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Everyone needs the Best Travel Medications List, Travel Medical Supply List, and Travel Medical Supplies Checklist when traveling on vacation, holiday, and for work. Whether going aboard or a weekend getaway, remember to bring your meds.

When you are going abroad, some medicines are available at the local pharmacies, and some travel locations don’t have drugstores. Some meds bought overseas are black-market drugs, and you won’t want to buy them from the local drug store when you are traveling. My best advice is to be careful when purchasing drugs when traveling.

To be prepared for your trip, make an appointment with your travel doctor for a consultation. My advice is to see your doctor before you travel. Next, ask for your regular medicine refills and take as many as you will need on your journey, packing them in your carry-on bag.  Some people need to take a sleeping pill for the airplane ride. Ask your doctor what type of sleeping pill is right for you. Ask for a prescription in case you get an extreme case of food poisoning. Food poisoning does occur in some regions of the world. You might be visiting one of them. Your doctor will have other travel medicine recommendations. Travel doctors know what you should bring on your trip.

However, whatever you do while you are traveling, don’t take any drugs you are allergic to, or you will get sick. You could end up in the hospital.

• Bring your prescription drugs from home.
• Take enough of your medications to last the whole trip.
• Print the Medical Checklist
• Print the Travel Supply List
• Buy Travel Insurance
• A Clothing Check List – remember to protect your skin from bugs and sunburns

Last but not least, and maybe one of the most important points is drinking Water ! Clean Safe water, probably bottled water is best when you are traveling.

Please, make sure you don’t get dehydrated. It’s so easy to become dehydrated, while you are running around in the heat, exercising and doing new activities. Be careful! Stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you in your purse or backpack. Just know – Water and cameras can not come into the museums.

Be Medically Prepared

Here is a General Travel Medical Check List and the Travel Medications, I take these with me, when I’m traveling alone, traveling aboard or while I am on holiday or vacation.

Remember – always check with your doctor .

If you need an EpiPen – bring it with you. Your EpiPen at home won’t help you when you are traveling the world. If it’s not with you, you can not use it.

Please keep your EpiPen with you in your backpack or purse.

Print this Travel Medical Supply List

Last but equally important, check with your doctor or local pharmacist, and buy a travel medical kit. The perfect one for you might come from REI, Amazon ( check-out my Amazon Store ). Try some of our travel hacks too. Not every medical kit is the same or should be. You will need your travel medical kit customized for you. Include your prescription medicines in it. Keep in in your Carry-on Bag. You don’t want to lose your medications.

Schedule with your doctor a “ travel check-up”,  and when you go bring this list. Ask lots of questions when you are in the doctor’s office. Remember, to ask your doctor questions about your destination. Doctors know what to include in your travel medical supplies.

Here is what can happen if you don’t make a plan.

Serengeti National Park Emergency Exit: Part 4

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Kate started traveling for work. Now with grown children, who are travelers, she travels for pleasure looking for great travel experiences. Currently, her home is in Bellevue, WA, and lives with her cat Angelina Jolie. She has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts, Studio Arts and Art History from the University of Colorado, and from City University, Seattle, an MBA and Master of Arts, Management. Her favorite things are exploring cultures, traveling the world, creating a painting and sour foods.

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How to Travel With Medications

Stay Healthy and Save Money

If you plan to travel to a foreign country, it is important that you provide for your medication needs before leaving. An illness in the middle of your trip can ruin your vacation and cost you money to get needed medications.

Depending on the circumstances, buying medications in foreign countries can be expensive. Moreover, in some countries, you may be at risk of getting a counterfeit drug.

By thinking ahead and packing smart, you can stay healthy and enjoy your time. This article will help you understand what you need to know about traveling with over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Organize a Health Kit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers assemble a health kit containing current prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that can be used to treat minor problems. What you include in your travel health kit depends upon your destination and length of travel.

You also should anticipate some disruption in travel plans and take extra medication so you do not run out. For example, you do not want to be stuck in an airport for an extra day without your diabetes medication or pain medication used to treat arthritis.

Which OTC Medications Should I Pack?

Since it is not practical to pack your entire medicine cabinet, your travel destination and your itinerary may help you decide which over-the-counter medications to buy for your kit.

For example, you are less likely to have diarrhea from drinking water in Canada than in Mexico. And, if you are planning a walking trip in London, you are less likely to need an anti-motion sickness medication.

The following are some basic medications to consider:

• Anti-diarrhea medication: Foodborne illness is very common and may cause diarrhea in up to 30% of travelers. This is especially common in parts of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Pack Imodium (loperamide) or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).
• Antihistamine: To treat an allergic reaction, pack an antihistamine that will not make you drowsy, such as Claritin (loratadine).
• Anti-motion sickness medication: For a bumpy plane or boat ride, pack some Dramamine (dimenhydrinate).
• Medicine for pain or fever: Pack your preferred painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Mild laxative or stool softener: Changes in your eating routine and access to different foods can cause constipation . Pack a laxative containing bisacodyl such as Dulcolax or a stool softener such as Colace (docusate).
• Antifungal ointment or cream: Fungal infections of the skin, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot are common, especially in warm climates. Pack a tube of Tinactin (tolnaftate) or Lotrimin (clotrimazole).
• Antibacterial ointments or creams: To help prevent a skin infection from a minor cut or scrape, pack a tube of Neosporin Ointment (polymyxin B, bacitracin, and neomycin).

How Do I Manage My Prescription Medications on a Trip?

Before you leave for your trip, see your healthcare provider to get an ample supply of all your prescription medications. Also, talk to your practitioner about your change in schedule and ask when to take medications if you are moving through different time zones.

If you are traveling to a country with malaria , talk with your healthcare provider about getting a prescription for a medication to prevent malaria, such as Lariam (Mefloquine), Malarone (atovaquone, proguanil), or doxycycline (the CDC has a guide to each of the available medications, some of which are recommended for certain areas).

If your destination is a country that puts you at high risk of diarrhea or other bacterial infections, ask your practitioner about the possibility of getting a prescription for an antibiotic, such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin).

Talk to your pharmacist about drug-food interactions. Since your diet may change during your trip, your pharmacist can advise you about foods that could affect your medications.

Pack your travel health kit, including your prescription medications, in your carry-on luggage. Make copies of your prescriptions and pack them with your medications. You should also leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or family member.

Make a list of your medications, including the generic names and brand names, and what conditions the medications treat. That will make it easier to find a replacement if you run out of or lose your medications .

Will I Have Problems Crossing Borders With My Medications?

If you use a controlled substance, such as a sedative, tranquilizer or narcotic pain medication, make sure you obtain a letter from your healthcare provider, on the practitioner’s stationery, stating why you need the drug.

Without such a letter, these medications may not be allowed into another country or allowed back into the U.S. when you return.

Likewise, you should have a letter from your healthcare provider if you take any medication by injection and you have to carry needles and syringes.

Make sure that all medications are labeled properly. The safest way to carry your medications is in the original bottles, which will also speed the process if your carry-on bags are inspected (this applies to vitamins and supplements as well).

However, if you do not have enough space for the bottles in your carry-on, you can transfer them to small plastic bags. When you have your prescription filled, the pharmacy will give you a print-out that usually has a tear-off section on the top that has the same information as the label on your medication container. You can enclose this tear-off sheet in the plastic bag.

But note that the Transportation Security Administration—TSA— clarifies that although they do not require travelers to have medications in their original pharmacy-provided containers, "states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply."

You'll also want to make sure that the name on your prescriptions , pill bottles (or tear-off sheet if you're packing your medications in a bag or pill sorter), and ID or passport all match.

If you have a liquid medication, TSA doesn't require it to be less than 3.4 ounces (the rule that applies to most other liquids), but you do need to tell the TSA agent that you have medically necessary liquids in your bag when you start the screening process at the airport.

Even with all of that planning, it's important to also have a clear understanding of the laws and regulations in your destination country. In some cases, you might find that a particular destination's rules simply aren't compatible with a medication that you take , and you may want to consider a different destination instead.

You can discuss the specifics with your healthcare provider, your pharmacist, and the U.S. embassy in the country you're considering visiting . The embassy will be able to tell you whether a medication you take is banned in the country or only allowed in limited quantities.

Where Can I Get More Information Before I Leave on My Trip?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC maintains an excellent Travelers’ Health website that includes a wide range of information about travel issues related to health. One section of the site has an interactive map that provides access to health information for each country. And their traveling abroad with medicine page is a must-read if you're planning a trip outside the U.S. and will need to bring medication with you.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): The TSA provides online information for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, and it explains the current requirements for how to go through airport security with medications.

U.S. Department of State: The State Department maintains a travel website that provides a profile about the current status of every country in the world. These profiles include information about health-related issues and often highlight issues with prescription medications.

Transportation Security Administration : TSA has a helpful page about disabilities and medical conditions . It includes a tool that allows you to select from among a range of common disabilities and medical conditions to see exactly what you need to know about the screening process and any steps you might want to take in advance to make it as smooth as possible.

Traveling with medications is common, but does require some advance planning. It's generally advisable to pack medications in your carry-on luggage, and to have copies of your prescriptions with you. Liquid medications can be brought onboard aircraft even in quantities greater than the limits that apply to other liquids, but you'll need to notify the TSA screening agent of your liquid medication. For controlled substances, you'll need a letter from your medical practitioner, explaining why you need the medication. And there are some countries where certain medications simply aren't allowed, even though they're prescribed in other countries.

A Word From Verywell

Staying healthy on your trip can save you a lot of money. Out-of-pocket medical expenses in a foreign country can be enormous. Make sure to purchase travel insurance before you leave and pack your medications !

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers' Health .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria .

Transportation Security Administration. Can You Pack Your Meds in a Pill Case and More Questions Answered .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling Abroad with Medicine .

Mohn, Tanya. New York Times. How to Make Sure You Travel with Medication Legally .

Transportation Security Administration. Disabilities and Medical Conditions ; and TSA Cares: Traveling with Medication ; and Can you pack your meds in a pill case and more questions answered .

By Michael Bihari, MD Michael Bihari, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, health educator, and medical writer, and president emeritus of the Community Health Center of Cape Cod.

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10 Over-the-Counter Medications You Should Always Carry Abroad

I t’s not easy to pack like a minimalist , especially when you want to stick to a carry-on , but unless you are looking forward to experiencing what medical care looks like in an unfamiliar country, you need to make some room in your luggage for the basics to stay healthy on the road. Many travel ailments can be solved with a few pills and a little knowledge about how to use them effectively. So, take out a few pairs of leggings and couple of bikinis and pack some over-the-counter medications instead — many of which can’t be found in several countries around the world.

Emily Scott  is a Registered Nurse of eight years with a diploma in Tropical Nursing from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. She works as a labor and delivery nurse in Washington state and travels abroad frequently for humanitarian medical service. Emily has treated patients in seven countries, including Ebola patients during the outbreak in West Africa. She also deployed to Nepal after the devastating earthquake. She loves to travel off the beaten path — always with her trusty first-aid kit at her side.

1. Antidiarrheal, like Immodium

Always have this one in with you because if you’re struck down by travelers’ diarrhea, you likely won’t be in a state to run to the local pharmacy. This issue is common for travelers to many countries but can be avoided by following this simple mantra when you eat and drink: boil it, peel it, cook it, or forget it. If you do end up accidentally ingesting a local bacteria, remember that most travelers’ diarrhea will resolve itself with rest and lots of hydration. Antidiarrheals can help travelers feel secure enough to venture out into the world and manage the symptoms long enough to take a flight or public transport, but they do not treat the infection. Note that if you’re not improving or you cannot keep down fluids, it’s time to see a doctor.

2. Mild laxative, like Dulcolax

Travelers’ diarrhea is most tourists’ nightmare, but the opposite problem is also common. Travel disrupts your routines, changes your diet, and removes you from your comfort zone — all of which may lead to “vacation constipation” — yes, it’s a real thing. It can be prevented by staying active, eating plenty of fiber-rich foods, and drinking plenty of water. But if those methods fail after a few days and you’re uncomfortable, you can always turn to your medical kit. Remember to use laxatives sparingly, and contact your physician if the problem continues.

3. Mild pain reliever, like Tylenol or Motrin

You may end up sore in new and unique spots after dragging luggage around the airport, exploring a new city on foot, and sleeping in a bed that isn’t your own. Tylenol is generally better for headaches while Motrin is effective at reducing inflammation and swelling. So, if you twisted an ankle on cobblestone roads or woke up with menstrual cramps, reach for the Motrin. Be mindful not to take more than the dose recommended on the bottle as these meds can be rough on your liver and kidneys if used in excess.

4. Antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin

Unfortunately, we’re all just as clumsy on vacation as we are at home. Before you grab the ointment to treat a scraped knee or a finger cut, your first stop should be to wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Most minor cuts and scratches will heal just fine on their own, but antibiotic ointment can speed the process and prevent scarring. Just keep the cut covered if it’s in a place that can get dirty, and watch it for signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or fluid draining from the wound). And if it’s still bleeding after holding several minutes of firm pressure, you’ve outdone the powers of your first-aid kit and should see a doctor.

5. Antihistamine, like Benadryl or Claritin

You never know what environments or triggers you might encounter abroad, so it’s always good to have a dose of antihistamines on hand, especially if you’re prone to allergies. Fair warning: Some antihistamines, like Benadryl, will also make you drowsy, which isn’t ideal if you were hoping to spend the day sightseeing. If any allergic reaction continues to worsen or you have difficulty breathing, over-the-counter antihistamines won’t cut it, and it’s time to head to the hospital.

6. Sleep aid, like Melatonin

You may have reset your watch when you landed, but after flying all night and arriving on a new continent, your body has no idea what time zone you’re in. Fighting jet lag proactively is best: Expose yourself to sunlight at appropriate times, get plenty of exercise during the day, and avoid caffeine later in the day. But if you still find yourself wide awake way past bedtime, a sleep aid can help reorient your body clock. Melatonin is the supplement form of a hormone our bodies naturally make, and it’s not habit-forming, so you don’t have to worry about taking it a few nights in a row. It acts on the brain as a darkness signal, so take it half an hour before sleep and, hopefully, you’ll wake up in the right time zone.

7. Common-cold remedies, like Sudafed or Mucinex

There’s no way to treat the cold itself (it’s a virus, not a bacteria, so antibiotics are useless against it), but some over-the-counter medications can reduce the symptoms so you can still enjoy your trip. A decongestant nasal spray, cough suppressant, and/or expectorant can be helpful, depending on what specific symptoms you’re suffering from. As with all medications, use these for the shortest amount of time necessary, along with plenty of rest and hydration.

8. Motion-sickness medication, like Dramamine.

From planes to boats to anything used around the world for public transport, travelers often spend a lot of time being shaken about, so it’s necessary to have something that will prevent motion sickness. Be warned, though, that Dramamine will make you drowsy — so it’s your call if it’s worth going on a sailing trip that you might sleep through anyway.

9. Electrolyte tablets

It’s easy to get dehydrated when you travel. You may be distracted by all the fascinating sights while exploring your destination on foot or traveling in a country where clean water is hard to come by. If you suddenly notice you’re feeling lethargic, have dry mouth, or have a headache, you may be dehydrated. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your urine — if you’re using the bathroom less than normal and your urine is dark yellow, you’re not drinking enough. Drop an electrolyte tab in your water bottle and let it dissolve. Not only will it help replenish what you’ve lost, but if you find some with a flavor you enjoy, it may encourage you to drink more water throughout the day. (Electrolyte tablets also come in handy for travelers’ diarrhea when it’s important to keep up with the fluid and electrolyte loss.)

10. Hydrocortisone cream

If you’re a hiker or you’re traveling to a tropical country, hydrocortisone cream is a must. It can treat and reduce itching from insect bites, poison ivy, and a variety of rashes. It’s smart to research which insects you’re likely to encounter and how to avoid them, but have your hydrocortisone on hand just in case.

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TRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES

A pharmacist’s diy travel medicine kit.

Let’s face it. A travel medicine bag isn’t many people’s priority when it comes to putting together that all-important packing list.

But it should be. You never know when you might come down with a cough or cold, have a bout of diarrhoea or take a tumble. A good traveller is always prepared.

However, many travellers are unsure which products they should pack. So what should you include in a travel medicine kit?

This is where I can help you, both as a frequent traveller and a healthcare professional.

In the course of many adventures in 70+ countries, I’ve experienced my fair share of sniffles, scrapes and sprains. Fortunately, as a registered pharmacist , I know how to deal with these as they arise.

However, I’ve only been able to manage these minor medical emergencies because I’ve packed the right medicines and first aid items. This travel medical kit has evolved over the years and I have honed my selection of pills and potions to a collection that covers most of the bases.

In this article, I will share the contents of my trusty DIY travel medicine kit and give you expert advice on what you should consider when packing medicines for travel.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

General Considerations

There is no one-size-fits-all medicine bag for travel.

There is no such thing as a definitive travel medicine kit. Much will depend on your age, gender and medical conditions, your destination, style of travel and your attitude to medicines. It’s all a question of balance. Whilst you won’t want to lug around a medical kit that a paramedic would be proud of, at the same time you should include essential items to cover your basic healthcare needs and emergencies.

Consider your destination and trip style when packing your travel medicine kit

Consider where you are travelling to, and for how long, when deciding which medicines and first aid items to include in your travel medical kit.

Chances are you will not need an extensive selection of medicines, bandages and gauzes on a flashpacking European city break. However, it’s a different story if you are trekking in the Himalayan foothills where access to doctors and pharmacies isn’t a given.

Heading to a high-altitude destination? If so, then you may want to get your hands on preventative treatment before leaving home.

Travelling to a malaria zone? Then. don’t forget your antimalarial medication.

Consider your personal health needs

Although this may be blindingly obvious, you should consider your personal health needs when packing for a trip. For example; if you are a woman who suffers from menstrual cramps, include your preferred remedy in your travel medicine kit.

What’s in my DIY Travel Medicine Kit

 As a pharmacist, I have honed my collection to one that covers most of the bases, and my medicines fit snugly into a semi-rigid plastic pouch from Muji .  You can buy all of the medicines in my travel kit over-the-counter in the UK without needing a doctor’s prescription.

Essential Items

PAIN KILLER: PARACETAMOL 500mg 

Paracetamol (acetaminophen if you are American) is a highly effective pain-killer and it also helps to bring down your temperature if you have an infection. I have used it for headaches, for cold and ‘flu symptoms and for – whisper it – hangovers.

Don’t leave home without it.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: IBUPROFEN 200MG 

Like paracetamol, ibuprofen is a painkiller and can be used in much the same way. However, it is also anti-inflammatory and so is useful for soft tissue injuries (strains and sprains).

Many women prefer it to paracetamol to relieve period pain.

If you have asthma or have had stomach problems (ulcers) you may not be able to use ibuprofen; check with your doctor or pharmacist.

The choice of paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat headaches and to bring down the temperature is entirely up to you.

Many people find that one works better than the other for them. For example, I find paracetamol is usually effective in killing a headache but ibuprofen barely touches it.

ANTIHISTAMINE TABLET

If like me, you suffer from hay fever or have allergies , an antihistamine is an essential part of your travel medicine kit. Antihistamines are also invaluable for relieving itchiness from hives and insect bites , including pesky mozzie bites .

 My traveller’s medical kit usually has a strip of whichever antihistamine I have to hand. Usually, this is acrivastine but good alternatives are loratadine or cetirizine , neither of which is likely to make you drowsy.

If you want a sedating antihistamine, go for the older drug, chlorphenamine (chlorpheniramine).

Although antihistamine creams are also available, I am less keen on these. They are not as versatile as tablets, and in rare cases can cause skin sensitisation.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CREAM: HYDROCORTISONE CREAM 1%

I always pop a tube of hydrocortisone cream in my travel medicine bag.

Although it is used primarily for eczema – some people find that eating different foods makes their skin condition flare up – it is also excellent at relieving the itchiness of mosquito bites.

You don’t need to use a lot of hydrocortisone cream. Make sure that you apply it in a very thin layer.

DIARRHOEA MEDICINE: LOPERAMIDE 2MG

Think of loperamide (Imodium) as a pharmaceutical cork.

Call it what you like; Delhi Belly, Montezuma’s Revenge, Backdoor Trots. Most of us will have been struck down by  travellers’  diarrhoea (TD) , usually at the worst possible time.

Trust me; clenching your buttocks on a long-distance bus journey is not much fun. This is where these little green and grey capsules are worth their weight in gold. They are particularly helpful if you have colicky-type pain.

There is some debate as to whether the use of loperamide prolongs TD by retaining the offending bug. The consensus seems to be to let it all flow out, reserving loperamide for those situations where TD may affect travel plans.

My approach is to do exactly that, reserving the use of loperamide for emergencies; to avoid being caught short on a bus or train journey for example.

Codeine and diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil) are alternatives to loperamide but I don’t recommend them as they carry a higher risk of side effects for no great gain. Also, you need a doctor’s prescription for these medicines.

Some people take away antibiotics with them to self-treat. The choice of antibiotic depends on the destination.

You will need a doctor’s prescription. A common antibiotic that travellers include in their medical kit is ciprofloxacin .

REHYDRATION SACHETS

Your priority in treating travel diarrhoea or sickness is to keep hydrated. Therefore, I always pop a couple of rehydration sachets with electrolytes in my traveller’s medical kit.

It goes without saying that the water that you use to reconstitute these sachets should be safe

If you don’t have these sachets to hand you can drink other clear fluids, such as diluted fruit juices, as an alternative.

MOTION SICKNESS TABLETS

For those journeys across switchback mountain passes and across choppy waters, I use cinnarizine  (Stugeron) tablets, which do the trick but can cause drowsiness.

Another popular choice is hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells) but I find that it gives me a dry mouth.

Some people swear by acupressure bands ( Sea-Band ).

Other items to consider

ANTACID TABLETS

Think Gaviscon , Pepto Bismol or omeprazole / lansoprazole . For those times when you overindulge in delicious food or have a few extra drinks.

What’s NOT in my Travel Medical Kit

PROPRIETARY COLD AND FLU REMEDIES

This is polypharmacy at its worst. Proprietary cold and flu medicines are cocktails of unnecessary drugs at sub-therapeutic doses.

Save your money and precious packing space. Just take paracetamol or ibuprofen for cold and ‘flu symptoms. If you feel bunged up, a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be useful.

Expert Tips for Packing Your Travel Medicines

• You don’t need to take vast quantities of these medicines and first aid items; just enough to get by until you can replenish your supplies at a pharmacy or drugstore. For example, I take just a strip or two of tablets
• Choose strips of tablets instead of bottles to save precious packing space.
• For the same reason, remove strips from their boxes. But if you are unfamiliar with how to take the medicine, make sure to keep the instructions.
• Where possible, opt for tablets over liquids, gels and creams.

Travel First Aid Items

STICKING PLASTERS (BAND-AIDS)

A few sticking plasters of different sizes are an essential component of my travel medicine kit.

The most common injuries are cuts and grazes and you don’t need to be an ardent trekker for blisters to appear.

CREPE BANDAGE

But what about if your injury is bigger than a small cut or graze?

A bog-standard crepe bandage is invaluable for keeping a small dressing in place until you get it looked at by a healthcare professional.

Gauze is one of the most useful items in your travel first aid kit.

A gauze square can be used to clean an injury, apply pressure to a wound to help stop bleeding, and dress a small wound. When used as a dressing, it can be held in place by a crepe bandage or surgical tape .

To keep the wound clean and sterile, pack individually wrapped sterile gauze squares.

ANTISEPTIC WIPES

I also always carry a few sealed alcohol wipes for wound cleansing.

ANTIBACTERIAL CREAM

Again, to prevent wounds from becoming infected and to help them heal faster, it’s a good idea to pack an antibacterial cream like Neosporin .

SMALL SCISSORS & TWEEZERS

Both of these items come as standard in most first aid kits and are extremely versatile items to bring with you on your travels.

Scissors are useful for trimming bandages or gauze to the desired dimensions. As well as grooming eyebrows, tweezers can be used to pull out splinters and to extract bits of stone or dirt from a wound.

Is It Worth Buying a Ready-Made Travel First Aid Kit?

For simplicity and for a travel first aid kit that will be packed to perfection, buying a ready-made travel first aid kit is a hassle-free option. You can be assured that the basics will be covered, and your travel healthcare essentials will come in a sturdy and waterproof bag. However, what you gain in convenience you lose in the ability to personalise your travel medical kit to your own needs. Also, as you will only include items that are essential for your trip, a DIY travel first aid kit will likely be cheaper than buying one online.

The Best Ready-Made Travel First Aid Kits

When choosing the best ready-made travel first aid kit, contents, size and weight are the key factors. Whilst you want to make sure you have enough of all of the essential items, you don’t want this to take up too much valuable real estate in your luggage.

Amazon has a good range of travel first aid kits and I’ve picked out their best lightweight and compact travel first aid kits.

Lifesystems Pocket First Aid Kit

Lightweight (100g) and compact first-aid kit that covers the bases for basic first aid.

Mini First Aid Kit

A 92-piece first aid kit that packs a punch for its compact size.

Universal First Aid Kit in Bag

This 100-piece first aid kit is the most comprehensive of the three shown here and weighs in at 380g.

Best Travel Health Resources

Here are my go-to websites for keeping healthy while on the road.

• fitfortravel – a free, interactive, resource providing up-to-date information on avoiding illness and staying healthy when travelling abroad.
• TRAVEL HEALTH PRO – a website comprising the travel health resources of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), set up by the UK’s Department of Health to protect the health of travellers.
• CDC TRAVELER’S HEALTH – an extensive collection of resources from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Travel Medicines: Final Tips From a Healthcare Professional

Think of this list of items for travel ailments, scrapes and bangs as a tool kit, to which you can add or subtract, according to your needs. In addition, you will need to include any prescribed medicines in your travel medicine bag.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have never taken any of the above medications before. Sometimes medicines don’t mix well together – oral contraceptives and antibiotics are good examples of this –  and medical conditions or allergies may mean that it is unwise to take a certain medication.

For any injury or illness that cannot be remedied by the contents of your travel medical kit, or that does not respond to self-treatment, you should seek professional medical attention.

Although carrying these basic items will help you to deal with the vast majority of ailments and accidents as a traveller, it is no substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.  As a  mid-life traveller , I get my travel insurance from  Staysure. It offers an excellent level of cover, including that against Covid-19, and has garnered 5-star reviews.

Finally, whilst it’s essential to be prepared, chances are that you will rarely need to use the items in your travel medical kit.

Safe and healthy travels!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a registered pharmacist who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

6 thoughts on “ A Pharmacist’s DIY Travel Medicine Kit ”

Great list—thanks!

FYI: if you are traveling to or in India by air, ALL scissors are a no go except in checked bags! That includes those tiny ineffective blunt scissors in mini first aid kits and nail clippers. You WILL be stopped.

And as it happens, they fasten your checked bags shut if you’re flying within India! So you have no knife or scissors, and a sealed bag…

Great tip! Thanks. I’ll add it to the article 🙂

Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.

This is a great list! Thanks!

Thanks. I’m glad you liked it!

This is a fantastic list! Thanks!

Comments are closed.

Careful packing: Where your prescription could get you in trouble

When traveling, especially internationally, sometimes the pre-travel checklist feels like it's a mile long.

Not only do you need to do the obvious things like making sure your passport is still valid and verifying whether you need a visa , but you may also need to seek written approval from a country's government to bring certain medications abroad.

I must admit I didn't realize this was a thing until one of my TPG colleagues flagged this requirement she discovered when packing for her family's trip to Japan . Japan is just one country that strongly regulates travel with medicine.

Here's what you need to know about taking your medications to a variety of popular destinations that regulate travel with medicine.

Japan requires advance permission to enter with a variety of medications, including many common over-the-counter medicines openly sold in U.S. drugstores.

The Japanese government labels such drugs as "controlled substances," divided into six categories, including stimulants. Travelers who need these medications must apply for a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" (or an import certificate), which should be declared and submitted to customs when entering.

Up to two months of approved over-the-counter medicines and four months of vitamins are permitted. Note that disposable contact lenses are also monitored, and those with a two-month supply or greater require an import certificate.

Travelers should also bring a copy of their prescription, along with a note stating the purpose of the medicine, if applicable.

Type of medicine : All medications containing stimulants, including over-the-counter allergy and sinus medications, plus Adderall listed here How to apply : Apply online for an import certificate through the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Amount of medicine : Up to one month of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a two-month supply of allowable vitamins Cost : N/A Processing time : N/A More information : Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ; Japan's Application for Import Confirmation ; Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle ; Japan Narcotics Control Department

Other Asian countries

• Thailand : Certain medications, including those containing codeine and drugs to treat ADHD, require a permit issued by the Ministry of Public Health .
• Hong Kong : Certain medications — including those with stimulants, such as sleeping pills and anxiety medication — require an import license and import certificate issued by the Department of Health .
• Singapore : Certain medications, including anxiety medication, sleeping pills and painkillers, require advance approval, per the Singapore Health Sciences Authority .
• China : Per various tourist organizations, including China Highlights , visitors must "provide written documentation from a medical institution to prove the necessity of the medicine," including sleeping aids, ADHD medication and painkillers.
• South Korea : Medicines classified as "narcotics" require advance approval via the Korean Food and Drug Administration .

Australia has a traveler's exemption for persons traveling to Australia to enter with certain prescribed medications, including Adderall. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care directs travelers to either secure a prescription for the medicines they're carrying or seek a letter from their doctor specifying that the medicines they've been prescribed are for their personal use.

"Your doctor's letter must specify the name of the medicine and dosage. Ensure the medication remains in its original packaging with the dispensing label intact," per the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. "This will assist with identifying each substance at the border. Be ready to declare all medication to the Australian Border Force upon arrival."

Type of medicine : Certain prescription medicines, including Adderall How to apply : N/A Amount of medicine : Up to three months' worth of medicine and medical devices Cost : N/A Processing time : N/A More information : Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

United Arab Emirates

Travelers to the UAE must apply for approval to carry controlled medication into the country. All other medication, including prescriptions for uncontrolled medication and over-the-counter medication, does not need prior approval. However, the government urges travelers to carry documentation for all medicine, including documentation explaining medical reasons for taking the medication and any other supporting documents.

To determine if your prescription is considered controlled, check with your doctor.

Type of medicine : Controlled medicine, including narcotics and psychotropics How to apply : Online through the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention Length of time : Maximum three-month supply for narcotics and controlled medicines; six-month supply for prescriptions Cost : Free Processing time : One business day More information : United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention

Europe and Schengen countries

The Schengen Area includes most European Union countries. If you are traveling to this area, a Schengen certification for medicines that fall under the Opium Act, including narcotics, is required. Specific medicines bound by the act include strong painkillers, sleeping pills, anxiety drugs, ADHD medication and medical cannabis.

Since specific requirements vary by each country within the Schengen Area, you should contact the appropriate health agency of the country in question. For example, the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport provides instructions for travelers to the Netherlands to help obtain this certificate, including a link to the application and a list of prohibited medications that fall under the aforementioned Opium Act. Information can also be found via the relevant U.S. Embassy and or Consulate .

Also note that some countries, including Greece , require further authorization for specific medicines, such as codeine without a prescription, via Greece's National Organization for Medicines.

Bottom line

Regardless of where you are traveling, it's a good idea to keep medicines in their original prescription packaging; this shows the purpose of the medicine and that it's for you and only you. As noted, it's also helpful to pack any accompanying doctor's note.

Related reading:

• Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories
• When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
• I stayed at an IHG voco hotel for the first time — here are 7 reasons I'd stay again
• Everything you need to know about traveling with medication
• The best travel insurance policies and providers

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Traveling with Medications: What You Need to Know

Lindsay Tigar

Lindsay Tigar is a travel and lifestyle writer with a constant thirst for adventure and exploring new lands. You can find Lindsay globetrotting when the mood strikes, making sure to find time to explore both the wine and fitness scene in countries across the globe. Her work has appeared across dozens of outlets; learn more at LindsayTigar.com .

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If you’re heading out on a long trip—or moving abroad—and you rely on prescriptions, it’s vital to your health to know the rules about traveling with medication. “Millions of Americans are dependent on medicines and with the globalization of travel, access to prescription medicine is even more crucial,” explains Dr. Robert Quigley, senior vice president and regional medical director at International SOS .

From how to get more than a 30-day supply of pills to what you’ll need from your stateside doctor to get a prescription abroad, here’s advice from international healthcare experts about traveling with medication.

Bring a Note from Your Doctor

Dr. Christopher C. Hollingsworth, MD, a general and endovascular surgeon who has practiced in Europe and the United States, says it’s unlikely you’ll get stopped at customs or border control because you’re carrying more than a month’s supply of medicine. However, having an official prescription on hand when traveling with prescription medication is never a bad idea.

“In general, countries honor the rights of travelers to transport their prescribed medications with them,” Dr. Hollingsworth explains. As long as you have supporting documentation about your medical condition (ID cards or a letter from a physician), you are unlikely to have a problem.

Dr. Brendan Anzalone, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and the president and chief medical officer at AeroMD Air Ambulance , suggests going digital with these forms, as they can get lost or creased throughout your travels. This will ensure you won’t have to go digging if you’re questioned.

What to Pack in Your Travel First-Aid Kit

Keep Medicines in Their Original Bottles

Again, while it’s unlikely you will face any sort of issue when you’re flying with medication, Dr. Anzalone still recommends keeping your pills in the original bottle—complete with the sticker on the front with your name and doctor’s name—as an extra safety precaution. “Carrying your medication in [its] original prescription bottle with a label on it from the pharmacy is helpful if there are any questions in the security line,” he explains.

If you don’t have room in your luggage for the full-size bottles and must downsize, you can pack a small day-of-the-week pill organizer rather than several bulky bottles. Ensure you have documentation from your physician to avoid any potential issues. Paul Tanenbaum, R.Ph., a retired pharmacist, offers this tip if your original prescription bottle is too large: “Make friends with your pharmacist and see if he or she could make you a smaller travel-size bottle for you to fill up.”

Learn the Laws Around Traveling Internationally with Medications

The recommendations for domestic trips also apply to traveling abroad with medication. When flying internationally with prescription medications, the U.S. Department of State  recommends storing medications in their original labeled containers and bringing a copy of a doctor’s letter to show customs officers and other officials if necessary. The prescription should note the brand and generic name of the drug.

If you’re taking an unusual drug or one that contains narcotics such as sedatives, carry a note from your doctor explaining what the medication is and why you need it.

Note that some over-the-counter drugs legal in the U.S. may be illegal elsewhere. For example, painkillers containing codeine are prohibited in the United Arab Emirates. Always double-check before you fly.

Exercise Caution with Herbal Medicines

Flying with herbal medicines or supplements to international destinations can be tricky since each country has its own laws about what’s allowed in. To find out what may be restricted in the countries you’ll be visiting or transiting through, refer to the  embassy website  or contact local consulates.

Make sure herbal remedies and Ayurvedic medicines are in clearly labeled, well-sealed containers, preferably in original bottles. Although the TSA doesn’t require it, it may be helpful to bring a doctor’s note explaining your remedies’ intended use. Keep up to date with any changes in TSA rules by downloading its free MyTSA app ( iOS | Android ).

The Best Over-the-Counter Sleeping Pills for Long-Haul Flights

Always Pack Medicine in Your Carry-On

Now that you have the prescriptions you need and the note from your doc to prove your case, it’s time to pack. Depending on how much medicine you need each day, you may be tempted to shove your pill pack into your checked bag, but Dr. Anzalone warns against it: “It is best to keep medications in your carry-on baggage. If your checked baggage gets lost, you will still have your prescription medications with you. Remember some aircraft cargo holds are not temperature controlled, which may affect temperature-sensitive medications.”

If you’re worried about bringing medication that must be refrigerated (like insulin, for example) on a plane, Dr. Hollingsworth offers the TSA regulations on cool packs that are allowed through the gates. “Domestically, gel-cooling packs are allowed if frozen at time of presentation to security,” he notes.

Liquid medications (prescription or over-the-counter, like saline solution or eye drops) aren’t subject to the TSA’s three-ounce limits. However, you are required to declare anything over that amount to security officers and present it for inspection.

You may also travel with accompanying items, such as IV bags, pumps, and syringes, as long as they’re declared before you begin the screening process. All of these items will be X-rayed unless you request a manual inspection.

Bring Extra Medication

Dr. Hollingsworth’s rule of thumb is to bring twice the amount of medicine you need and to separate the bottles between your carry-on and your personal item. Why? Two words: flight troubles. “Changes or delays can have a butterfly effect that can have repercussions for the rest of your trip. Plan for the unexpected and pack extra medication you might need for an unplanned longer stay,” he says.

Exercise Caution When Flying with Narcotics

If you’re traveling with any type of prescribed narcotic used to relieve pain, such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, or codeine, you might want to bring your prescription documentation, as well as a doctor’s note. Though this is not required by the TSA, it may prove helpful when getting through security. Since these types of drugs are widely abused, security screeners may be suspicious if they are unaccompanied by the proper paperwork. Having the original prescription will prove the pills’ necessity, and avoid any further delays or additional questioning.

The trouble of traveling with only a doctor’s note is that unless it was written in the previous month, it may lose validity. Prescriptions are clearly dated and include the signature of your doctor. Simply make a photocopy of each prescription before you have it filled. The photocopied version will be null and void, but this does not alter it as a valid document.

To take extra precaution, you may also want to travel with phone numbers for your pharmacy and prescribing doctor. This may seem like an unnecessary hassle, but it could prevent delays and problems at the airport.

10 Hotel Room Exercises You Can Do Without Any Workout Gear

Be Strategic About Your Meds

If your carry-on is just too heavy to meet those puddle-jumper restrictions, Dr. Hollingsworth challenges you to be strategic. While you might want to take your mini-sized bottle of Advil, those sorts of medications are available everywhere.

“Give priority to any medications that are vital to your functioning or survival. Asthma inhalers, diabetic medications, anti-seizure medications, and blood pressure medications come to mind. Make sure to bring medications that have rebound or withdrawal symptoms if you run out,” he says. “A trip is not a good time to see how you function without your arthritis or anti-anxiety medications.”

Consider Travel Insurance

Many factors influence whether you should purchase travel insurance . How long will you be traveling? Where are you going? Will you be lounging by a beach for a week or undertaking adventure activities in a rainforest? Do you have ongoing medical conditions that might need care?

If you’ll need health insurance for your trip, Dr. Quigley recommends exploring your options before heading overseas to determine what policy and plan are best for you. You can also work with assistance companies—like International SOS—to help you if you’re struggling with a health situation overseas.

Make a Date with Your Doctors

If you’re leaving the U.S. for an extended time, in addition to getting foreign currency and shedding tears at your farewell party, you should schedule pre-departure appointments with your doctors. During these visits, get a full physical and begin a discussion about your wellness needs while traveling. Work with your physician to plan for the medications you’ll need. Medical professionals can help you secure more than a 30-day supply of any medicines along with the necessary paperwork. They can also offer advice about what you need to bring to keep your health top-notch.

Find the Loopholes for Refilling Prescriptions Overseas

Dr. Quigley explains that prescriptions cannot be filled abroad, nor can your primary care doctor call in a prescription for you. But there is a way around it: Know the generic forms and other names of the same medicine. Depending on the country, you may be able to get the medicine without a prescription.

As an example, Dr. Hollingsworth was able to walk into a pharmacy in Paris and receive antibiotics for a pal with a serious ear infection—no note required. Even so, packing a few “just in case” prescriptions before you leave will help ease your worries. Your primary care doctor or a travel clinic can help you navigate the options.

Tanenbaum recommends caution: “If you must obtain your meds from somewhere other than your U.S. pharmacy, beware that there is a major problem of counterfeit drugs out there.” He also notes that brand and generic drug names may differ from one country to another: “The same name may be for a totally different medication; if you have to get some while overseas, it may not be what you usually take so that it does not treat your medical condition, and may actually be dangerous for you to take.” Make sure you’re visiting a reputable pharmacist (ask for a recommendation from your hotel or the local tourist board) and that you double-check whether the drug you’re requesting actually treats your condition.

How to Get Over Your Fear of Flying

Most Importantly, Plan Ahead

Plan ahead, especially if you are switching time zones and have to take medicine at a certain time of day. “Have a medical itinerary run parallel to your day-to-day travel itinerary. Plan out the nearest towns [to] where you’re going to be and identify the best providers for you based on your specific medical needs. Don’t let it be a fire drill when you get there,” recommends Dr. Hollingsworth. “If you know in 30 days [that] you need to have a prescription refilled, and you know where you will be within that time frame, then research which medical professional will be best for you. Do your homework.” It just may save your trip—or even your life.

Tips to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Want more expert tips and vacation inspiration? Subscribe to SmarterTravel on YouTube!

 Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Molly Feltner, Jessica Labrencis, Patricia Magaña, and Michele Sponagle contributed to this story. A previous version of this story had an incorrect spelling of Paul Tanenbaum’s name. It has been corrected. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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How to Travel with Medications

Last Updated: December 29, 2021 References

This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD . Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 13,487 times.

We’ve all hurriedly packed for a trip and forgotten something “important” like a favorite pair of shoes or a book to read on the plane. Few things are more truly important than bringing required or helpful medications along when traveling, though. It is therefore essential that you take the time to prepare and pack properly when you travel with medications. Your planning and packing will vary depending upon where you are going, how you are getting there, and how long you will stay. Whatever your travel plans, don’t leave your medication plans for the last minute.

Traveling by Air

• The TSA does not require that pills be in their original packaging or otherwise labeled, but this is your best option and least likely to cause screening delays. State laws regarding the labeling and transportation of prescription medications may require you to keep them in the original, labeled containers as well.
• Please note: this article draws from the policies and procedures of the U.S. TSA. Many other nations have the same or similar flight regulations for medications, but check with the relevant authority in your nation of travel.
• In addition, be aware that the TSA is governed by federal law, and therefore does not take local laws into account when it comes to substances like medicinal marijuana (meaning if marijuana is legal in your state, it is still viewed as an illegal substance to the TSA). The TSA will not search specifically for marijuana, but if it triggers an alarm during screening, a law enforcement officer will handle the matter.

• Liquid medications of 3.4 oz (1000 ml) or less should be treated like other liquids in your carry-on luggage — with all liquid containers placed inside one clear, sealed, quart-sized zip-close bag. Remove the clear bag from your carry-on for screening. [3] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
• Again, the TSA recommends but does not require original containers, but this is the way to go, especially with larger amounts of medication.

• Consider bringing a printed list of all your medications and doses (especially prescription medications). You may also want to bring along a copy of your actual prescription(s), and any information sheet that came with the medication.
• If you have an uncommon prescription medication, or an unusually large amount of one, you may want to bring a signed letter from the prescribing doctor that explains the medication and your need for it. [5] X Research source

• Generally speaking, you can incrementally adjust the time you take a medication, perhaps beginning on the flight itself. If you take a pill at 8 pm every day but are heading from New York to Los Angeles (where it would be 5 pm) for an extended stay, you may be able to take the pill one hour later each day for three days to remain on the 8 pm schedule.

Traveling Internationally

• Almost all of the time, you will have no problem transporting and using your medications internationally, especially if you keep them in the original packaging and have documentation for your prescriptions. Having additional documentation at the ready can help you in the uncommon instance when there is a problem.
• If your medication includes a controlled substance in your home country and/or an injectable medication, you should bring a signed letter from the prescribing physician (on his or her letterhead) that describes the medication and its usage in your case. [8] X Research source

• In practice, however, some nations have stricter requirements; Japan and the UAE, for instance, are known for being quite stringent. You may be required to provide extensive documentation, and even then may not be permitted to bring certain medications into the country. The more documentation you have, the better your odds.

• The INCB does maintain an extensive list of general medication information and medication entry standards by nation at http://www.incb.org/incb/en/publications/Guidelines.html . It is probably best to use this as a starting point, then try to gather the most up-to-date information directly from your destination country.

• Keep in mind the possible restrictions on how much medication you can bring into a country. Do your homework first.
• Keep your medication in your carry-on luggage when flying internationally, just as you should when flying domestically. Keep it in your possession and accessible as much as you can.

Traveling with Safety and Convenience in Mind

• As mentioned in the sections of this article dealing with flying and/or traveling internationally, taking medications (especially prescriptions) out of their original packaging can add layers of hassle to the process. If possible, obtain multiple original packages of the medication(s) and place them in different locations (for instance, your carry-on and in your checked luggage). If not possible, place the secondary supply in a clearly marked container with identifying documentation handy.
• Don’t put all your important pills in your purse or backpack while out and about, or even in a single place in your hotel. Make sure you have a couple of days’ worth of medications available even if you are a victim of theft.
• You may wish to keep your daily medication (or enough for a few days) on your person while traveling, then put the rest in the hotel safe.

• No matter where you’re headed, make your prescription medications the first priority. Keep them easy to access and hard to lose. If you have medication for allergic reactions (such as epinephrine, as in an Epi-Pen), be extra sure to have a dose handy when you are away from home.
• Keep a printed list of all prescription and other medications you take regularly, with dosages and indications, in your possession when traveling. This way, if you are somehow incapacitated, medical personnel will have this important information more quickly.

• Base your list on the medications you are most likely to use, but consider including travel-size amounts from among the following: anti-diarrheals, antihistamines, decongestants, motion sickness pills, pain relievers, laxatives, cough suppressants/drops, antacids, antifungals, and anti-itch creams.

• Based on your destination, consider bringing, for instance: insect repellent; sunscreen; hand-sanitizer or antibacterial wipes; lubricating eye drops; basic first aid supplies (first aid reference card, bandages, gauze, ace bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators); moleskin for blisters; aloe gel; digital thermometer; oral rehydration solution packets; sleep aids; and water purification tablets.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/can-you-pack-your-meds-pill-case-and-more-questions-answered
• ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-tips-traveling-us-medications
• ↑ http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart#travelhealthkit
• ↑ http://www.miusa.org/resource/tipsheet/medications
• ↑ https://www.iamat.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-travelling-with-medications/
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/19/travel/how-to-make-sure-you-travel-with-medication-legally.html

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A Travel Medicine Primer for the Pharmacist

Amber B. Giles, PharmD, BCPS, MPH, AAHIVP Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy Clinton, South Carolina

USPharm. 2018;43(4):19-26.

ABSTRACT: With international travel increasing in past decades, pharmacists should be informed and stay up-to-date on the most pertinent travel-health information available. Preventive measures including prescriptions and other nonpharmacologic therapies are available to reduce the risk of acquiring an infectious disease while traveling internationally. Pharmacists in the community may be the last line of medication information and counseling available to the patient before travel, and they may be asked for recommendations about medications and OTC products to prevent travel-related illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, and Zika.

International travel has dramatically increased in past decades, with over 80 million trips booked by Americans in 2016—8% more than in 2015. 1 Travelers should consult a medical professional weeks to months prior to international travel, especially when traveling to a tropical, subtropical, or developing country, in order to receive proper counseling and any prophylactic medications or vaccinations that may be recommended. 2 This article will focus on information pertinent to pharmacists in the United States in order to field questions about causes, preventive measures, and available treatment options for the most common travel-related illnesses that patients may experience abroad.

Important information to obtain from a patient seeking medical travel advice includes the travel destination, reason for travel (e.g., medical mission trip, work, or leisure), duration of travel, itinerary, and patient-specific health concerns. 2 Pharmacists can consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for specific recommendations. 3 Pharmacists may also be instrumental in helping patients locate a travel-medicine clinic. The International Society of Travel Medicine has an online directory of available travel-medicine clinics, which can be searched by state in order to locate the nearest clinics. 4

Travel Vaccinations

Many diseases that travelers may be at higher risk for can be prevented with vaccinations. 5 Common routine vaccinations given at pretravel appointments include influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Specific travel-related vaccines should be administered based on risk of infection, patient-specific factors, and travel itinerary; further details about available travel vaccines may be found in Table 1 . 6-14 Many insurance companies do not cover the cost of travel vaccinations, so patients should contact a local travel-medicine clinic for specific information on pricing.

Prevention of Food and Waterborne Disease

Precautionary safety measures during travel are of utmost importance in preventing infectious diseases. Paying close attention to hygiene practices in international restaurants and avoiding places with poor hygiene practices are important. Travelers should avoid eating raw or undercooked foods, including meats, seafood, and raw fruits and vegetables, unless cooked or peeled by the traveler personally. Travelers should avoid purchasing foods and beverages from street vendors, drinking tap water and unpasteurized milk, and consuming ice and dairy products. Any water used for drinking or brushing teeth should either come from an unopened bottle or be boiled prior to use. Hand washing with soap and water should be practiced routinely while traveling abroad. Alcohol-based sanitizers may be used if soap and water are unavailable. 15

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is the most common travel-related illness and is caused by consuming fecally contaminated food or water. TD is defined as three or more unformed stools within 24 hours plus one of the following symptoms: abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, or fecal urgency. More than 80% of TD cases are caused by bacterial organisms, such as Escherichia coli , Campylobacter jejuni , Shigella spp . , or Salmonella spp . , but may also be caused by viral or protozoal infections. Norovirus is often associated with outbreaks in patients traveling on cruise ships. A higher incidence of TD is seen in patients traveling to countries in Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Mexico, and the Middle East. 16

Symptoms of TD can be mild, with some cramping and loose stools, or severe, with fever, bloody stools, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain. The food and water safety measures previously discussed should be practiced to prevent TD. Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) has been studied, with success shown in reducing the risk of TD by approximately 50%. In patients wishing to use BSS for prophylaxis, proper counseling about the potential of BSS to blacken the tongue and stool is important. BSS prophylaxis should not be used in pregnant patients or children aged less than 3 years. Additionally, those who have an aspirin allergy, renal dysfunction, or a prescription for an anticoagulant should avoid BSS. Importantly, prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not indicated to prevent TD in most travelers because this practice may lead to further antibiotic resistance. 16

Counseling should be provided to patients about increasing oral fluid intake in the event of a TD episode during travel. Antimotility medications such as loperamide (maximum 8 mg per day) or BSS may be used to reduce the number of stools per day and allow patients to continue with travel plans. Antidiarrheals should be used only in patients who do not have concomitant fever or blood in the stool and who are not pregnant. 16 Antibiotics may be used to reduce the duration of moderate-to-severe TD. Azithromycin or fluoroquinolone antibiotics are recommended empiric therapy for infectious diarrhea. 17 Importantly, fluoroquinolones should not be used in cases of bloody diarrhea. 16 Additionally, fluoroquinolone resistance is increasing throughout the world, so these agents are no longer the preferred treatment options in some locations, as outlined on the CDC website. 3 Azithromycin is preferred in patients who are pregnant. 18  Single doses of antibiotics have been shown to be as efficacious as multidoses and are also more convenient for patients traveling abroad ( Table 2 ). 19

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever, also known as enteric fever , are bacterial infections caused by Salmonella enterica . Southern and Southeast Asia, as well as Africa, are the highest-risk regions for enteric fever. The Caribbean, East Asia, and South America are areas with a lower risk. Typhoid typically presents as a low fever in the morning followed by higher fever in the evening. Typhoid symptoms may last up to 1 month if left untreated, and complications associated with typhoid, such as intestinal perforation and hemorrhage, may present after several weeks of untreated illness. 13

Two vaccines are available for typhoid in the U.S. 13 Destination-specific vaccine recommendations may be found on the CDC Travelers’ Health website. 3 The traditional therapy of choice for enteric fever has been fluoroquinolone antibiotics; however, increasing resistance has been seen across the globe, especially in Southern and Southeast Asia. Third-generation cephalosporins and azithromycin are often used instead of fluoroquinolones owing to this resistance. After antibiotic initiation, patients could continue to spike fevers for several days, with an initial worsening of symptoms. 13  

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, toxigenic Vibrio cholerae . The highest incidence of cholera is found in regions of Africa and Southern and Southeast Asia. Cholera outbreaks have also been reported in parts of the Caribbean. Cholera typically presents as mild, watery diarrhea without fever and may also be asymptomatic. However, some patients may experience severe, profuse, watery diarrhea that appears like “rice-water stools.” This form of cholera may lead to very severe dehydration, shock, or even death if left untreated. 7

Owing to high quantities of fluid loss, aggressive rehydration is the key to treating patients with active cholera infections. Oral rehydration therapy may be used to treat moderate dehydration; however, IV fluids are needed in severe cases. Doxycycline is the agent of choice for adult patients in the majority of the world, and azithromycin is the treatment option preferred in pregnant women and children. 7 Other options for treatment include ceftriaxone or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, with increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones in many parts of the world. 7,17 In addition to safety precautions, an oral vaccine is now available in the U.S. for adults (ages 18-64) traveling to areas of active transmission of cholera. Currently, there are no safety or efficacy data for booster doses of the cholera vaccine. 20

Prevention of Insect-Borne Disease

Prophylactic medications and vaccinations are available in the U.S. to prevent vectorborne diseases. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and hats should be worn when possible to minimize the amount of exposed skin. Permethrin may be used to treat clothing or gear but should not be applied directly to the skin. Any exposed skin should be treated with a mosquito repellent. Many commercially available insect repellents are EPA-registered, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-3,8-diol. Repellents containing less than 10% of the active ingredient are only minimally protective (providing coverage for 1-2 hours). Repellents should not be sprayed directly to the face, under clothing, or on cuts or irritated skin. Combination sunscreen and repellent products are not recommended by the CDC. In addition to wearing proper clothing and using insect repellents, travelers should sleep in screened-in and/or air-conditioned rooms as well as under an insecticide-pretreated bed net. 21

Malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients traveling internationally. 2 Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito in areas of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Different species of Plasmodium are seen throughout the world, and each species and region have unique susceptibility to antimalarial agents. The CDC separates geographical regions into chloroquine-sensitive or chloroquine-resistant malaria, which helps physicians in choosing appropriate prophylaxis or treatment. 22

Malaria prophylaxis should be prescribed for patients traveling to high-risk areas and should be taken before, during, and after travel. The travel itinerary, remaining time before travel, age, weight, allergies, concomitant drug interactions, and pregnancy status are important factors to consider in order to choose the most appropriate prophylactic therapy for a patient. Several options for prophylaxis should be started 1 to 2 days prior to travel, while others must be started 1 to 2 weeks prior. In addition, the duration that prophylaxis must be continued post-travel is unique to each agent ( Table 3 ). Patients who believe that they may  have been infected with malaria while traveling should seek appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible. Treatment options depend on the severity of infection, area of travel, potential drug resistance, and patient-specific characteristics. 22 The CDC provides guidelines for the treatment of malaria in the U.S. 23

Zika is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Zika virus was discovered in 1947 in Uganda; however, much attention has been focused on Zika in recent years owing to its association with severe effects on the fetuses of mothers infected with the virus. There are currently no available vaccinations or prophylactic therapies to prevent infection with Zika. Proper mosquito precautions are important for preventing the illness. The majority of patients infected with Zika remain asymptomatic, and any symptomatic infections are often mild and flulike. Supportive care is the mainstay of therapy in patients with symptomatic Zika infections. 24

An increased risk of microcephaly and other brain abnormalities in the fetus has been associated with Zika infection in pregnant women; therefore, the CDC recommends that pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant should not travel to areas of active local transmission. 24 Other potential birth defects linked to Zika are neural tube defects such as anencephaly, congenital cataracts, spina bifida, and hearing loss. 25 If travel to these areas cannot be avoided, the woman should speak with her healthcare provider and take very strict precautions to avoid mosquito bites. A male who has traveled to an area of local transmission should use condoms or abstain from sex with his partner, if the partner is pregnant, for the duration of the pregnancy. Couples wishing to conceive and who have recently traveled to an endemic area should first speak with a medical provider and wait until risks for transmission are minimized. 24

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever (YF) is caused by a virus and is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the tropics of Central and South America. YF is transmitted via the bite of Aedes or Haemagogus spp . mosquitoes. During the rainy season, there is an increased risk of infection; however, transmission may still occur outside of these months. The majority of patients infected with YF remain asymptomatic or may have mild flulike symptoms. Approximately 15% of patients infected with YF will progress to severe disease with liver dysfunction, hemorrhage, shock, and ultimately multiorgan failure. Supportive care with fluids, analgesics, and antipyretics is the standard of care. Because of the increased risk of bleeding, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used in patients with suspected or confirmed YF. 14

YF prevention includes mosquito protection as well as the YF vaccine, which is a live attenuated vaccine. Some countries require proof of vaccination with the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, or “Yellow Card.”  In 2014, the World Health Organization determined that a single dose of the YF vaccine provides lifelong immunity, so a 10-year booster is no longer needed for most patients. 14 The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices does recommend a one-time booster in patients who received their first vaccine while pregnant or who received a stem-cell transplant after the vaccination. Patients who are living with HIV should be given a booster every 10 years. 26 Owing to potential serious adverse effects of the YF vaccine, only certain healthcare providers are certified to administer the vaccine. 14 Information about providers who can administer the vaccine may be found via the CDC’s search engine. 27

Preventive measures including prescriptions, vaccinations, and other nonpharmacologic therapies are available to reduce the risk of acquiring an infectious disease while traveling internationally. Pharmacists in the community may be the last line of medication information and counseling available to the patient before travel, and they may be asked for recommendations about medications and OTC products to prevent travel-related illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, and Zika (sidebar ). Pharmacists should be informed and stay up-to-date on the most pertinent travel health information.

1. National Travel and Tourism Office. 2016 outbound analysis. December 4, 2017. https://travel.trade.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/2016_Outbound_Analysis.pdf. Accessed January 29, 2018. 2. Chen LH, Hochberg NS, Magill AJ. The pretravel consultation. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Boo k. Chapter 2. The pretravel consultation. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/the-pre-travel-consultation. Accessed January 25, 2018. 3. CDC. Travelers’ health. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Accessed January 26, 2018. 4. International Society of Travel Medicine. Online clinic directory. www.istm.org/AF_CstmClinicDirectory.asp. Accessed January 26, 2018. 5. Boggild AK, Castelli F, Gautret P, et al. Vaccine preventable diseases in returned international travelers: results from the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network. Vaccine . 2010;28(46):7389-7395. 6. Kroger AT, Strikas RA. General recommendations for vaccination & immunoprophylaxis. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 2. The pretravel consultation. Updated June 13, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/general-recommendations-for-vaccination-immunoprophylaxis. Accessed January 25, 2018. 7. Wong KK, Burdette E, Mintz ED. Cholera. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/cholera. Accessed January 25, 2018. 8. Nelson NP. Hepatitis A. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated June 12, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/hepatitis-a. Accessed January 25, 2018. 9. Averhoff F. Hepatitis B. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated June 13, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/hepatitis-b. Accessed January 25, 2018. 10. Hills SL, Rabe IB, Fischer M. Japanese encephalitis. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/japanese-encephalitis. Accessed January 25, 2018. 11. MacNeil JR, Meyer SA. Meningococcal disease. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/meningococcal-disease. Accessed January 25, 2018. 12. Petersen BW, Wallace RM, Shlim DR. Rabies. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/rabies. Accessed January 25, 2018. 13. Judd MC, Mintz ED. Typhoid & paratyphoid fever. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/typhoid-paratyphoid-fever. Accessed January 25, 2018. 14. Gershman MD, Staples JE. Yellow fever. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever. Accessed January 25, 2018. 15. Connor BA. Food & water precautions. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 2. The pretravel consultation. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/food-water-precautions. Accessed January 25, 2018. 16. Connor BA. Travelers’ diarrhea. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 2. The pretravel consultation. Updated June 13, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/travelers-diarrhea. Accessed January 25, 2018. 17. Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, et al. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis . 2017;65:e45-e80. 18. Morof DF, Carroll D. Pregnant travelers. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 8. Advising travelers with specific needs. Updated June 13, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/advising-travelers-with-specific-needs/pregnant-travelers. Accessed January 25, 2018. 19. Steffen R, Hill DR, Dupont HL. Traveler’s diarrhea: a clinical review. JAMA . 2015;313(1):71-80. 20. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Summary report, February 24, 2016. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; 2016. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/min-archive/min-2016-02.pdf. Accessed January 31, 2018. 21. Mutebi J, Hawley WA, Brogdon WG. Protection against mosquitoes, ticks, & other arthropods. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 2. The pretravel consultation. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/protection-against-mosquitoes-ticks-other-arthropods. Accessed January 25, 2018. 22. Arguin PM, Tan KR. Malaria. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated June 12, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/malaria. Accessed January 25, 2018. 23. CDC. Malaria diagnosis and treatment in the United States. Updated February 23, 2017. www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/treatment.html. Accessed January 25, 2018. 24. Chen T, Staples JE, Fischer M. Zika. In: CDC. Travelers’ Health—Yellow Book . Chapter 3. Infectious diseases related to travel. Updated May 31, 2017. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/zika. Accessed January 25, 2018. 25. Fitzgerald B, Boyle C, Honein MA. Birth defects potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy in the United States. JAMA . January 25, 2018. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2671017. Epub ahead of print. Accessed January 25, 2018. 26. CDC. Yellow fever vaccine booster doses: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2015. MMWR . June 19, 2015. www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6423a5.htm. Accessed January 30, 2018. 27. CDC. Search for yellow fever vaccination clinics. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow-fever-vaccination- clinics/search. Accessed January 30, 2018.

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Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis:

• Recommendations for drugs to prevent malaria differ by country of travel and can be found in Malaria Information by Country. Recommended drugs for each country are listed in alphabetical order and have comparable efficacy in that country.
• No antimalarial drug is 100% protective and must be combined with the use of personal protective measures, (i.e., insect repellent, long sleeves, long pants, sleeping in a mosquito-free setting or using an insecticide-treated bednet).
• For all medicines, also consider the possibility of drug-drug interactions with other medicines that the person might be taking as well as other medical contraindications, such as drug allergies.
• When several different drugs are recommended for an area, the following table might help in the decision process.
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13 Best Medicines to Pack for Travel

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• 13 Best Medicines to Pack…

Getting sick is one of the worst things you can experience while on vacation. Just imagine, your body weakens while you’re away from the comfort of home. This is why it’s important to find out more about medicine to pack for travel. On international trips, for example, you’ll probably want to bring stomach medicine for travel since your body will need a little adjustment to different conditions and foods.

In this article, we’ve curated a list of necessary medicine for travel. We know that everyone has a different condition and physicality. But by reading this guide, at least you can get some inspiration about what your body needs when you’re traveling for quite a while.

How to Choose The Medicine to Pack for Travel

No one wants to get sick while away from home. But of course, different weather and food conditions, plus fatigue from long trips can have some impact on your immune system. That’s why you need to be extra careful in choosing medicine to pack for travel.

Bringing stomach medicine for travel will definitely be a good idea. But if you have special conditions, you need to think about what kind of medicine to deal with them. Especially since you probably won’t have friends or family around you. To help you out a bit, here are three factors you need to consider when choosing any necessary medicine for travel.

Know Your Own Condition

As we mentioned earlier, every traveler has their own condition and physicality. Some people may be prone to motion sickness, while others often experience problems with their digestion. Our advice, consult a doctor. At least a week before departure, tell them about your shape. Ask for some advice on what medicine to pack for travel.

Check Your Destination

While you’re at the doctor’s, ask if a stomach medicine for travel will be enough for the country you’re going to. For your information, there are several problematic areas regarding the spread of certain diseases. This is especially common in countries where hygiene awareness barely exists, such as India, China, or some African countries.

And if conditions permit, it’s highly recommended to carry some extra medical supplies. For that, you might want to check out our list of the 13 best first aid kits for backpacking .

Get Doctor’s Prescription

Once you know the necessary medicine for travel, don’t forget to get prescriptions for some uncommon drugs. This is very crucial since airports have strict policies regarding it. You obviously don’t want to end up with two hours of interrogation at the boarding gate, just because you brought some medicine for your stomach acid right?

How Do You Pack Medicine when Traveling?

As long as you’re willing to let them all be checked, you can bring as many pills or caplets as you like into the airplane cabin. But in case you need quick access, we recommend putting them in a specific container or carry-on bag

What Should be in a Travel Medical Kit?

Prepare some antiseptic to clean minor wounds. Apart from that, don’t forget to include anti-bacterial soap or hand-cleaning gel. If you want, you can add bandages and some tools like scissors and tweezers.

And if you have some specific condition, like a sleep disorder, for example, you might want to bring a special machine or device for that. For this case, we’ve got a great list of the 13 best small portable CPAP machines . They’re designed to relieve your sleep apnea, without taking up too much space in your luggage.

Can I Bring Ibuprofen on a Plane?

Yes, of course. They’re allowed to be carried into the aircraft cabin. And for the record, you don’t have to carry it in the original pack. For easier access, you can put your caplets in another case or container.

Diarrhea is one of the most common ailments experienced by travelers. The cause? Food poisoning or unclean water. No matter where you travel, you can get diarrhea in almost any place. So, it would be a wise decision if you include Imodium on your ‘medicine to pack for travel’ list.

Imodium contains a specific formula to slow down your system. It’ll give your body time to restore its natural balance and rhythm. Each Imodium tablet contains 2 milligrams of loperamide hydrochloride, which is effective for controlling diarrhea symptoms. Furthermore, this medicine would also be great for a family trip, since it is suitable for children from the age of six and up.

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Effective for treating the symptoms of diarrhea, one of the most common ailments of travelers

• Effective relief
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While taking a leisurely stroll around town is great, you definitely don’t want to do it while you have a stomach ache or heartburn. Unfortunately, this condition is pretty common. Especially after you’ve tasted some significant quantities of new foods and drinks. Your stomach will start to form gas, which will give an uncomfortable sensation around the belly.

That’s why we always recommend bringing stomach medicine for travel. In this list, we decided to feature Pepcid AC Maximum Strength . These tablets contain famotidine, which is great for dealing with heartburn. One per day consumption will be more than enough to control acid for the whole day. Apart from that, they work really fast. However, you need to take the medicine at least an hour before eating.

And speaking of medicine, do any of you have trouble carrying your caplets or pills while on the go? Well, we have just the right solution for that. Do yourself a favor and check out our list of the 13 best toiletry bags for travel . Despite the name, they’re also great for carrying some meds!

Works fast and is effective in controlling acid

• Prevent and relieve heartburn
• Controls acid all-day
• Contain 20mg of famotidine
• Great package
• Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers

Your body will react to different weather and climatic conditions. For certain people, this will lead to allergy symptoms. Some of the most common are itching sensations around the eye area, stuffy nose, or even sneezing. That’s why Claritin should be your necessary medicine for travel.

These are non-drowsy tablets that work great at relieving allergy symptoms. That includes an itchy throat and a low-grade fever. Furthermore, Claritin has a 24-hour formula to provide an immediate effect, as long as you get enough bed rest. It’s also recommended for those with seasonal allergies. So if things like mold spores, trees, and grass trigger a bad reaction in your body, make sure to always have Claritin in your pocket.

Relieves symptoms caused by more than 200 types of allergens

• Relieves itchy throat and runny nose
• Provide respite from hay fever
• 24-hour formula
• Suitable for outdoor allergies
• You need to be careful with the expiration date

Don’t let the perfect trip you’ve planned for a year be ruined just because of motion sickness. Prepare yourself properly and you’ll be able to overcome all the dizziness and nausea as if they’re nothing. The key is knowing what medicine to pack for travel.

On this occasion, we decided to recommend the popular Dramamine . Each tablet contains 50mg of dimenhydrinate to provide super-fast relief. Take one before you hop on the plane or train for a headache-and-vomit-free ride. The package you’re looking at right now is made up of 12 tablets. It’s quite compact and absolutely perfect for travel.

Provides quick-relief for the symptoms of motion sickness

• Fast-relief
• Prevent dizziness and vomiting
• Safety travel pack
• It causes drowsiness

Ricola is another recommended medicine to pack for travel. You see, traveling is definitely going to increase your risk of getting sick. That’s because you’ll be more exposed to various germs. There’s a high chance for you to get a dry or itchy throat, which will lead to coughing.

Ricola will cope with these symptoms very well. Made from natural herbs cultivated in the Swiss Alps, this remedy works effectively in expelling coughs. Each drop contains 4.8mg of menthol, which provides a feeling of relief and freshness around the esophagus. Silence your cough and let your fellow travelers sleep in peace!

Works effectively to get rid of cough and dry throat

• Made from high-quality herbs
• Optimum effectiveness
• natural taste
• Silence your cough
• For some people, the menthol taste is too strong

Congestion is another symptom that can ruin your entire vacation. You can get it from cold temperatures or allergic conditions. In this case, there’s no better solution than Sudafed . When it comes to medicine to pack for travel, these phenylephrine HCL and diphenhydramine HCL tablets are a must. They’re powerful decongestants that will relieve sinus pressure both day and night.

Apart from that, nighttime tablets are also great for treating allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy throat. Despite the fact that it uses a maximum-strength formula, Sudafed is recommended for children from 12 years of age. So if you bring some kids with you, make sure to have these tablets in your pack.

It frees you from nasal pressure both day and night

• Relief sinus pressure
• Overcoming congestion
• Maximum-strength formula
• Work fast and effectively
• The pack is difficult to open

Don’t let a mild fever ruin your tourist agenda. Save yourself from a complete bed rest with Advil . In case you live under a rock, it’s one of the well-known brands for pain relief. Each tablet contains 200mg of Ibuprofen which works effectively to deal with severe headaches, minor arthritis, and back pain. Take one after a long flight and you’ll be ready to continue your adventure the next day!

With over three decades of experience, Advil is definitely a necessary medicine for travel. For female travelers, these remedies are also great at reducing menstrual cramps. Apart from that, they also work fairly quickly and are safe for children from 12 years of age.

Speaking of getting sick while traveling, did you know that consuming contaminated water is one of the main causes of stomach pain? Well, to prevent this you might want to try one of the products from our list of the 13 best water purification tablets . Make sure you’re only drinking 100 percent clean and safe water!

A great pain reliever to reduce the effects of jet lag

• Works great against inflammation
• Contains Ibuprofen
• The reputation of more than three decades
• HSA and FSA eligible
• Some say it’s no better than a regular Ibuprofen

Getting quality sleep while traveling isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. Sometimes you might get into a noisy room or experience pain due to jet lag. In this situation, no solution works faster than Tylenol PM . These sleeping pills will send you to bed in minutes. Trust us, you’ll have no problem getting the much-needed sleep and feeling fabulous the next day!

Each caplet of Tylenol PM contains 25mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride. It’s an active ingredient that‘ll help your nervous system to relax. Apart from that, this sleeping aid is recommended for both adults and children from 12 years old and above. And unlike other similar products, Tylenol won’t make you hyper or get a drug hangover.

Ultra-fast solution to help you get quality sleep

• Contains 25mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride
• Help overcome pain
• Makes you feel refreshed and relieved
• Recommended for children 13 years and over
• We’re still working on it!

When it comes to constipation, Dulcolax is the name that you can trust. Compared to other brands, these amazing tablets work much more effectively. You can take them before bedtime and have a cramp-free day. Just make sure you drink plenty of water to get the best performance.

Apart from that, Dulcolax tablets are easy to swallow. Each one of them has a comfortable coating, which is safe for sensitive stomachs. With the active ingredient 5mg Bisacodyl, Dulcolax will be a great temporary relief for constipation and occasional irregularities. If you often have problems with your digestive system, this is definitely a medicine to pack for travel.

One of the best solutions for constipation and occasional irregularities

• Contains 5mg Bisacodyl USP
• Easy to swallow
• Gentle for sensitive stomach
• Fast reaction
• Make sure you’re hydrated enough before taking one

Vicks Sinex

Planning to go somewhere cool? Make sure you have Vicks Sinex in your backpack. This fine mist spray works very well in relieving sinus and nasal congestion. Whether you catch hay fever or have respiratory allergies, Sinex is a necessary medicine for travel. It’ll shrink your swollen membranes in minutes, so you can breathe normally in no time.

Sinex spray uses oxymetazoline HCI as its active ingredient. It’s basically a powerful nasal decongestant for the most stubborn stuffy nose. The version you’re looking at now is a twin pack with a capacity of 15ml each. They’re quite compact and will slip easily in jeans or jacket pockets. So whenever you experience sinus pressure, you can regain your normal breathing within seconds.

Relieves sinus pressure and respiratory allergies

• Works instantly
• 12-hour relief
• Ultrafine mist
• It’s quite hard for some people

Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-Bismol is a potent stomach medicine for travel that should be in every travel bag. Trust us, you’ll be more than happy to take these caplets as a preventative measure. There’ll be no crazy stomach ache after eating a variety of street foods or raw juices. There’s no need to rush to the bathroom at the most inopportune moment. This miracle cure will completely calm your stomach down!

Each Pepto-Bismol caplet has a coating action to provide quick relief from nausea, heartburn, and other discomforts around the stomach area. For the record, they may be quite difficult to swallow for some people. Apart from that, you may notice a change in color in your stool after consumption. But from what we’ve read, it won’t have any strange effects.

And speaking of medicine to pack for travel, you might want to invest in a specific container or containers to carry it around. This way, you’ll have immediate access when the situation calls for it. For that, you should probably check out our list of the 13 best toiletry bags for women . Don’t be fooled by the name though, as they’re actually multifunctional and quite versatile!

Great for a preventative measure before eating street food or some raw juice

• Multi-symptom relief
• Calm your stomach
• Reduces nausea and heartburn
• High quality
• The caplets are a little hard to swallow and tasteless

TUMS GasRelief

TUMS GasRelief is probably one of the best-selling Antacids on Amazon and we can quickly figure out why. Compared to other chalk, this product is more like candy. It’s completely chewable and won’t feel weird in your mouth. But of course, the most important thing is that they work effectively! One bite will quickly clear up all your digestive issues. Apart from that, TUMS GasRelief is available at an affordable price!

The only complaint we have for this medicine to pack for travel is the packaging. The top part is quite difficult to open. And when it does, we end up with all of its contents splattered around. If only TUMS came with a better container, this would be the best Antacid ever!

Tastes like candy, works effectively, and is affordable

• Fast and powerful
• Gluten-free
• The lid is hard to open

Have you ever felt seasick during a long cruise? Trust us, you’ll never want to go through that! Therefore, we highly recommend you to get the sensational Bonine . This motion sickness reliever is claimed to work much better than most similar drugs. It won’t give you an overly drowsy sensation. No matter how bad the weather and the shaking, you’ll leave unscathed!

Another reason that makes Bonine a perfect medicine to pack for travel is its taste. It won’t make your mouth feel weird. Plus the tablet is easy to gobble up. If you’re planning to go on a cruise in the near future, Bonine is a must!

There’s no excessive drowsy sensation after consumption

• Available in raspberry flavors
• Work quickly to relieve motion sickness
• Trusted brand
• It’s not kosher-certified

Author:  John P

As a blogger, I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most exclusive destinations, indulging in the finest cuisine, accommodations, and experiences that the world has to offer. From the chic streets Paris to the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, readers luxury. my, tips on the most exclusive hotels restaurants, and activities, giving you a glimpse into the world of high-end travel. But luxury travel is not just about extravagance - it's also about immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the true essence of a destination. With a passion for art, history, and architecture, I seek out the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that make each destination truly unique. So whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, my blog is your guide to the ultimate European luxury travel experience. Join me on my journey as we explore the best that Europe has to offer, one luxurious destination at a time.

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Travel medical kit checklist

by myDr | Ear Nose and Throat Health , Health Insurance , Travel Health

Use this checklist as a guide to things you may need in your medical kit when travelling – you may need less or more, depending on the activities you may undertake, and the remoteness of the area you visit.

Think about the area you are visiting and what may or may not be available there. Some careful planning and packing before your trip can avoid any wasted time, inconvenience or worse while you’re away.  Check with your doctor or travel clinic for advice if you aren’t sure what you may need to keep your travels safe and healthy.

• Analgesic (pain relief) medicine such as paracetamol or aspirin.
• Antihistamine tablets for bites, stings or allergies.
• Cold and flu tablets.
• Cough medicine.
• Motion sickness tablets.
• Throat lozenges or drops.
• Antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds or bites.
• Antiseptic ointment to apply to a wound.
• Blister and wound patches, such as sticking plasters.
• Medical adhesive tape, e.g. Micropore.
• Wound dressings , e.g. a crepe bandage, gauze swabs and OpSite, and Steristrips, which can often take the place of stitches.
• Safety pins, scissors and tweezers (you may not be allowed to carry these in your cabin luggage).
• Insect repellent containing DEET (diethyl toluamide).
• Sting relief solution, e.g. Stingose (aluminium sulfate).
• Diarrhoea medicine, e.g. Imodium (loperamide).
• Mild laxative, for constipation.
• Antacid for indigestion.
• Antifungal or antibacterial cream.
• Low potency hydrocortisone cream.
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement powder or tablets, e.g. Gastrolyte or HYDRAlyte.
• Eye lubricant drops.
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30+).
• Thermometer (a forehead thermometer is best for travel as it doesn’t break or run out of batteries).
• Health insurance card.

Other items you should think about taking, depending on your individual needs and your destination, include:

• Regular prescription medicines, which should be kept in their original containers with clear labels and carried in your hand luggage when travelling. You should also take a letter from your doctor stating the names of the medicines, the dose and that they are for your personal use, plus a copy of your prescriptions, written using the generic name of the drug to avoid confusion with trade names in foreign countries. Some countries may not let visitors bring in certain medicines, so you may wish to check first with the embassy or consulate in Australia, before you go. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has information on travelling with medicines.
• Medical equipment you use regularly, such as sterile syringes and needles.
• Spare pair of glasses or your eye prescription.
• Condoms, birth control pills, or other contraceptives.
• Water purifying tablets.
• A mosquito-proof bed net.
• Hand sanitiser or wipes.
• Digital thermometer.
• Sterile syringes.
• First aid reference.

Prescription medicines for travel-related conditions

Travel to developing countries, remote areas, tropical climates and high altitudes increases your risk of certain conditions that you would not encounter at home or during travel to developed temperate-climate countries. Many of these conditions are treated or avoided by taking prescription medicines. So, apart from taking your regular prescription medicines with you, as described above, your doctor or travel clinic may suggest some of the following:

• Altitude sickness medicines.
• Antibiotics for certain intestinal infections or for serious respiratory infection.
• Malaria prevention tablets.

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Think Travel Vaccine Guide

As a health care provider, be sure to prepare your globe-trotting patients for travel by providing a quick pretravel risk assessment, consultation, and care. THINK TRAVEL:

• Ask your patients if they plan on any international travel .
• Make sure they are up- to- date on all routine vaccines before their trip.
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningococcal diseases

For destination-specific vaccine recommendations, search CDC’s Destination pages.

Think about...

*Travelers may also need routine (non-travel) vaccines or boosters before travel including influenza; measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); tetanus (Td or Tdap); varicella; pneumococcus; and polio. Check CDC’s Destination Pages for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

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6 Wellness Treatments to Help Make Travel a Breeze

From gua sha and cold plunges to lymphatic drainage and acupuncture, here’s how to alleviate some of that travel stress.

The spontaneity of travel is one of the reasons people love it—the ability to go on adventures, ignore your regular schedule and make memories. It’s okay to let loose, relax and completely unwind . That said, there’s no denying that travel can wreak havoc on your body, from skin breakouts to back pain. 

One of the most common symptoms of static sitting (staying in one seated alignment for an extended period of time, which is often the case on an airplane, train or other forms of transportation) is swelling in the lower body, especially the ankles. Changes in eating and sleeping habits can also have adverse effects, including general puffiness, dry skin and muscle tension. This is only exacerbated by the weakened immune systems that are so often the result of travel. 

These are all symptoms of a general disruption in our body’s natural rhythm and flow. That disruption can cause your system to take a turn for the worse, according to Gabriel Sher, the chief of acupuncture at Ora Space . “In Chinese medicine, we believe that the system works best on a schedule. When one travels, one's schedule changes and the system is thrown out of balance,” he tells Observer. 

Getting enough sleep, moving your body and healthy eating are key to staying on track, but in order to ease this burden, why not treat yourself to a bit more self-care ? There are quite a few treatments out there featuring methods to prevent or reverse this disruption in your routine and get you ready for your next trip. Below, see the best treatments for jet-setters to try now.

The Best Wellness Treatments for Jet-Setters

Acupuncture facial, face gua sha and cupping treatment, recovery massage, immune iv drip, dry cold plunge, lymphatic drainage massage.

An acupuncture facial, which involves inserting needles into specific points on the face, can help balance the flow of energy, improve sleep and calm the mind. It typically involves very little pain and no numbing. The 75-minute resetting treatment at Ora Space is completely customizable, and can include a combination of acupuncture, gua sha, microcurrent, lymphatic massage and an adaptogenic tonic. This treatment is also a good pick if you are struggling with facial puffiness or neck tension.

Gwyneth Paltrow , Kaia Gerber , Olivia Rodrigo and so many more famous faces have spoken about their love of gua sha, a healing method that uses a smooth-edged tool to press-stroke your skin, can help reduce inflammation. According to Sandra Lanshin Chiu , a licensed acupuncturist at Treatment by Lanshin , a professional treatment takes this wellness treatment to a new level, targeting facial puffiness and neck and jaw tension. Their treatment utilizes gua sha and facial cupping, a therapy that uses suction cups to stimulate the skin. This combination is used to break up stagnation in the underlying tissues and restore balance for a more glowing appearance. If you are in need of an even deeper relaxation, the treatment is customizable and can incorporate acupuncture and deep skin moisturizing. 

Massages, especially those which focus on recovery like a deep tissue massage, are a great way to recuperate after travel. Recovery massages, like ones offered at Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge , usually utilize slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the muscle grain, to help stiffness, pressure and tension. This helps oxygenate the blood, improve circulation and thus reduce the inflammation and swelling often caused by plane travel.

IV drips are intravenous infusions that can be customized to help your body receive certain vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and minerals. These have been used for decades to help supplement the treatment of certain ailments such as respiratory infections, but have definitely gained popularity over the past several years. Dripology’s Immunity Plus IV  is formulated to help support your immune system; it contains a mixed fluid of lysine and vitamin C, which can help fight off viruses while also providing the extra nutrients you need to stay energetic and healthy during your trip, and also help restore you after a strenuous getaway.

Standing in a freezing cold cryo-chamber is probably not what you were planning to do after a vacation, but it just might be what you need for a post-travel refresh. Cryotherapy, the usage of extreme cold in medical treatments, utilizes the water's icy temperature to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, which may help alleviate muscle soreness and speed up recovery; Lizzo , Harry Styles and Hailey Bieber have all touted the benefits. If you don’t want to actually get into a freezing tub of water, try a dry cold plunge experience in a Cryochamber, which is available at a few spas, including Chill Space NYC and LA Cryo . This hyper-cooling process energizes your body with pulsations of nitrogen mist at temperatures as low as -220 degrees, accelerating muscle recovery you need. This is an extremely easy way to wake up after a long flight and is also a great way to fight off jet lag.

The benefits of lymphatic drainage massages have been espoused by everyone from Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner to Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Aniston . A lymphatic drainage massage, which uses light physical pressure to activate the lymphatic system, drains the lymph node, which reduces swelling. It can also help diminish stress and fatigue. These massage sessions can include a traditional Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or more vigorous fascia release and contour strokes. A MLD usually starts with the lymph nodes in the neck, groin and armpits, before moving to other draining areas in your body, to help spread and remove the congested lymph fluid.

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