Travel essentials — Medicines you SHOULD carry when travelling to a foreign country

Going on a holiday? Here is a list of medicines you MUST carry when travelling to a foreign country!

By: Naz Haider | | Updated: December 30, 2016 9:52 am

Travelling to a new country can be exciting as well a little intimidating, especially if you are travelling to a country where English is not widely spoken, and you don’t know the local dialect. Being adventurous and taking on the challenges a new country will present is all good, but not so much when it comes to medical emergencies. If you suffer from, say constipation or an allergic reaction, trying to locate a pharmacy can be time-consuming. Then, there are places where you need a prescription for practically for every kind of medicine, which are usually available over the counter in your country. It is wise to carry a few essential medicines with you. Here’s a list of must-have medicines you should carry when travelling. (This list is for adults, you might want to check with a paediatrician for must-have medicines if you are travelling with a child) Also Read - Not ready for a baby? 6 ways to prevent unintended pregnancy

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1. Medicine for headache: Whether it is in the flight, due to inadequate sleep or because of jetlag, a headache can start at any time. Headache medicine comes in handy for sure. Also Read - Contraception: Here is all you need to know about a new method and the ones that already exist

2. Medicine for fever: Change in weather, water, food or exertion due to travel can cause a fever. Having medication for fever is better than trying to look for a doctor and get a medicine prescribed.

3. Allery medication: You definitely want to eat a variety of food when travelling to a new country, however, what will you do if a certain food causes an allergic reaction. Keep an anti-allergy medication handy at all times.

4. Antacids: It’s no fun to feel bloated and gassy when sightseeing. Carry antacids in your travel bag without fail, especially if you are prone to acidity.

5. Medicine for loose motions and laxative: Whether it is the food or the water, you can either suffer from loose motions or get constipated. Hence, carry medicines for both. A pack of isabghol will be your saviour if you get constipated.

6. Anti-emetic: Yes, you need some anti-emetic in your travel bag too, in case you throw up or suffer from motion sickness.

7. Condoms and birth-control pills: While you can easily buy condoms anywhere in the world, it is better to carry your own stock. You might not get your preferable brand or the correct size. If you are on birth control medication, carry that too.

8. You should also carry eucalyptus oil if you use it when you have a cold since it is not easily available abroad. Also, carry pain relief ointments or aerosol sprays. Eye drops and ear drops come in handy too. And of course, sanitary napkins.

*Check with the airlines you are travelling with regarding which medicines and in what quantity you can carry. Also, check the same with the visa office of the country you are travelling to.

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Published : October 24, 2016 4:27 pm | Updated:December 30, 2016 9:52 am

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