First of all, to make sure you stay healthy when you take a trip, don't
leave your medications at home!
Keep these tips in mind for managing your medications on the road:
- Before your trip, review your dosage schedules with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you'll be crossing time zones - you may have to take your medications at different times.
- If you are traveling to another country, visit www.cdc.gov/travel/outbreaks.htm to see if you need special protection against disease in the country you are visiting.
- If you are going somewhere warm, chances are you'll be swimming. Bring along a bottle of flumethasone-clioquinol ear drops (available by prescription) in case you develop swimmer's ear. This infection is caused when water becomes trapped in the ear and promotes bacteria growth, and it can be extremely painful if left untreated. Symptoms include itching or inner ear pain and red, flaky skin on the outer parts of the ear.
- Some drugs can make you more sensitive to the sun and heat - check labels for warnings, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to cover up or use stronger sunscreen.
- Store medicines away from direct sunlight or high heat. A beach bag or your car's trunk or glove compartment aren't good places to keep medicines.
- Don't put your medicines in checked luggage. Keep them with you, and bring enough to last the whole trip; when you go on an outing, carry along a day's supply.
- Keep with you a list of all the medications you take and their dosages, your doctors' phone numbers, and health insurance information.
- Put together a travel first aid kit containing over-the-counter and prescription medications you may need if you become ill or are injured. Some items you may want to include are:
- antihistamines in case you have a mild allergic reaction
- a painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- medications for motion sickness and diarrhea
- anti-infective ear drops for swimmer's ear - clioquinol/flumethasone (Locacorten® Vioform®), gentamicin (Garamycin®), neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin (Neosporin®)
- an antibacterial cream that contains fusidic acid for cuts, insect bites and burns
- a course of antibiotics
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which specific medications may best suit your needs, depending on your medical history and travel destination.