Meds that Should Be in the First Aid Kit

CEBU, Philippines — Fierce sunlight and suddenly heavy rain. Many have lately started to feel under the weather. Even consistent efforts to stay fit, eating healthy and getting enough rest do not completely seal off the possibility of getting sick at some point in eclectic weather.

A first aid kit is a big help at home and at the office. There are basic, important medicines that should be in the kit:

For tummy troubles. Loperamide or Imodium are time-tested medicines for diarrhea. For constipation, stock up on Dulcolax, which will trigger muscle contractions in the intestines. You could also try Colace (generic name docusate), which allows for strain-free bowel movements by adding water to the stool. Maxcid will also relieve heartburn and gastric hyperacidity.

For rashes, bites, and allergies. It’s always a good idea to have a tube of hydrocortisone topical ointment or a bottle of calamine lotion in the first aid kit. In case you get a skin irritation or a bug bite, the hydrocortisone will help heal the skin and the calamine will help the itching and swelling.

For cleaning wounds. Betadine and agua oxigenada (hydrogen peroxide) are more than sufficient to clean wounds. Keep bandages on hand as well!

For allergic reactions. The first aid kit should always have antihistamines like Claritin or Aerius. Allergies, especially to food, have been known to manifest even later in life.

For pain relief. Ponstan is a must for the first aid kit, especially for headaches and body aches. Biogesic is also an option, as well as Tylenol. Aspirin is also a must, but you must make sure never to give it to children, especially infants.

For cough and colds. Bioflu, Neozep, Mucosolvan, and Decolgen mostly serve the same purpose when down with a cold. Muconase is also a good nasal spray to have on hand to clear up nasal drip.

For fevers. In the event of a fever, ibuprofen is an absolute necessity. As an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), it’s safer to take than other drugs that serve the same purpose.

For emergency allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a scary thing, especially in children and adults who are unaware what their allergies are. Because the most common allergies that trigger anaphylaxis come from food, it’s highly recommended that you take an allergy test to determine them. Unfortunately, Epi-Pens (which are now required by law in all schools in the US) aren’t available in the Philippines, and only select drug stores carry hizon aminoph ampules (which need a sterile needle and syringe to inject). Benadryl can be a safety precaution if you can’t get your hands on an epinephrine auto-injector.  (www.8list.ph)