The Prepper's Medicine Cabinet

In the US. there are over 80 classes of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. OTC medicine is safe and effective medication that can be sold directly to the consumer without a prescription. It is used to treat a wide range of illnesses and their symptoms. Most are safe and pose no risk of dependency or addiction. This is why they can be purchased without a doctor’s consent. There are 750,000 stores that sell OTC products. During a crisis, these are the best ones to keep on hand, as they serve the greatest purpose for you in the aftermath.

Ibuprofen-Advil

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly bought drugs over-the-counter. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat pain associated with headaches, sore throat, and stiff muscles, as they often target the nerves in distress. You can also use it as a fever reducer. They approved it to be given to children and teens, but in smaller doses.

Acetaminophen- Tylenol

This is also a pain reliever, but it works much differently than Ibuprofen. It is not an anti-inflammatory, which means it often targets pain found in the muscle fibers, tissues, and tendons. This makes it appropriate to treat muscle cramps and arthritis pain. It’s also much gentler on the stomach, making it great for the elderly and those with stomach conditions.

Diphenhydramine- Benadryl

Often, this is given to those who suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies. It can also treat nasal drainage issues and those with upper respiratory infections. If you find yourself itchy with hives or infected with poison ivy, this can help treat those symptoms. Use with caution, however, as one of their major side effects is extreme drowsiness. If you must take it, take it at night for this reason.

Ranitidine- Zantac

Your body is going through a lot of stress during the aftermath of a disaster or crisis. This is the most popular OTC used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and other stomach issues. It is a histamine-2 blocker drug, meaning it limits the amount of acid your stomach produces. This can help those with GERD and Acid Reflex. Zantac can also treat hives when combined with an allergy medication known as Zyrtec.

Loperamide- Imodium

During and after a disaster, your diet is going to be off. The stomach is not a fan of changes, and these dietary disruptions will probably cause digestive issues. Loperamide is the most effective way to treat diarrhea, bloating, and intestinal cramps. Diarrhea is the leading cause of death in children under five years old. If you have little ones in this age range, monitor their bathroom habits, and go to the hospital if it is persistent over 24 hours.

Bismuth Subsalicylate- Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-Bismol is very effective in many ways. It acts like Imodium, as it is used to treat diarrhea and heartburn like it’s Zantac. This type of medicine is like a blanket for a variety of gastrointestinal problems because of the way it gently coats the stomach lining. It serves as an antacid to treat digestive issues. It is used to treat symptoms associated with the stomach virus and food poisoning. Though not exactly its intended purpose, but Pepto-Bismol can treat hangovers.

Cold and Flu Medication

Respiratory illnesses are common among those who live in close quarters with each other. This is the reason we get sick a lot more in the wintertime. While sheltering in place during a storm once one person gets sick, it’s fair to say everyone in the household will probably follow. Try to get ahead of it by treating the symptoms early. Any general brand will work, so pick a basic half-night, half-day pack for each family member.

Multi-Vitamins

As I’ve mentioned earlier, your diet is going to be hit hard during a disaster. Some days you’ll have plenty of food, and occasionally, you’ll have none. Your body needs vitamins to perform daily bodily functions. The primary source of these vitamins comes from the foods we eat. Taking one once a day is a good way to give your body what it needs when there’s no food available to provide the vitamins needed to support the body.