The perfect travel medicine kits: Just-in-case medications to pack for travel

I believe no one want to experience visiting healthcare center or pharmacy in an unfamiliar country. If you are packing for your coming trip, don’t forget to make some room in your luggage for the handy medicines to handle some common ailments! So, what sort of basic medicines should us pack for traveling?

1. Analgesic + Antipyretic

Paracetamol, or most Malaysians call it as “Panadol”, definitely is on the top of the list. Paracetamol is a mild pain killer with function of reducing fever as well. It is always the best option for common travel ailments such as headaches or mild body aches. However, if migraine or arthritis are your common visitors, you might need stronger pain killers such as Ibuprofen. Always be aware of the side effects of those strong analgesics as they may cause gastric discomfort.

2. Indigestion/ heartburn

Speaking of gastric discomfort, I believe most of us experience this while traveling, especially those with sensitive stomach. It could be indigestion or heartburn. So, make sure you bring along antacids, such as Gaviscon,  which you can buy over-the-counter in a pharmacy and you can hunt for any new food or drink you want.

3. Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Food Poisoning

Though traveler’s diarrhoea are common when travelling, diarrhoea may as well caused by contaminated food or drink. Food poisoning is one of the nightmares that could happen on vacation. It is associated with diarrhoea, vomiting, crampy abdominal pain and fever –  – so it’s a good idea to bring antidiarrheal (such as loperamide),   antiemetic (such as metoclopramide or domperidone) as well as hydration salts. It is important to keep the body hydrated and replenish the electrolytes. If you are visiting countries with poor hygiene issues or you are adventurous eater that always want to try all the street foods, you may need to bring extra activated charcoal tablets.

4. Common-cold remedies

Travel to a country with different weather and environment may trigger your allergic rhinitis or a common cold. Get some antihistamines or nasal decongestants to clear your stuffy nose. Remember to take the non-drowsy kind of antihistamine if you are taking it during the day. Another hint for the use of antihistamine: relieve itchiness. It can be used to reduce itchiness for allergic condition.

5. Motion-sickness pills

Travelling on a plane, car, bus or cruise ship can make you motion sickness and the spinning head may ruin your day. So, bring along the motion-sickness pills, such as Novomin, take it 30 minutes before travel in any mode of transportation that can cause you nausea and dizziness. However, you need to watch out for drowsiness as the side effects of the medicines.

Though you might want to bring a tons of clothes to travel and capture your OOTD during your trip, make sure you got some space for your travel medication list. The medications listed above might not be the best list, but you may personalize your kits according to own health conditions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is for general travel health advice and information only. Please consult with your physician or pharmacist for possible drug interactions or side effects before taking the medications.