Store-shelf medicine tends to disappear fast once a real emergency hits or you can’t get to the store. This guide covers 11 over-the-counter medications worth stocking up on, like pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids, cough and digestive remedies, plus which ones to avoid giving kids, the difference between cough suppressants and expectorants, and a longer list of other useful OTC items and remedies to round out your supply.
First aid kits come in various sizes, from compact versions that can slip into your purse to more extensive kits suitable for large toolboxes. When assembling the contents of your first aid kit, it’s essential to prioritize over-the-counter (OTC) medications that address a wide range of common ailments.
These OTC medicines tend to be among the first items to vanish from store shelves during emergencies. In this article, we’ll explore the top 11 OTC medicines that should be a staple in your emergency supplies, everyday carry, and your travel med kit.
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In this post
11 Essential Over-the-Counter Medicines
1. Aspirin
For adults, include aspirin in your bag. The pain relief aside, this is excellent for things like:
- fever reduction
- muscle aches
- toothaches
- common cold
- headaches
- thinning the blood
2. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is inexpensive and is the most commonly used non-prescription medication in history. Used to alleviate pain and reduce fever, it’s effective for various conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and common cold symptoms.
3. Ibuprofen
Also good for pain relief and reducing inflammation and swelling due to menstrual cycles, arthritis, or other pain caused by inflammation. It’s a fever reducer much like acetaminophen but some can tolerate ibuprofen better.
For tooth pain specifically, a topical numbing gel (like Orajel) works faster and more directly than an oral pain reliever alone.
Regardless of the pain relievers you choose, they really are one of the most important items in an emergency kit or bug out bag since so many emergencies require us to work past pain to get to a safe location, walk long distances, and so on.
4. Antacids
Stress and irregular eating both trigger heartburn, emergency or not. Keep antacids on hand, and if anyone in your family manages reflux with a prescription, an OTC backup is worth having for when that prescription runs low.
5. Antihistamines and Anti-allergens
Allergies might become even worse after a major natural disaster or catastrophe. The power may be our for days or weeks, leading to mold and mildew growth and without the air purifying effects of air conditioning.
Antihistamines help with the reduction of swelling in the sinuses and assist with overall allergens by blocking the histamines that cause the symptoms. If someone has a severe allergy, remember to include an epi-pen.
Diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl) can take care of allergy relief, act as a sedating sleep aid, and provide nausea relief, so one medication covers three uses.
6. Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
Also known as pink bismuth, this time-tested medicine covers many digestive system issues. Indigestion, nausea, heartburn, gas symptoms and diarrhea are just some of the symptoms this medicine helps relieve. Diarrhea can kill if not taken care of, and one of the most important reasons for having something on hand is to keep yourself hydrated to make up for what you lose. Thankfully, this now comes in a convenient chewable pill form and is easy to carry with you.
Loperamide (Imodium) tends to work a lot faster than bismuth subsalicylate for diarrhea. But often, your body often needs to flush out whatever’s causing the problem, so anti-diarrheal medication is best used when you need to function through it, not necessarily at the very first sign.
If you want to use a more natural, herbal approach to tummy troubles, check those out here.
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7. Cough/Mucus Control
Sinus infections, influenza, allergies, damp conditions, and exposure can lead to being stuffed up, unable to breathe or get the gunk out. Coming in both pill and liquid forms, this medicine has saved many people from a doctor visit (and bill). Other than providing relief for the ones who are ill, it can also help protect those who are not. If those who are sick are coughing a lot, the sickness has a better chance to spread.
8. Antitussives vs. Expectorants
There are 2 different OTC cough medicines- antitussives and expectorants. Antitussives are a cough suppressant. They block the cough reflex. Some of these are – Triaminic Cold and Cough, Vicks 44 Cold and Cough and Robitussin Cough.
The expectorant thins the mucus and helps makes it easier to clear when you cough. Some of these are – Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion.
9. Laxatives
No one wants to think about this, but you will be eternally grateful for the little pill or chew that will relieve discomfort. When in an emergency situation occurs, what kinds of foods and how much or how often can result in constipation. If left untreated, constipation can kill.
There are 2 types of laxatives. One type draws liquid into the colon and makes it easier to pass waste. These would be Milk of Magnesia, Miralax, Metamucil, Benefiber, and any stool softener. The other type of laxative causes intestinal muscles to contract and help with elimination. These medicines are sold as Dulcolax and Senokot. They can also be taken as a suppository.
10. Sleep Aids
In any major upset in your life, sleepless nights are often a side effect of the stress. Many people have trouble with, “turning their brain off,” so they can sleep. I would imagine that cases of insomnia will rise exponentially and in a post-disaster scenario, sleep will be more important than ever before. Your ability to make decisions and good judgments can be affected by a prolonged lack of sleep.
A sedating antihistamine is what you see in most OTC medicine. The name brand of these is Benadryl, Aleve PM and Unisom Sleep Tabs. Also consider natural remedies, such as Melatonin, Valerian or lavender essential oil.
11. Saline Spray/Solution
Saline solution is another wonderful thing to have with you. Even a small bottle could save someone from infections or aid in another way. They are sold as a decongestant, saltwater solution or steroid. I am all for having versatile resources that have more than one use.
Saline solution can help with wound irrigation, eye and sinus flushing, and of course cleaning your contact lenses. Some studies show that saline restores moisture to dry nasal passages and sinuses, and curbs inflammation of mucous membranes.
11. Vitamins
SO MANY people overlook simple vitamins when talking about medicinal items to store and carry for emergencies. In my opinion, vitamins are more important than any of the other things listed here. In a post-disaster scenario, everyone who did not prepare will be suffering from a ‘lack.’ A lack of food, perhaps clean water, sanitation, and assuredly a vitamin deficiency will be all too common.
Curious about possible alternative to these OTCs? Learn more about what a natural first aid kit looks like.
All of the above are easily bought over the counter without a prescription. Before you go out on a buying spree, though, take a look at your medicine cabinet and pull out all of the stuff stashed in there. Check expiration dates and keep them rotated.
Other Useful OTC Medicines
Here are a few more handy OTC meds/remedies to have on hand.
- Mineral Oil
- Epsom’s Salts
- Bacitracin
- Neosporin
- Alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Witch Hazel
- Contact Lens Solution
- Nasal Spray, Afrin,
- Primatene Mist
- Robitussin
- Zantac/Ranitidine
- Fiber like Metamucil & Benefiber
- A hoard of organic-natural (i.e. never “Centrum”!) multi/B-vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Pedialyte
- Mag Citrate
Frequently Asked Questions
Over-the-counter. Any medication you can buy without a prescription. Everything on this list falls into that category.
Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. A closet works better than a bathroom medicine cabinet, since humidity from showers actually shortens shelf life. Keep medications in their original containers when possible, since the packaging often includes light protection and the lot number you’d need if there’s ever a recall. If you’re storing a backup supply separately from your everyday medicine cabinet, a sealed container with a silica packet helps control moisture.
Often, yes, though it depends on the medication. Solid tablets and capsules tend to remain effective well past their printed expiration date if stored properly, while liquids, and anything that needs to stay at a specific temperature, degrade faster and are worth replacing on schedule. The bigger risk with an expired medication usually isn’t harm, it’s reduced effectiveness. A pain reliever that’s lost potency won’t work as well, for example. When in doubt, and especially for anything used in an emergency, don’t stretch it further than a year or two past the date if you have the option to rotate in a fresh supply.
Not always, and dosing is never simply “give less.” Aspirin specifically should not be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally fine for kids, but dosing is based on weight, not age, so check the label carefully or ask your pharmacist for guidance specific to your child.
There’s no single right number, since it depends on family size and how long you’re planning for. A reasonable starting point for a family of four is enough of each medication for about two weeks of regular use, doubled if you have the storage space and budget for it. When COVID hit, I made a note of all the symptoms and bought one bottle/package per person of OTC meds for each symptom. So, for my family of four, I bought four bottles of saline spray, four packages of Vitamin C packets, and so on.
OTC medications are for everyday discomfort, not a substitute for emergency care when symptoms get alarmingly worse. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, a severe allergic reaction, a head injury, or symptoms that are getting worse instead of better all call for calling 911 or getting to a hospital. These medications are meant to get you through common, non-emergency situations, or hold you over until you can get real medical care, not replace it.
Final Thoughts
NOW is the time to get this checked off your preparedness list when you can consider things in a calm and logical manner. We never know when tough situations might show up. When we collect these important medical things, we’re not just looking out for ourselves. We’re also helping our families and communities.
What medicines do you keep on hand for emergencies?
“This is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any disease. Consult your personal medical professional.”
Originally published April 29, 2014. Updated September, 2026.
Keeping in mind certain things… *good* vitamins can be a boost but are not an exact replacement for finding long term food variety… some of the meds listed above do more damage on an empty stomach. People having inflammation with their stomach/intestines generally will need to stay away from ibuprofen, and diarrhea caused by parasites is best NOT treated with a diarrhea med, etc. While it’s good for everyone to own the basics, they should also educate themselves fully about meds, common health conditions, supplements (how they work, how well they work, etc) and nutrition (especially in terms of changing diet to wild foods if it turns out it isn’t safe to stay someplace and you have to bug out).
great article. thanks for the list and the fact that it’s short, is a plus too. 🙂
Diphenhydramine is often the most common ingredient in sleep aides, so if you buy that for allergies, you have it for sleep/sedation as well. You can use it to help someone sick or injured to rest and heal, but don’t use it on someone with a head injury.
Also, it is a twin brother to the most common OTC medication for nausea, so it has a triple use.
Pink bismuth is certainly useful for upset stomach and diarrhea, but Loperimide is generally more effective and faster acting. However, you only want to give something for diarrhea as a last resort. Often your body can flush pathogens and toxins from your GI tract naturally, and it is the protracted diarrhea that is obviously your enemy.
Multi-vitamins are indeed important to have, but if you are on the move, electrolyte replacement is important. Potassium and magnesium are two important minerals.
There’s much else to say, but if you have acid reflux and no antacids or PPI’s on hand, clean water is your best medicine as it will dilute the acid in your GI tract. See if sleeping head elevated and/or on your side helps.
I’m new to all this stuff. My biggest problem is that all you veteran preppers abbreviate everything. So now, what is OTC?
Over The Counter—You can buy without a prescription.
Keep in mind that expiration dates are not set in stone. Google “harvard medical school drug expiration” for more information. It is safe to take the meds for years afterward.
Great list, except I feel that aspirin and acetaminophen shouldn’t be grouped together if you have children. Children should never be given Aspirin. It can cause Reye’s syndrome. Children should stick to acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Aspirin is great for adults, though.
I’m a newbie too and have been enjoying your blog. My husband is a paramedic and we have a lot of basic supplies on hand already. I’m just wondering how you store these items for longevity. In sealed original containers in a sealed 5 gallon bucket? Just on shelves?
In original packaging for sterile items. Others I would put in mylar bags and seal with an oxygen absorber(s). Then put those items in buckets with lids. I did this with clean cat litter buckets and food buckets (I got for free from our local bakery that held frosting). These are square (vs circular) so they pack/stack/store easier. Hope that helps. 🙂
I would think having some pretty heavy duty pain killers on hand would be a good idea in case of a severe injury without medical facilities available. I don’t even take any pain killers as a rule, but if I had an injury like a broken leg, or had to have a home surgery (I hope never) I would hope to have some T3’s at least.
I agree, Amy. My mom always taught me to never turn down a prescription for pain killers — go figure! LOL
Dave,
OTC is over the counter.Meaning Non prescription.
Don’t forget the anti-diarrhea meds.
Good list! I travel frequently to Africa, and a lot of these are things we always take. I’d suggest liqui-gels for ibuprofen since they’re well tolerated on an empty stomach. Loratadin is best for the runs, and you should try to have a “travelers diarrhea” Rx of antibiotic (it’s usually 3 doses of a z-pack, or, for kids, a one dose powder you mix in water or other fluid). You can buy single electrolyte packets, and also some melt-on-your-tongue ones (taste bad but work!). I get migraines, so having something like Bayer Migraine on hand is key!
Nice list. My medicine bag also contains most of these things. But the one thing I always travel with is diarrhea medication. Mostly since you don’t know where you end up eating. It’s saved me at least a couple of times over the past many years.
Neosporin and/or zinc oxide. We have someone with a compromised immune system who doesn’t heal as easily as the average person, so these are a high priority for us.
REPLY not working: to David:
I have the same problem every now and then.
OTC means Over The Counter. Drugs that can be purchased without a prescription.
I have plenty of essential oils, raw apple cider vinegar,and Manuka honey on hand. I never resort to any of the things on the list but instead use natural remedies if at all possible. The other day, a wasp stung me and I came in the house and made a paste of baking soda and a little bit of water….the pain went away immediately. I then put a little lavender essential oil on it. There is lots of info online about natural alternatives. I love my essential oils tho and have been using them for 20 years. I am sure the list you have provided is excellent tho and very important for us to have too! Thanks!
Really good points Barb! I have meat tenderizer (and baking soda) for the same reason.
@ Jennings: Loratidine is an antihistamine and not taken for “the runs”. You may be thinking of Loperamide, which is the same as Imodium, and also OTC.
How long do essential oils last once they are opened? Where is the best place to store these? Is there a better place to purchase these than another?
The oils are bottled in dark glass containers, which helps protect them from the light. Store them in a cool location and they should last at least 5 years. I personally use mostly Young Living oils, but friends of mine love doTerra and Sparks. If you look around the internet, you’ll find articles that compare various oil companies.
dear friends
these are the basic items that I have had all ten in both my medical bag and my personal bag Since I work Red Cross shelter and Soup kitchen for many years I found that I have had to have two sets of bags ; One that I guard with my life while the other was always Quick to throw at anyone who Panic Scream and then TAKE then DEMAND MORE
I HAVE some thing to say which most will ignore but the daily allowance is some thing that US Gov. National Instru. Health / US Army dream up for the minimal about of Vitamins and Minerals THAT a Person needs to stay a life I personally try to keep a tiny bottle 60 PER Caplets of max amount of one a day Vitamins / Minerals for a 72 hours bags and larger bottle 500 caplets per 30 day supplies the others around you will be asking something to boost everything so to have extra is really needed even sleep aids after giving B-12 TO THE GUARDS / POLICE YOU’LL NEED TO HAVE in another pocket of hard sweet candy to claim that worker and/or child who is worry the shelter roof coming off like it’s home did …
Great ideas Lance!!
Love the idea at the end also about the hard candy.
Hi Lisa,
I read you article and would like to let you know that I just created a medication emergency kit. It has many of the items you mention. I created because when my daughters were going away to college I could not find anything on the market that suited me.
It is currently on indiegogo. If people are interested, I will start producing it on a wider scale, otherwise, it will remain just for friends and family.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/remedy-pac-relief-from-what-ails-you#/
An 11th item I would include is Vick’s Vapor Rub. I has a lot of uses medicinal as well as fire starting, insect repellent, lubricant for tools and other equipment.
I would also include Naproxen. One tablet every 12 hours can make joint pain bearable. I would still take Ibuprofen because of it’s anti inflammatory uses. This can help muscles recover quicker after exertion.
Children should NOT be given aspirin because of the risk of developing Reyes Syndrome. This is a good list just to get some ideas, but that first sentence about aspirin really worried me.
The first sentence started with “for adults”. Calm down.
Throat spray and. Anti diarrhea pills. (Immodium)
I need some essential I’m a senior citizen
WOW, what a helpful article, and all the helpful feedbacks from everyone over the years! I am definite LATE chiming in, but here goes, some thots while reading all of your inputs:
1) If a pain or soreness you have is localized, i.e. only on a certain area or spot of your body, then some gel or ointment is safer than taking a medication orally. Try safe and effective remedies like the following 1st: Magnesium oil; an Essential oil mixture (e.g. Wintergreen + Ginger + Frankincense); and Ketoprofen gel. Mind you, don’t use these on open sores, wounds, or in contact with your eyes. And try not to use any essential oils on, or around, pregnant women or children below four years.
2) Trying natural remedies is awesome, and is always my 1st choice – IF I am in no hurry to recover (for any emergency needs or important appointments). Let’s say I have a major presentation to make in a day or two, and a bad cough, food poisoning, or bacterial throat infection sets in. Then I would take some pharmaceuticals for quick relief. After that, I would revert to whatever natural remedies I have.
Most times, when I am in no rush, I would allow my body to recover naturally, by “going natural” for at least a week or two before seeking allopathic medical attention – if I haven’t recovered by then. Now, this is not to say I won’t go to a hospital a.s.a.p. if I got a snake bite, a concussion, or a broken leg!
3) The main challenge & downside with natural remedies is “spoilage” or the loss of efficacy over time. Essential oils, water-soluble vitamins, Omega 3s, plant-based supplements, etc. can lose their potency easily when not stored in cool, dry & dark places with airtight packaging. Relying on these after 2 years’ storage can really be iffy. (Herbal tinctures in alcohol may last a few decades though.) So do plan ahead when you stock up on natural supplements and herbals.
4) Since the worldwide Covid scare these past few years, I have added the following to my home & bugout packs: Betadine-Iodine throat spray, Zinc throat spray, Colloidal/Nano silver solution, Oregano capsules, misc. Herbal tinctures (e.g. echinacea, goldenseal, astragalus, mullein, marshmallow, propolis, etc.), Elderberry-Sambucus syrup, Hydroxychloroquine tablets and Ivermectin tablets.
5) In the long haul, it’d best if we made friends and networked with qualified medical professionals whom we can rely on to safely hook up IV (intravenous) lines for us in times of emergency. Some nutrients and medicines work better and faster this way. Oral intakes cannot happen when a person is unable to eat or drink. Plus, we can’t eat enough vitamins to reverse an acute condition.
6) And oh, take it from someone who needs reading glasses: you are going to need a number of pairs of those stashed here and there when SHTF or something like that happens. Plus reliable LED torchlights and lamps with LOTS of spare batteries.
7) My main concerns now are how to access Clean Air, Clean Water supply (and achieve continuous good sewage), and Farm our own Foods, IF things go really bad. Most of us live in or around cities, relying solely on ammenities supplied by the local government.
Well, hope all these points help. Stay well, and prosper in every good and necessary thing, Everybody!
Thanks for all these great tips!
Don’t forget Ambesol or other tooth numbing medication for toothache. Eye drops, and petroleum jelly as well.
Iodine Tincture. Back in the 40s and 50s, along with Band-Aids, there were seven basic items found in the medicine cabinet. They were tincture of iodine or mercurochrome, aspirin, Ex-Lax, Vaseline, castor oil or cod liver oil, alcohol, and Vicks Vapor Rub.
Until at least the 1980s, it was usual to see tinctures of iodine as an essential component of grandma medicine cabinet.
I stockpile the Swan brand small 1oz Iodine tincture 2% bottles. Atleast 12 on hand at all times. You can get them on Amazon 6-pack for $20 (2023) to use in backpack or pass out or trade for when cash has no value.
Iodine is by far the best antibiotic, antiviral and antiseptic of all time – Dr. David Derry
Iodine has bactericidal activity:
1% tincture will kill 90% of bacteria in 90 seconds
5% tincture in 60 seconds
7% tincture in 15 seconds
Gershenfeld, 1968
Iodine kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and even spores of bacteria and fungi, including anthrax spores. Iodine was used successfully against influenza, herpes, small pox, and chicken pox viruses. Kills parasites, bacteria, mold, yeast, protozoa, viruses–essentially all pathogens including malaria, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. When iodine was suspended in a solution, viral inactivation occurred at dilutions of 1/1,000,000. (Gershenfeld, L.: Iodine. In Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. Edited by S. S. Block. Philadelphia, Les & Febiger, 1977, pp.196-218.)