Meds in the Wild

[DanielL]

What kind of OTC drugs to do take with you when you go to the great outdoors? Here is my basic list and the uses for each product.

- Ibuprofen: For basic body aches and pains. Also, too much smoke from campfires gives me an incredible headache.
- Tylenol PM: Considering that the active ingredient is an antihistamine, this product has several uses. First, I have mild allergies that kick in during the spring and fall months. Also, they help provide a good nights sleep. In an emergency, they can be useful if you are stung by bees.
- Imodium: In case I don’t get the water purified.
- Chinese White Medicine: I don’t remember the Chinese name for this stuff but it stops bleeding instantly. You can get it at a Chinese grocery store.
- Iodine: Useful for cleaning wounds or purifying water.
- Triple antibiotic: also for treating wounds.

Does anyone have any other recommendations? I am interested in what you consider essential to have with you when you are outdoors for several days at a time.

 

[Rumble]

The phonetic name of the Chinese medicine you speak of is:

Bak Shu Yow (Cantonese)

It's literal translation is:

White Tree Oil.

I have no idea what the shelf life is for that stuff, but I wouldn't
stock it more than a year...it's made in Asia (low manufacturing standards IMO) and it's oil...so it can still go bad/rancid.

And yes, it's good for stopping minor wounds from bleeding and it is supposed to minimize scarring.

I carry aspirin, Tylenol and Advil as well in my emergency kit and "varieties" of different medication...such as antihistamine's...not everyone gets the same result from one type of allery medication. I do well with Reactine but not Claritin...as I recall they use a different active ingredient.

And if you have friends that are doctors/dentists maybe they would be kind enough to issue prescriptions for inexpensive antibiotics.
I managed to get some topical anesthetic which would prove handy if I need to do minor surgery (removing thorns/barbs/bee stingers).

This all adds up to more weight and volume. But hell, better to be prepared for a group.

Burton

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I carry aspirin, Immodium AD, daytime Theraflu caplets, etc. off and on. the ONE thing drug that I carry religiously out in the wild is Benadryl. My wife is often with me, and she has once reacted quite strongly to a bee sting, but refused to get a prescription for an epi auto injector, so i pretty much figure the Benadryl is better than absolutely nothing in an anaphylactic emergency. in any case, it cold do no harm.

 

[DancesWithKnives]

On longer wilderness trips I also carry some high-potency painkillers, broad-spectrum antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and meds for giardia/crypto. Of course, you'll need to get your physician to write a prescription for these.

 

[thatmguy]

I carry the generic equivilent of each of these:

Percogesic - best in my book for pain and fever relief,
Naprosyn (sp?) - great muscle pain relief,
Benedryl - antihistimine
Imodium - prevents surprises
Iodine Swab - disinfectant
Double Antibiotic Ointment - some people are allergic to neomycin,
so why make simple things worse,


I would like to find an OTC lidocaine cream(I can't use benzocaine due to anaphylactic allergy reaction to it) for topical anaesthesia.
Any products out there?

Mike

 

[Javahed]

Originally posted by thatmguy
I would like to find an OTC lidocaine cream(I can't use benzocaine due to anaphylactic allergy reaction to it) for topical anaesthesia.
Any products out there?
Mike

A product I've been using for a while is
Brave Soldier - Antiseptic Healing Ointment

"Featuring the unique blend of healing botanicals and powerful pharmaceuticals. Its pain-relieving ingredients help wounds heal up to 40% faster reducing the chance of uneven scarring.
Developed by a dermatologist to keep abrasion wounds moist under an antiseptic barrier that prevents infection. It effectively helps heal road rash, minor cuts, burns, blisters, saddle sores and is being sucessfully used by athletes world-wide.

Pharmaceutical blend; reduces pain while it fights infection. Now re-formulated with 4% lidocaine to help ease even severe pain."

Tea Tree Oil; Imported from Australia. Nature's strongest antiseptic kills bacteria and fights inflammation. Aloe; Freezed-dried for extra purity, proven natural healing properties. Jojoba Oil; Penetrates wound with natural emollients so abrasions remain flexible. Vitamin E/Comfrey; Stimulates skin cell resurfacing to rebuild damaged tissue.


This stuff is the heat! Works great, and this year they have added 4% lidocaine for pain relief (found out about the change after I put some on my lips - numb in about 30 seconds - too funny )

Have fun!

Dan

 

[sgtmike88]

1. Benedryl - fast acting antihistimine for allergic reactions can be a real lifesaver, and;

2. Over the counter Zantac - stomach pain can be overpowering and can be a sign of serious forthcoming stomach problems (like an ulcer), which can be alleviated/relieved with this drug.

Mike

 

[slewis36]

Javahead,
Where did you find that stuff? I have never seen it, but it sounds like something that I would like to have around. I have used tea tree oil on myself and my furkids, and having some with a pain killer would make it better still. thanks...slewis36

 

[scotjute]

Small tube of "Desitin".
Great for dry/chapped skin and
scrapes/cuts. Especially when finger skin
is cracking from the dry/cold.
Use it on top of bandaid
to aid in healing and prevents bandaid
from sticking on wounds.
Yes I know it smells somewhat, but it
works wonders!