bottle.

Finally, consider the destination. Countries such as India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Egypt, Mexico and Thailand have a slightly higher risk of diseases due to inadequate sanitation or water treatment facilities. As such, people are more likely to experience traveler’s diarrhea or other diseases like cholera or typhoid fever. ■