Stockpiling Medication a Guide to Help You

Stockpiling medication, a guide to help you get started. What we really don’t want to do is wait until there is a panic to start this emergency reserve for medications. However, with the recent outbreaks of viruses I thought it was a good time to revisit this topic. You don’t have to be a dooms day prepper to make emergency preparations and a good stockpile of over-the-counter medications is essential.

Stockpiling Medication Everything You Need to Know

Over the counter medications are used for various reasons in our everyday lives. In a situation where you are unable to make it to a doctor, these are great to have on-hand. Whether it’s for something urgent or just a common cold, these are great to have at all-times. Check out my list of medications that you should start stockpiling right now!

Make sure to check out my other Stockpiling Guides.

You might also want to check out my Prepping for Non-Preppers.

Why Should I Stockpile Medications?

In the event of a natural disaster (or a man-made one), you want to have access to treatment. Emergency responders may not be able to get to you as quickly as you think.

Stockpiling Medications – Storage

How should I store medications that I am stockpiling?

You want to keep your medications in a cool, dark and dry spot. A pantry or kitchen cabinet are great options. I do NOT recommend storing them in your garage.

Expiration Dates on Over the Counter Medications

When you’re stockpiling any medication, over the counter or prescription, you want be aware of the dates. Medications can lose its effectiveness overtime.

—> Pull medications from the back of shelves for later dates.<—

Where to buy medications for stockpiling?

I like to check ads for my local pharmacy. I have also had good luck buying Amazon Basic Brands. The only downside to buying medications online is that you cannot check the expiration dates.

Stock Up on Home and Natural Remedies

Should I stockpile home and natural remedies?

Honestly I would start with natural remedies, supplements and essential oils. Most last longer than medications and don’t have the side-effects.

A good rule of thumb is to have a good supply of both natural and pharmaceutical meds.

SEE: Creating a Natural Pharmacy at Home

Pain Relief Medications

Aleve

Aleve is an anti-inflammatory drug and is used to treat ailments including headaches, inflammation, joint pain and fevers.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug, and similar to naproxen, is used to treat pain-related ailments. There are many benefits to taking ibuprofen, but women who are pregnant should not take it.

Tylenol

Tylenol is used to reduce fevers and pain primarily. While ibuprofen isn’t safe for pregnant women, tylenol is. There are also plenty of tylenol products that are safe for children to consume.

Aspirin

Aspirin is used to reduce pain, get rid of inflammation, and can also lower the risk of heart attacks. Aspirin can also be combined with other medications to enhance the effects.

Orajel

Orajel is a topical pain reducer that is used to treat sore throats and tooth pain.

Medications Stomach-Related Issues

Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-bismol is well-known for relieving digestive issues such as nausea, gas, indigestion and heartburn.

Tums

Tums are used to relieve a sour stomach, gas and heartburn. It is also effective in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

Epsom Salt

Can be used internally as a laxative. It can also reduce pain that comes from sore muscles which can occur after frequent vomiting during food poisoning or stomach flu.

See more on uses for Epsom Salt here.

Alka-seltzer

Alka-seltzer is an antacid that helps reduce diarrhea, which can be dangerous if not treated quickly because it can lead to dehydration.

Durolax

Durolax is good to have on hand when there is a need for a laxative. It is highly effective in treating constipation.

Cold and Flu Treatments

NyQuil

NyQuil is a miracle medicine when you are sick and are in desperate need of sleep. Just a small dose of this will relax you, relieve symptoms and help you get the z’s you need!

DayQuil

Similar to Nyquil, it relieves cold symptoms but does not cause drowsiness. It is best to take dayquil in the morning so it will help you get through the day when you don’t have the option to rest.

Zicam

Zicam separates itself from other cold medications because in addition to relieving cold symptoms, it also reduces the length of the cold.

Theraflu

Theraflu is unique because instead of just being a liquid medicine, it is made as a hot tea. This is helpful for people who can’t stomach liquid medications, it also helps the taste!

Elderberry Syrup or Tablets

Elderberry tablets Or syrup can be used to provide fast relief from colds. This is a homeopathic option that you should take right when symptoms begin.

Cough Relief and Decongestants

Mucinex

Mucinex provides relief and helps get rid of mucus stuck in the throat and chest.

Sudafed

Sudafed is a highly-effective medicine that provides short-term relief from congestion and cold symptoms.

Robitussin

Robitussin is commonly used to provide relief from constant coughing and congestion.

Vicks Vaporub

Vicks can be used on the chest, neck and soles of the feet to relieve coughing. This also can help you get sleep when you need to rest and get over a cold quickly

Cepacol

Cepacol are throat-lozenges that are effective in soothing a sore throat and stopping a nasty cough.

Fisherman’s Friend Cough Drops

These are some of the strongest cough drops I’ve personally used but boy do they work!

Allergies

Benadryl

Benadryl is effective in treating sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes and minor allergic reactions. Be careful though, this will make you drowsy! It can be a effective sleep aid too.

Zyrtec

Zyrtec is used to treat allergies and allergic reactions. It is an antihistamine that provides relief almost instantly!

Claritin

Claritin is another great allergy-fighting medication. It is great to have on-hand when a runny nose hits!

Allegra

Another antihistamine that will help fight against allergic reactions. This has been proven to help reactions caused by bug bites.

Benadryl Gel

            Anti-itch gel is great against fighting itching caused by bug bites or rashes.

Sleep/Depression/Anxiety/Stress

Be sure to check out my post about Natural Sleep Aids.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a sleep-aid tablet that is also known to relieve anxiety while trying to fall asleep, it also helps you stay asleep throughout the night.

Dramamine

Dramamine is a life saver medicine that helps with anxiety, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.

St. Johns Wort

St. Johns Wort tablets come from a plant. It has been said that it helps ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep issues and stress.

Also See: Growing & Using St. John’s Wort

Unisom

Unisom is another sleep-aid. It can also help with symptoms of hay fever.

Natrol

Natrol otherwise known as SAMe is effective in treating depression symptoms.

Wounds/Skin Related Issues

Natural Remedies: Calendula Oil (how to make and use it).

Hydro-cortisone

Hydro-cortisone helps relieve itching and rashes. It also can help symptoms of eczema.

Clotrimazole

A cream that helps bacteria associated with yeast infections or athlete’s foot. 

Neosporin

Apply to cuts and scrapes and this will help sooth the wound and prevent it from getting infected.

Lidocaine

Lidocaine helps treat itching and minor burns. It focuses on pain receptors which allows the skin to numb to relieve pain and heal quickly.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is effective in treating sun burns. It will sooth the pain and take away the horrible burning sensation!

Stockpiling Medication – Prescriptions

We can’t talk about stockpiling medication without addressing our prescription meds. It is always good to have more than a one month supply for your prescription medications. Many health insurance companies will now cover a 3 month supply. Ask your health care provider about getting a prescription like this.

When is the best time to stockpile medication?

The best answer is now. But don’t wait until people are in a panic! Medications will fly off the shelves without warning or reason. Use your common sense, only get what you really need to build your supply.