Pathfinder I
While the overland community is great about carrying the emergency medical equipment needed to address life threatening injuries in the field, preparations for more minor aches, pains and discomforts often go neglected. During my time as a tactical, wilderness and remote medicine medic, and Special Operations team leader, I had the responsibility of ensuring that every team member remained in good health and was not distracted while on task. For this reason I carried, in addition to the medications and emergency equipment needed for more serious and more emergent medical illnesses and injuries, a specific bag of over-the counter (OTC) remedies for the treatment of everyday ailments that have the potential to hinder and distract a team member in the field, or become a larger problem for the team as a whole.
For all my friends at Overland Bound who might find themselves far from a pharmacy and in need of treatment for a minor issue, I offer the following list of recommended OTC medicaments to treat just about any minor ailment:
Acetaminophen – Anti-pyretic and pain reducer (Example: Tylenol)
Naproxen & Ibuprofen – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, pain and inflammation reducer (Example: Motrin, Advil)
Excedrin – A mix of Tylenol, Aspirin and caffeine used for reducing pain, especially for headache relief (Example: Excedrin)
Diphenhydramine – An antihistamine with a sedative side effect (Example: Benadryl, Claritin)
Guaifenesin – A common cold remedy, an expectorant (Example: Mucinex)
Pseudoephedrine – used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection or other breathing illnesses (Example: Sudafed)
Pseudoephedrine Spray – A nasal decongestant (Example: Afrin)
Epinephrine Auto Injector – This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. (Example: EpiPen)
Dimenhydrinate – An antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. (Example: Dramamine)
Loperamide – An anti-diarrheal drug is any medication which provides symptomatic relief for diarrhea (Example: Imodium AD)
Docusate Sodium – A mild laxative and stool softener for relief of constipation (Example: Dulcolax)
Antacid – Anti- diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion and upset stomach medication (Example: Pepto Bismol)
Simethicone – Used as an anti-gas (anti-flatulence) medication. It acts in the stomach and intestines to change the surface tension of gas bubbles, enabling their breakdown and the formation of larger bubbles. (Example: Gas-X)
Benzocaine – Used short term to relieve pain from minor mouth problems, such as toothache, canker sores, sore gums/throat, mouth/gum injury, etc. It is a local anesthetic that works by numbing the painful area. (Example: Oragel)
Sleep Aid – Used to promote and support sleep. (Example: Melatonin)
Hydrocortisone Cream - This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, to include insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching, etc., it reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a mild corticosteroid. (Example: Cortizone)
Docosanol 10 % Topical Cream – Typically used to treat cold sores/fever blisters blisters (herpes labialis). It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). (Example: Abreva)
Antibiotic Ointment - This medication is used to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. (Example: Neosporin)
Anti-itch Cream - Used to temporarily relieve itching and pain caused by minor burns/cuts/scrapes, sunburn, insect bites, minor skin irritations, or rashes from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. (Example: Benadryl Cream)
Electrolyte Tablets - Electrolyte hydration replacement tablets help minimize fatigue and prevent muscle cramps due to excessive perspiration. (Example: Physicians Care Electrolyte Replenisher)
Caffeine Tablets - Used to help an individual you stay awake and alert when feeling tired and/or drowsy. (Example: NoDoz, Vivarin)
Eye Drops – Used to moisten, cool and soothe irritated eyes. (Example: Visine Irritation Relief)
Ear Drops – Used to relive ear pain caused by swimmer’s ear, the common cold and allergies. (Example: Hyland’s Earache Drops)
8-Hydroxyquinoline Liquid - liquid bandage. Antiseptic to help prevent infections. Invisible. Flexible. Waterproof. (Example: New Skin)
Blister Relief – Strong adhesive cushions that reduce friction with your footwear, helps block out water, dirt and germs and absorbs impact. (Example: Next Care Blister Relief)
Hemorrhoidal Cream – This medication is used to temporarily relieve swelling, burning, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. (Example: Preparation H)
Anti-Chafing Lotion – Chafing refers to the irritation of skin caused by repetitive friction, usually generated through skin to skin contact of multiple body parts. Anti-chafing lotion lubricates the area and reduces friction and irritation. (Example: Body Glide)
Muscle Ache Cream – A topical cream used to relief muscle pain and arthritis. (Example: Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy)
Petroleum Jelly – A multi-purpose petroleum based gel used for healing scrapes, rashes and burns, moisturizing and lubricating, reducing wind burn (lips, nose, cheeks, etc..), etc. (Example: Vasoline)
Calamine Lotion - Calamine, also known as calamine lotion, is a medication used to treat mild itchiness. This includes from sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, or other mild skin conditions. It may also help dry out skin irritation. (Example: Caladryl)
Talcum Powder – Used to curb moisture, control odor, and soothe minor skin irritations, notably jock itch. (Example: Gold Bond Powder)
Alcohol Swabs - Individually wrapped pads made of a cotton-type material and saturated with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol used to disinfect minor cuts, scrapes, etc.
Disposable Ear Plugs – Disposable ear plugs are used to basic hearing protection, noise reduction.
Tweezers – Tweezers are small tools used for picking up objects too small to be easily handled with the human fingers.
Nail Clippers - A nail clipper is a hand tool used to trim fingernails, toenails and hangnails.
Insect Repellent – An insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface.
Sunblock – a cream or lotion for protecting the skin from the sun and preventing sunburn.
Lip Balm – Lip balm or lip salve is a wax-like substance applied topically to the lips to moisturize and relieve chapped or dry lips, angular cheilitis, stomatitis, or cold sores.
Dental Toothpick – A toothpick is a small thin stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance with at least one and sometimes two sharp ends to insert between teeth to remove detritus.
Always Remember!! To reduce medication errors and harm, always remember the “The Five Rights of Medication Administration”: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.
If you have a OTC medication or instrument that you have found useful, and that is not included on the list above - please reply with your recommendation. The goal is to develop the most comprehensive list as possible from which we all can benefit. Cheers!
For all my friends at Overland Bound who might find themselves far from a pharmacy and in need of treatment for a minor issue, I offer the following list of recommended OTC medicaments to treat just about any minor ailment:
Acetaminophen – Anti-pyretic and pain reducer (Example: Tylenol)
Naproxen & Ibuprofen – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, pain and inflammation reducer (Example: Motrin, Advil)
Excedrin – A mix of Tylenol, Aspirin and caffeine used for reducing pain, especially for headache relief (Example: Excedrin)
Diphenhydramine – An antihistamine with a sedative side effect (Example: Benadryl, Claritin)
Guaifenesin – A common cold remedy, an expectorant (Example: Mucinex)
Pseudoephedrine – used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection or other breathing illnesses (Example: Sudafed)
Pseudoephedrine Spray – A nasal decongestant (Example: Afrin)
Epinephrine Auto Injector – This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. (Example: EpiPen)
Dimenhydrinate – An antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. (Example: Dramamine)
Loperamide – An anti-diarrheal drug is any medication which provides symptomatic relief for diarrhea (Example: Imodium AD)
Docusate Sodium – A mild laxative and stool softener for relief of constipation (Example: Dulcolax)
Antacid – Anti- diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion and upset stomach medication (Example: Pepto Bismol)
Simethicone – Used as an anti-gas (anti-flatulence) medication. It acts in the stomach and intestines to change the surface tension of gas bubbles, enabling their breakdown and the formation of larger bubbles. (Example: Gas-X)
Benzocaine – Used short term to relieve pain from minor mouth problems, such as toothache, canker sores, sore gums/throat, mouth/gum injury, etc. It is a local anesthetic that works by numbing the painful area. (Example: Oragel)
Sleep Aid – Used to promote and support sleep. (Example: Melatonin)
Hydrocortisone Cream - This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, to include insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching, etc., it reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a mild corticosteroid. (Example: Cortizone)
Docosanol 10 % Topical Cream – Typically used to treat cold sores/fever blisters blisters (herpes labialis). It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). (Example: Abreva)
Antibiotic Ointment - This medication is used to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. (Example: Neosporin)
Anti-itch Cream - Used to temporarily relieve itching and pain caused by minor burns/cuts/scrapes, sunburn, insect bites, minor skin irritations, or rashes from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. (Example: Benadryl Cream)
Electrolyte Tablets - Electrolyte hydration replacement tablets help minimize fatigue and prevent muscle cramps due to excessive perspiration. (Example: Physicians Care Electrolyte Replenisher)
Caffeine Tablets - Used to help an individual you stay awake and alert when feeling tired and/or drowsy. (Example: NoDoz, Vivarin)
Eye Drops – Used to moisten, cool and soothe irritated eyes. (Example: Visine Irritation Relief)
Ear Drops – Used to relive ear pain caused by swimmer’s ear, the common cold and allergies. (Example: Hyland’s Earache Drops)
8-Hydroxyquinoline Liquid - liquid bandage. Antiseptic to help prevent infections. Invisible. Flexible. Waterproof. (Example: New Skin)
Blister Relief – Strong adhesive cushions that reduce friction with your footwear, helps block out water, dirt and germs and absorbs impact. (Example: Next Care Blister Relief)
Hemorrhoidal Cream – This medication is used to temporarily relieve swelling, burning, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. (Example: Preparation H)
Anti-Chafing Lotion – Chafing refers to the irritation of skin caused by repetitive friction, usually generated through skin to skin contact of multiple body parts. Anti-chafing lotion lubricates the area and reduces friction and irritation. (Example: Body Glide)
Muscle Ache Cream – A topical cream used to relief muscle pain and arthritis. (Example: Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy)
Petroleum Jelly – A multi-purpose petroleum based gel used for healing scrapes, rashes and burns, moisturizing and lubricating, reducing wind burn (lips, nose, cheeks, etc..), etc. (Example: Vasoline)
Calamine Lotion - Calamine, also known as calamine lotion, is a medication used to treat mild itchiness. This includes from sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, or other mild skin conditions. It may also help dry out skin irritation. (Example: Caladryl)
Talcum Powder – Used to curb moisture, control odor, and soothe minor skin irritations, notably jock itch. (Example: Gold Bond Powder)
Alcohol Swabs - Individually wrapped pads made of a cotton-type material and saturated with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol used to disinfect minor cuts, scrapes, etc.
Disposable Ear Plugs – Disposable ear plugs are used to basic hearing protection, noise reduction.
Tweezers – Tweezers are small tools used for picking up objects too small to be easily handled with the human fingers.
Nail Clippers - A nail clipper is a hand tool used to trim fingernails, toenails and hangnails.
Insect Repellent – An insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface.
Sunblock – a cream or lotion for protecting the skin from the sun and preventing sunburn.
Lip Balm – Lip balm or lip salve is a wax-like substance applied topically to the lips to moisturize and relieve chapped or dry lips, angular cheilitis, stomatitis, or cold sores.
Dental Toothpick – A toothpick is a small thin stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance with at least one and sometimes two sharp ends to insert between teeth to remove detritus.
Always Remember!! To reduce medication errors and harm, always remember the “The Five Rights of Medication Administration”: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.
If you have a OTC medication or instrument that you have found useful, and that is not included on the list above - please reply with your recommendation. The goal is to develop the most comprehensive list as possible from which we all can benefit. Cheers!
Last edited:
