First Aid/OTC meds

[Mytime2014]

1st - I'm a nurse, I practically have a pharmacy of OTC meds in my work drawer...Trying to narrow it down for the cruise. The plan is a couple to a few of the following:

Zantac

Naproxen

decongestant

Benadryl

meclizine [OTC]

bandaids

nose spray

breathe right strips

lomotil

Excedrin migraine

 

Am I missing anything? I know I'll need the zantac and naproxen - the others are just in case. Well, my roommate will appreciate the Afrin and breathe right!!

[sail7seas]

I always bring bacitracin or other antibiotic cream in case of minor cuts.

[Laminator]

My wife, the pharmacist, always brings Pepcid complete. For me of course!

[Krazy Kruizers]

If you don't have a prescription for a pain killer -- take ibuprofen . Since I have severe spinal stenosis -- I do have a prescription for pain.

Something with Deet in it.

[PathfinderEss]

I'd bring some Tums for quick relief. Some times if you have taken the Zantac, it takes to long to act, a quick fix is Tums. I also bring along antibiotics.

[GRACECRUISE]

I have neosporin and band aids in a small first aid kit to put in backpack for anytime off ship. It has come in handy quite often. I also bring an ace bandage just in case

[cruisenfreak]

Nuskin/Liquid Bandage, band aids, Imodium, Visine, NyQuil pm caps/generic brand. A lot of what we carry stays packed in our toiletries year round. Just before a trip, I check expiration dates and replenish.

[sapete]

1st - I'm a nurse, I practically have a pharmacy of OTC meds in my work drawer...Trying to narrow it down for the cruise. The plan is a couple to a few of the following:

Zantac

Naproxen

decongestant

Benadryl

meclizine [OTC]

bandaids

nose spray

breathe right strips

lomotil

Excedrin migraine

 

Am I missing anything? I know I'll need the zantac and naproxen - the others are just in case. Well, my roommate will appreciate the Afrin and breathe right!!

 

Looks good!

Edited June 27, 2014 by sapete

[Vict0riann]

I always take some Strepsils and cold/flu medications, too, just in case! (Insurance:))

 

Oh, and immodium...

Edited June 27, 2014 by Vict0riann

[TiogaCruiser]

I personally would add either OTC or rx cortisone cream.

Last cruise I ended up with a very itchy rash ( I think related to the sunscreen I was using) that cause a war with my skin, along with the very intense Chilean summer sun. I was so glad Veendam had some for sale in the toiletry section. Oral Benadryl helped some, but it was really uncomfortable for several days.

[DrTee]

Remember that there is an infirmary on ship. If I'm ill enough to need something like antibiotics, I'm going to see a doctor first.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Because DH takes so many medications, we take antibiotics prescribed by our doctor who knows which ones will not interact with his medications.

[Mandy]

Bonine, if needed you will be very relieved to have it. You sound like a planner, like myself.

[PatriciaF]

Bonine (or Dramamine)

 

Bug spray--depending on your destination

 

Elastic bandage with clips or tape

[Typhoon1]

Imodium or similar, Don't travel without it.

[CowPrincess]

I'd take along a small gel pack that (if needed) could be cooled in the sink using ice from the ice bucket.

[northernphoenix]

So timely...I have a First Aid kit that includes bandages, cold/echinacea treatments , pepto-bismal, ginger drops, thermacare heat wrap, salonspa patches and soft moleskin for blisters. I need to add some of the aforementioned, when this thread is complete, I will add the missing pieces...keep,the info coming, thanks,

Marilyn

 

 

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[RuthC]

The bandaids and meclizine on your list, and the Bacitracin suggested, are all readily available on the ship (without charge). You can save those.

[cruz chic]

Wow, that's a lot of stuff. Now I know why people have no room for formal clothing. In all my cruises I've managed to get by without most of this stuff.

[northernphoenix]

I'd take along a small gel pack that (if needed) could be cooled in the sink using ice from the ice bucket.

 

 

Great idea, we're adding a 12 day inland tour to our cruise, so a first aid kit is essential, since we can't count on the ship's dispensary.

Marilyn

 

 

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[TiogaCruiser]

Wow, that's a lot of stuff. Now I know why people have no room for formal clothing. In all my cruises I've managed to get by without most of this stuff.

 

I paid a bit more but bought my OTC meds in blister unit dose packs. I then cut the cards to only include the amount of meds I wanted to take. They fit into a small sandwich sized bag and were only a few ounces.

 

The formal wear (2 nights ) rolled and fit into a gallon sized ziplock. The shoes weighed more and took up more space. :) it can be done.

[sail7seas]

The bandaids and meclizine on your list, and the Bacitracin suggested, are all readily available on the ship (without charge). You can save those.

 

 

 

So much easier to save the schlep to the infirmary. I'd much rather reach into my bag and have what I want handy and there for me when I want it. :)

 

[Linda&Vern]

I personally would add either OTC or rx cortisone cream.

Last cruise I ended up with a very itchy rash ( I think related to the sunscreen I was using) that cause a war with my skin, along with the very intense Chilean summer sun. I was so glad Veendam had some for sale in the toiletry section. Oral Benadryl helped some, but it was really uncomfortable for several days.

I don't usually give personal health advice on HAL threads - but because of first hand knowledge of sunscreen allergies I hate to see a fellow cruiser suffer. May I suggest you buy a sunscreen that does not list PABA as an ingredient. Look for PABA-free on the labels. (I use a certain Neutrogena) My DD and I both have severe allergic reactions to sunscreen if it has PABA in it. I can spend several nights being up itching like a dog with fleas! As your pharmacist about the other names on labels that are actually PABA (it's para something or other - I can't recall at the moment). Stay away from those also.

[cruz chic]

I don't usually give personal health advice on HAL threads - but because of first hand knowledge of sunscreen allergies I hate to see a fellow cruiser suffer. May I suggest you buy a sunscreen that does not list PABA as an ingredient. Look for PABA-free on the labels. (I use a certain Neutrogena) My DD and I both have severe allergic reactions to sunscreen if it has PABA in it. I can spend several nights being up itching like a dog with fleas! As your pharmacist about the other names on labels that are actually PABA (it's para something or other - I can't recall at the moment). Stay away from those also.

 

That's good info on the sunscreen. I seem to get a rash from some of them and I thought it was just me. Thanks for sharing.

[PatsyAnne]

Saline nose spray and saline eye drops (whatever you use at home - I have some that work with my contacts). Especially if you're flying to keep you from drying out. If I'm planning on a lot of walking, I'll throw in a couple of good blister bandages.

 

Ok, not medicine but I like having a few packages of individual bug repellant wipes to toss in my purse - kind of like carrying an umbrella. One evening in Belgrade I ended up handing out all my spares.

 

editing one more time... the note about sunscreen reminded me of problems some of my friends have had on trips. I wouldn't take anything along that I haven't used before. One friend had an interesting reaction to sleep medicine taken for the first time on a long flight. I don't want any bad surprises on a trip - just good ones!

 

 

Trish

Edited June 28, 2014 by PatsyAnne