Monday, February 28, 2011

Ten Must Have Medications - Barrowed

So today's post is unabashedly barrowed from the Chief Survivalist himself, Mr. James Wesley, Rawles and compiled/written by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD. I also recommend his excellent novel "'Patriots', A novel of survival in the coming collapse". This is practically the bible for being a survivalist in the modern world. All of this great information is placed in the setting of a modern day collapse that is eerily parallel to what is going on in America today. You can purchase the book Here.

You can also check out his website/blog here.

The reason I'm reposting this directly is that I feel this is critical information and want more people to have it. Please go visit and join the SurvivalBlog. Become a contributor there!

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Ten Essential OTC Medications to Stockpile by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD
By James Wesley, Rawles on December 13, 2010 12:12 AM

Are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs really worth stockpiling? As a family
physician my answer is a resounding yes. Most of the following were actually
prescription medications when first released. (In higher dosages, several still
are.) Although other OTC drugs are worth considering, these ten have been
selected due to their ready availability, affordability, safety in both adults
and children, and multi-use potential. Used alone or in combination, they can
effectively treat dozens of conditions including: headache, fever, sore
throats, ear ache, menstrual cramps, heartburn, arthritis, ulcers, diarrhea,
allergies, hives, congestion, dizziness, mild anxiety, nausea, vomiting, poison
ivy, athlete's foot, ringworm, eczema, insomnia, backache, gout, diaper rash,
yeast infections, and many more common illnesses.

1. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) - Among the OTC anti-inflammatory medications,
ibuprofen is probably the most versatile. Primarily indicated for pain and
inflammation, it may also be used to relieve headaches, earaches, sore throats,
sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis including
gout, and back pain. It is also effective at reducing fever and is generally
safe for use in children. It is not advisable for most stomach-related pain,
although may decrease the pain of kidney stones, kidney infections, and possibly
bladder infections. The most common side effect is stomach irritation or
heartburn. When combined with acetaminophen it is nearly as effective as
codeine, tramadol, or hydrocodone in relieving more severe pain.

2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - Acetaminophen is the only OTC pain-reliever
that is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It will not irritate the stomach like
ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. It is useful for the same conditions as
ibuprofen, though effectiveness varies according to patient. As mentioned
above, it may be combined with ibuprofen in full doses for more severe pain.
Side effects are very few, though in high dose, especially when combined with
alcohol, it can lead to liver failure. It is available in several pediatric
dosages, both for pain relief and fever reduction.

3. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - An inexpensive antihistamine,
diphenhydramine is primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and
nasal allergies, in both adults and children. It is also indicated for hives
and itching, including itchy rashes such as poison ivy. Although not all
patients become drowsy when using diphenhydramine, many do so, making this
medication useful for insomnia as well. Some people find the drug relieves
nausea or mild anxiety.

4. Loperamide (Imodium) - The most effective OTC medication for diarrhea is
loperamide, which is available both as tablet form and liquid for children. It
is often useful for relieving intestinal cramping.

5. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) - Pseudoephedrine is effective at relieving
congestion of both the upper and lower respiratory tract due to most common
causes including infection, allergy, chemical irritation, and mild asthma or
bronchitis. It frequently has a stimulatory effect, similar to caffeine. The
most common side effects are those resembling a burst of adrenaline: rapid
heart rate, palpitations, and increased blood pressure. Years ago this drug was
used in young children, even babies, though now most pediatricians do not advise
it in patients younger than about six years old.

6. Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) - This antiemetic drug is available both
over the counter and by prescription. It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion
sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness. For some patients it causes drowsiness,
and therefore may be used as a sleep aid. It is related to medications for
anxiety and may help with this as well.

7. Ranitidine (Zantac) - Although several medications are available OTC for
the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions,
ranitidine is among the best-tolerated, is inexpensive, and is also useful for
relieving hives. Doctors often advise an acid-reducing medication such as
ranitidine for patients who experience stomach upset when taking ibuprofen,
though this must be done with caution.

8. Hydrocortisone cream - The 1% version of hydrocortisone is the strongest
steroid cream available over the counter. It is safe for use in both adults and
children in treating inflamed and/or itchy rashes such as eczema, poison ivy,
diaper rash, and other minor genital irritations.

9. Bacitracin ointment - This ointment is best used to prevent skin
infections when the integrity of the skin has been breached, as by an abrasion,
laceration, insect bite, or sting. It also may be used to treat a superficial
skin infection such as a mildly infected wound or impetigo. It is less likely
to produce a topical skin allergy than other topical antibiotic preparations
that contain neomycin. It cannot be used to treat deeper infections, however,
which generally require an antibiotic by mouth.

10. Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) The same antifungal medication, clotrimazole,
is contained in both Lotrimin and Gyne-Lotrimin. Gyne-Lotrimin may be used to
treat both female yeast infections and any other yeast or fungal infection that
Lotrimin would treat, including athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, diaper
rashes, and skin fold irritations.

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