When SHTF, drug stores will probably be one of the first places to be raided. In natural disasters, they often are. OTC drugs become scarce, and there’s a few essentials that you’d be very wise to hoard now, both for your own use and possibly bartering. OTC drugs are usually pretty light and don’t take up much space. While they come in pretty secure packaging most of the time, they do have expiration dates, so keep that in mind. Fortunately, most common OTC drugs are available in generic brands which can be very affordable, especially at places like Costco, Wal-Mart or dollar stores.
Here are five that you will definitely want to consider for your bug-out bag or bug-in stash.
1. Ibuprophin
You’re probably most familiar with ibuprophin sold as Advil or Motrin. It is a very good all-purpose pain killer that reduces inflammation and fevers and can relieve mild to moderate pain and headaches.
2. Acetaminaphen
Most commonly sold as the brand Tylenol, acetaminaphen is a pain-killer that is not anti-inflammatory, so because it does not thin your blood, it is safe for pregnant women to use. It can be used in the same way ibuprophin is, but results will vary from person to person.
3. Pseudoephedrine
You’ll know pseudoephedrine as Sudafed, a drug that can be used to reduce the effects of upper respiratory congestion caused by infection, allergies, chemical irritation and even mild asthma and bronchitus. If you’ve ever had a terrible head cold or suffer from seasonal allergies, you will know how crucial having this drug on hand can be.
4. Diphenhydramine
Commonly sold as Benadryl, can be used like pseudoephedrine, but will also reduce the effects of hives, itching and swelling from things like wasp stings or poison ivy.
5. Loperamide
Brand-name Imodium is used for diarrhea and intestinal cramps and other discomfort associated with it. If you’re out of food and exposed to unclean water, with no proper sanitation, a drug to stop diarrhea could save your life.
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