Ten Essential OTC Medications to Stockpile by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

When we speak of a changing world that, initially at least, will break down so bad we won't enjoy the consumer habits we have today, we often think of storing food and batteries and the like. But what about basic over the counter medicines? People who strategize the first year of a total breakdown often speak of the first and second waves of death. The first wave would be due to the fighting and looting, the second would be those who need medicine to live. This column I read over at SurvivalBlog.com instructs us to start looking at long term over the counter medicines that everybody should have a supply of when our consumer system fails.
The Column was written by a Physician who has written some books on Armageddon Medicine so it is with particular interest that I read the info. I'll blast a quick summary, but please JUMP TO the original post for the full story......

1. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) - Among the OTC anti-inflammatory medications, ibuprofen is probably the most versatile.
   
2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - Acetaminophen is the only OTC pain-reliever that is not an anti-inflammatory drug.
3. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - An inexpensive antihistamine, diphenhydramine is primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and nasal allergies...
   
4. Loperamide (Imodium) - The most effective OTC medication for diarrhea is loperamide, which is available both as tablet form and liquid for children.
   
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.
   
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.
   
7. Ranitidine (Zantac) - Although several medications are available OTC for the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions
8. Hydrocortisone cream - The 1% version of hydrocortisone is the strongest steroid cream available over the counter.
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.
   
10. Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) - The same antifungal medication, clotrimazole, is contained in both Lotrimin and Gyne-Lotrimin.

Other Links for TEOTWAWKI Medicine:

Armageddon Medicine
Unlikely Sources of Anti-Biotics
TEOTWAWKI Medicine & Minor surgery
Diabetes & TEOTWAWKI
Doctor's Thoughts on Antibiotics, Expiration Dates, and TEOTWAWKI

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