Pharmacist shares six medications you should pack before going on holiday

Dublin Live

2 days ago

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Packing for a holiday abroad can be a bit of a headache. It's easy to remember the basics like clothes and toiletries, but what about those unexpected situations?
Planning for every possible scenario isn't always simple, and sometimes you might find yourself needing something that's not readily at hand. According to one pharmacist, there are certain medicines you should think about packing from home to avoid any unnecessary stress while on holiday.
Irish Pharmacist Ashley O Dubhain, also known as Ash the Pharmacist on social media platforms, revealed that he often gets asked "in the summer months" which medicines people should pack. While he reassures holidaymakers not to "freak out", as chemists will be available at their destination, he does suggest six items to consider based on his "own experience" and knowledge of what's available overseas.
If you're heading to a destination with a hotter and more humid climate than you're used to, Ashley suggests packing some electrolytes, regardless of the brand. Electrolytes are vital for maintaining fluid balance and ensuring muscles and nerves function properly.
As we lose electrolytes through sweat, it's important to replenish the sodium lost, especially if you're sweating heavily.
Furthermore, he recommends bringing along an antihistamine such as Zirtek, Telfast, Clarityn or any other brand that suits your body.
Ashley emphasised the virtues of a widely advocated remedy: "This will be good for insect bites but also if you take a reaction to food or the sun, for example. It can help with that heat rash."
Ashley also underscored for those jet-setters not quite up to snuff with exotic nosh, to keep Imodium handy, an indispensable over-the-counter fix to rapidly quell the runs and "stop" any untoward results.
For treating insect bites, Ashley's go-to is often prescribing Fucibet, but you can get hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter, such as Cortopin.
However, Ashley cautions: "Ask your pharmacist if you're allowed to take it, as not everyone is. If steroid creams aren't suitable for you, you can get some Anthisan cream."
You can also consider taking some probiotics, and start taking them for a few weeks before you go away, especially if it's somewhere where you "know the food and the water could make you sick".
Probiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance and bacteria in your gut, according to the NHS.
Lastly, he recommends bringing some painkillers such as paracetamol, Panadol, Nurofen or ibuprofen.
It's important to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you're unsure before taking any medication, as what's suitable for others might not be for you.