When it comes to prepping, it's crucial to have a good first aid kit/ medicine kit ready. These over the counter meds are must haves for any kit. If you want the upper hand when SHTF, the below suggested OTC meds should help!

1. Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) 

This antiemetic drug is available in both over the counter medications and by prescription.  It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness.  I use the over the counter form for vertigo and it helps.

2. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

Ibuprofen can be used to treat pain and inflammation, including headaches, earaches, sore throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis and back pain. It is useful for reducing fevers, but is not good for most stomach pains.

3.  Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), Miconazole (Monistat) 

These antifungal medications can  be used to treat Athlete’s feet (tinea pedis), vaginal infections (monilia), ringworm , and jock itch (tinea cruris).

4.  Hydrocortisone cream

The 1% version of hydrocortisone is the strongest over the counter steroid cream available.  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.

5. Ranitidine (Zantac) Omeprazole 20-40mg (Prilosec) Cimetidine 200-800mg (Tagamet) 

All of these over the counter medications are available for the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions. Ranitidine is inexpensive and well tolerated. If you find yourself experiencing stomach pains from prolonged use of a pain reliever, these medicines can help protect your stomach.

6. Loperamide (Imodium) 

A very effective over the counter medication for diarrhea. It has been said that a single Imodium, throw into a swimming pool, could turn the water to cement, but this is not true! Stock it in both adult and children’s strengths.

7. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

Pseudoephedrine is effective at relieving congestion in both the upper and lower respiratory tract due to infections, allergies, chemical irritations, and mild asthma or bronchitis. Not recommended for children under 6.

8.  Mucinex (Also known as Glyceryl Guaiacolate or formerly Guaifenesin)  

This is a drug, which reduces the thickness of mucus secretions. In respiratory infections it helps your body to expel phlegm. It is available in liquid or tablet form.

9. Gatorade powder

While this would not normally be listed with over the counter medications, it can be effective for rehydration.

10. 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 allergies, hives and itching, including itchy rashes such as poison ivy. This will make some people sleepy.

These over the counter meds are only some of the essentials that you need in your medicine kit. There are so many more meds you can easily stock up on and have ready for a collapse. It's also important to stock up on any prescription meds you need before a collapse too!

As always, it's best to consult with a doctor if you have any doubts concerning any of these OTC medications.

For more information on must have meds, check out Preparedness Advice.