Travel pharmacy: What should be included? The checklist

Whether a beach holiday, city or adventure trip – during vacations one wants to relax, discover new things and escape from everyday life. But just as one looks forward to the best time of the year, a small incident can quickly dampen the holiday mood: a sprained ankle, an upset stomach, or sunburn after a day at the beach. This is exactly where the travel pharmacy comes into play – an often underestimated but extremely important part of any travel preparation.

Why a travel pharmacy is so important

With a travel pharmacy, you have taken precautions for yourself and your family for the most common illnesses and minor injuries. In an emergency, it saves time, money and nerves, provides first aid on trips, and enables quick self-treatment for

• mild pain or fever
• gastrointestinal complaints
• allergic reactions
• injuries or insect bites
• jet lag, sleep problems, or motion sickness

Medications when traveling: Important medicines belong in the hand luggage

Chronically ill people who take medication regularly should take a generously calculated supply of medicines: Since it can always happen that the luggage arrives at the holiday destination late or gets lost, all medicines that need to be taken regularly should be stowed in the hand luggage.

Anyone who has to take a liquid medication on the plane should get a medical certificate that they can show during checks at the airport.

Travel pharmacy checklist: What it should contain

This range of active ingredients is sufficient for a healthy normal traveler. In addition, the scope of the travel pharmacy should be tailored to your individual needs and pre-existing conditions. Be sure to consult with your treating physician in advance.

Tip: Many pharmacies already offer pre-packed travel pharmacies with a selection of useful remedies.

1. Basic medication for typical ailments

• Painkillers & antipyretics (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Remedies for nausea and vomiting (e.g. Vomex, travel tablets)
• Remedies for diarrhea (e.g. loperamide, electrolytes)
• Remedies for constipation (e.g., Dulcolax)
• Heartburn and stomach remedies (e.g., Pantoprazole, antacids)