This video is an overview of useful medications that can be used in Wilderness and Remote environments when access medical care is delayed. All these medications can also be useful in the home setting and are available over the counter at any pharmacy for purchase.
Wilderness/Remote Medication Guide
Over the counter medications can provide symptom relief and bridge the gap to higher level medical care. Below is a list of useful over the counter medications that can be purchased at any pharmacy and are good to have on hand in the house, cottage, on wilderness trips, and remote locations.
ASSISTING AND ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS:
This is a guideline only:
- Always follow directions on medication label and advice of reputable medical professionals.
- Always keep medications in original containers and frequently check for expiration/damage.
- Complete full patient assessment, follow your scope of practice, and be aware of legal liability before assisting/administering any medication to another person.
- DO NOT administer any medication without the proper knowledge, skill and judgment of its intended use, possible side effects, and contraindications.
- Dosing provided is a guideline only always follow directions on medication label, no dosing provided for children <12 or infants (consult medical professional and labels and practice extreme caution with assisting/administering medications to children/infants).
PAIN MANAGEMENT:
|
MEDICATION |
USES |
CAUTIONS |
DOSING |
|
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) |
Mild pain, & Fever |
Patients with history of Kidney or Liver issues Max daily dose: 3000mg/24 hours |
Adult/Child >12yr: 325-1000mg every 6 hours as needed |
|
Advil (Ibuprofen) |
Mild-moderate pain, & Fever |
Sensitivity to NSAID/Aspirin, Active GI bleed Max daily dose: 3200mg/24 hours |
Adult/Child >12yr: 200-800mg every 6 hours as needed |
|
Oral Anesthetic Gel, Orajel (Benzocaine 20% W/W) |
Toothache pain |
Temporary measure consult dentist ASAP. DO NOT eat for 1 hour following use. Max daily dose: 4 applications/24 hours |
Adult/Child >12yr: Apply small amount to cavity and surrounding gum area using Q-tip. |
|
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) |
Suspected Heart Attack |
DO NOT give to anyone <18years of age, history of ulcer or active bleeding. |
Adult >18 years: Crush/Chew 2 x 81mg tabs and call 9-1-1 Emergency EVAC |
DIARRHEA/NAUSEA/INDIGESTION:
|
MEDICATION |
USES |
CAUTIONS |
DOSING |
|
Imodium (Loperimide) |
Relief of diarrhea |
Do not take with abdominal pain with fever Max daily dose: 8mg/24 hours |
Adult/Child >12yr: 4mg dose 1, follow with 2mg after each loose stool |
|
Pepto-bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) |
Mild-moderate diarrhea, nausea,& heartburn/ indigestion |
Sensitivity to NSAID/Aspirin, Active GI bleed May cause gray/black stool and constipation Max daily dose: 8 doses (16 tabs)/24 hours |
Adult/Child >12yr: 2 tabs repeat after 30 min as needed |
|
Tums (Calcium carbonate) |
Indigestion/ heartburn |
Do not take within 2 hours of other medication |
Adult/Child >12yr: Take 1-1.5 hours after eating, 0.5-1.5g as needed |
|
Gravol (Dimenhydrinate) |
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo/ motion sickness |
Causes drowsiness, do not combine with Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Max daily dose: 400mg/24 hours |
Adult/Child >12yr: 50-100mg every 4 hours as needed |
CONSTIPATION:
|
MEDICATION |
USES |
CAUTIONS |
DOSING |
|
Restoralax, Pegalax, Clearlax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350, PEG) |
Stool softener, relives occasional diarrhea |
Do not take with Abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting. Max daily dose: 17 g, do not take for >7 days |
Adult/Child >12yr: 17 g in 1 cup water (may take 2-4 days for effect) |
|
Senokot (Senna) |
Laxative for constipation |
Do not take with Abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting. Max daily dose: 8 tabs, do not take for >7 days |
Adult/Child >12yr: 2-4 tabs at bedtime (takes effect in 6-12 hours) |
HYPOGLYCEMIA/DEHYDRATION:
|
MEDICATION |
USES |
CAUTIONS |
DOSING |
|
Glucose Gel or sugar |
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) |
Only give if patient is conscious and can swallow. |
Adult/Child >12yr: 15 g of glucose, repeat after 15 minutes if no effect |
|
Electrolytes (Trioral, Nuun, Hammer, Hydralyte…) |
Dehydration |
Sip slowly to avoid vomiting |
Adult/Child >12yr: Dissolve tab or powder in ~1 L of water, drink to thirst |
ALLERGIES:
|
MEDICATION |
USES |
CAUTIONS |
DOSING |
|
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) |
Seasonal allergies, mild allergic reactions, Anaphylaxis (after Epinephrine) |
Do not use in combination with Gravol (Dimenhydrinate), may cause drowsiness Max daily dose: 300mg/ 24 hours |
Adult/Child >12yr: 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours |
|
Reactine (Cetirizine) or Claritin (Loratidine) |
Seasonal allergies, mild allergic reactions |
Max daily dose: 10mg/24 hours |
Adult/Child >12 years: 10 mg/24 hours |
|
Epinephrine Autoinjector (Epipen, Allerject) |
Anaphylaxis |
Assess for symptoms of anaphylaxis vs mild allergic reaction. Emergency Evacuation/ Call 9-1-1 after administering. |
Adult/Child >30kg(66lbs): -Epipen 0.3 mg Child 15-30 kg(33-66lbs): -Epipen Jr 0.15 mg Intramuscular injection in outer thigh, repeat after 5 minutes if symptoms persist. |
EYES/EARS/MOUTH/THROAT:
|
MEDICATION |
USES |
CAUTIONS |
DOSING |
|
Salt water Gargle |
Sore Throat, mouth sores |
Gargle or swish, do not swallow. If symptoms are severe, worsen, accompanied by fever, or persist >2 days consult medical professional. |
Adult/Child >12yr: 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water, gargle/swish 4 times a day |
|
Throat Lozenge Halls, Fisherman’s Friend, Ricola, Cepacol, Ricola… |
Sore Throat |
If symptoms are severe, worsen, accompanied by fever, or persist >2 days consult medical professional. |
Adult/Child >12yr: Allow lozenge to dissolve in mouth, repeat as necessary |
|
Polysporin Antibiotic Eye/Ear Drops (Polymxin B and Gramicidin) |
Pink eye, conjunctivitis, minor ear infection |
If no improvement after 2 days consult medical professional. Consult doctor before use if cause of pink eye unclear, sensation of something in eye, sensitivity to light, continuous abundant discharge, pain in eye, impaired vision, severe hearing loss, severe pain in ear or fever. |
Adult/Child >12yr: 1-2 drops in infected Eye/Ear 4 times a day for 7-10 days |
SKIN ISSUES:
|
MEDICATION |
USES |
CAUTIONS |
DOSING |
|
Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Polysporin (Polymyxin B Sulphate, bacitracin zinc and gramicidin ointment) |
Prevent infection |
Allergy to any of the components. For external use only. |
Adult/Child >12yr: Apply small amount to affected area 1-3 times day |
|
Canestan (Clotrimazole cream) |
Yeast infection, athletes foot, jock itch, ring worm |
For external use only |
Adult/Child >12yr: Clean and dry skin thoroughly, apply thin layer to affected area twice daily, after symptoms resolve continue treatment for 1-2 weeks (max 4 week treatment course) |
|
Hydrocortisone Cream (0.5% or 1%) |
Skin irritation: Eczema, dermatitis, insect bites, |
Do not use if suspecting skin infection. Avoid use on face without medical professional direction. |
Adult/Child >12yr: Apply thin layer to affected area 2-3 times daily (max 7 days) |
|
Baby/Body Powder (Gold Bond) |
Relieves pain and itching for minor skin irritation |
Stop using if symptoms worsen, no improvement in 7 days |
Adult/Child >12yr: Apply freely to affected area 3-4 times day. |
*Ken Piercey and Wildmedkits assume no liability for the use of this information.*