Just about everyone has a medicine closet or cabinet that has basic over the counter medications. What, though, will you do if we face a prolonged survival situation? Here are 14 over the counter medications  you should stock up on.

• Acetaminophen – pain relief and fever reduction, many times used for dental pain, menstrual cramps
• Naproxen sodium – long-acting for pain relief and fever reduction
• Extra Strength Excedrin – Great for migraine relief
• Diphenhydramine hydrochloride – commonly known as Benadryl, an antihistamine – helps allergic reactions, bee stings, etc.
• Loperamide HCl – Imodium anti-diarrhea medication
• Bismuth Subsalicylate – commonly known as Pepto-Bismol – good for stomach upset and anti-diarrhea medication
• Benzocaine – this one is for the ladies, commonly known as Vagisil, relieves feminine itching and burning
• VaporRub – such as Vicks. Vapors help relieve coughing due to common cold. Can also relieve minor muscles aches and pains when rubbed on sore spot.
• Cold/Flu Remedies – these could include cough syrup, cough drops, Dayquil/Nyquil and the like.
• Liquid Bandage – also known as New Skin, handy for sealing up a cut in place of or in addition to band aids
• Medicated First Aid Spray – to protect sooth cuts, scraps, sun burn.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – to clean out wounds
• Isopropyl Alcohol – to clean out wounds, but it will sting
• Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract – natural remedy for flu symptoms

Over the counter medications, like the list here are a critical element to any prepared survival kit or bug-out bag.

The question is how much of each should you have and as a rule, I generally try and have about a year's supply and rotate medications out as they pass their effective date.

To learn more about medications and survival items you must have in your kit or bug-out bag, please visit Vigil Prudence.