OTC Medications for Travel

Traveling is an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also come with its fair share of health challenges, including jet lag, changes in diet and water, and exposure to new viruses and bacteria. Preparing for these potential health issues is crucial to having a stress-free and enjoyable trip. This is where community pharmacies can play a significant role in ensuring that travelers have a safe and healthy journey.

Community pharmacies such as Drug Mart Pharmacy offer more than just access to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and prescription drugs. They also provide a valuable resource for travelers seeking advice on how to stay healthy and protected while on the road. By visiting a local community pharmacy, travelers can have a one-on-one consultation with a trained and knowledgeable pharmacist. The pharmacist can discuss the traveler's itinerary, health conditions, and concerns, and provide recommendations on what to prepare for and what to bring along on the trip.

For example, a traveler visiting a tropical destination may be advised to pack insect repellent, anti-malaria medication, and sunblock to protect against mosquito bites, tropical diseases, and sunburns. A traveler with a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may be advised to bring extra medications, a letter from their doctor, and a medical alert bracelet. These are just some of the many tips that a community pharmacist can provide to help travelers prepare for their trip.

Another advantage of using a community pharmacy for travel health needs is that they stock a wide range of OTC medicines that can be used to treat common travel-related ailments. Here is a list of the top 10 OTC medicines used for travel:

1. Acetaminophen (pain relief)
2. Diphenhydramine (allergy/insomnia)
3. Loperamide (diarrhea)
4. Pepto-Bismol (upset stomach)
5. Ibuprofen (pain relief)
6. Anti-nausea medication (e.g. Dramamine)
7. Dehydration treatment (e.g. oral rehydration salts)
8. Nasal decongestant (e.g. pseudoephedrine)
9. Sunscreen
10. Cough and cold medication (e.g. cough syrup, decongestant drops)

These OTC medicines can help alleviate a range of common travel-related symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, upset stomach, and motion sickness. They can also provide relief from cold and flu symptoms, such as coughing, runny nose, and fever.

Using Drug Mart Pharmacy for travel health needs offers numerous benefits, including personalized advice and recommendations, access to a wide range of OTC medicines, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a trained professional is available to answer any questions or concerns. So, whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, consider visiting Drug Mart Pharmacy at 1249 W 7th Street in South Plainfield to ensure that you have a safe and healthy trip.

Download the free Travel First Aid Kit Checklist. This is a great starting point that covers the basics. Call us at 908-561-5300 if you have any questions.