
There are several things that a modern person certainly takes with him on the road: documents, bank cards, telephones and ... a first aid kit. The latter is like insurance or an umbrella: you need to take it so that you don’t need it. Unfortunately, this principle does not work sometimes. Insurance does not protect against injuries, an umbrella does not guarantee the absence of rain, and the presence of the necessary set of medicines in a travel first-aid kit does not protect against all diseases. But that is why it is worthwhile to approach this issue with all responsibility.
Why you should take medicines with you instead of buying on the spot
- Medicines should be on hand in case there are no pharmacies nearby or they are closed.
- The presence of a first-aid kit will save time searching for medicines.
- In many countries, even the simplest medicines are not available without a prescription.
- Medicines in different countries have different names, which makes it difficult to choose locally.
- In another country, especially in a different language environment, it is difficult to explain exactly what you need.
What to consider when forming a first aid kit
The list of medicines should be appropriate for the age and needs of travelers. If you are traveling with children, elderly relatives or people with chronic illnesses, you need to make the appropriate changes to the basic list of medications. If you are planning an active holiday or traveling to places where infections from insect bites are possible, also adjust the set of medicines.
It is necessary to remember about the restrictions that exist in various countries on the import, export and use of medicines. What is permitted in some states may be prohibited in others. This information must be clarified on the official websites of the countries or at the consulates when collecting on the road.
For prescription drugs, take a prescription or a certificate from a doctor - show it to customs officers if you have any questions.
For the same reason, transport medicines in the original (factory) packaging.
Do not forget about the rules for carrying liquids on airplanes. It is better to take only the most necessary drugs in hand luggage, and pack the rest in a suitcase. All liquids and medicines in soft form are allowed to be taken into the aircraft cabin only in containers up to 100 ml, and they must be placed in one separate transparent bag with a zipper. An exception is made for essential medicines, but a doctor's note is required.
Don't take too many medications. Carrying a separate suitcase with medicines is clearly not the best idea. It is quite enough to take one name from the basic set below for each case of ailments.
Keep a printed list of the basic kit with your medications so that it is easier to navigate what and when to use if necessary.
What medicines to take on the road: a basic set
When choosing medicines for the road, be guided primarily by your preferences and take into account your experience of use. Do not forget to also clarify the legality of the use of medical devices in the countries where you are going. If you are traveling with children, select medications according to age recommendations.
Remember that serious injuries and illnesses require qualified medical assistance.
Below we have given a list of medicines that you may need for various disorders and ailments. For each item, several names have been provided so that you have the opportunity to choose from what is available at your local pharmacy.
For all medicines, the international name of the active substances was separately indicated. If you need to buy something in an unfamiliar country, just show these names to the pharmacist.
Choose one medicine for each item according to your preferences and needs and based on the country of residence and destination.
Painkillers, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic |
Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Ibuprom, Imet) Aspirin Citramon Paracetamol (Efferalgan, Cefekon) |
Ibuprofen Acidum acetylsalicylicum Acidum acetylsalicylicum + Paracetamol Paracetamol |
Painkillers |
Analgin (Baralgin) Solpadein Ketanov Naproxen Nise (Nimesil, Nimesulide) Spazgan |
Metamizol natrii, Metamizole sodium Codeine + Caffeine + Paracetamol Ketorolac tromethamine Naproxen Nimesulide Pitofenone + Fenpiverinium bromide + Metamizole sodium
|
In case of food poisoning, nausea, vomiting |
Polysorb (Atoxil, White Coal) Activated carbon (Sorbex) Enterosgel Smecta |
Silicium dioxide colloidal Carbo activatus Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate Smectite dioctaedric |
When overeating, heaviness in the abdomen, bloating |
Pancreatin (Mezim, Penzital) Meteospasmil Duspatalin (Mebeverine) Festal |
Pancreatin Alverin + Simethicone Mebeverine Hemicellulase + Bile components + Pancreatin
|
With diarrhea |
Loperamide (Lopedium, Imodium) |
Loperamidum |
Аgainst heartburn |
Maalox (Almagel) Motilium (Domperidone, Motilac) |
Algeldrate + magnesium hydroxide Domperidone |
Allergy (oral) |
Suprastin Loratadine (Claritin) Tavegil (Clemastin, Bravegil) Cetirizine (Cetrin, Zodak, Zyrtec) Fenistil |
Chloropyramine hydrochloride Loratadine Clemastine Cetirizine Dimetindene
|
From allergies (externally) |
Bepanthen Fenistil gel Advantan Pimafucort (hydrocortisone ointment) |
Dexpanthenol Dimetindene Methylprednisolone aceponate Hydrocortisone |
Sore throat (antiseptics) |
Septolete Strepsils Pharyngosept Oracept Chlorophyllipt Hexoral |
Benzydamine + Cetylpyridinium chloride Amylmetacresol + Dichlorobenzyl alcohol Ambazone Phenolum Acidum carbolicum Eucalyptus oil Hexetidine |
From motion sickness in transport |
Bonin Dramina (Ciel) Betaserc |
Meclozine Dimenhydrinate Betahistine
|
Antiseptics |
Chlorhexidine Hydrogen peroxide Miramistin |
Chlorhexidine Hydrogen peroxide Benzyldimethyl-myristoylamino-propylammonium
|
Dressing materials |
Bandage, a set of plasters, bactericidal wipes, cotton pads |
|
Devices |
To measure temperature (electronic, non-mercury thermometer), to measure pressure (if there is a need for constant monitoring) |
|
Don't forget to bring any medicines you take regularly for medical reasons, as well as prescriptions for them!
If you plan to do all or part of the trip by car, put the travel first aid kit so that it is easily accessible.
Choose a car on our website, book and hit the road! Safe road and vivid impressions!
And the last thing. We wish you that you do not need any means from the first aid kit!