During Dashain, the number of people travelling long distances to return to their hometowns and meet family members increases. Travellers may experience fever, headaches, nausea, diarrhoea or minor injuries along the way. Therefore, while packing clothes and gifts for the journey, it is also important to carry essential medicines and first-aid supplies.
However, simply packing medicines is not enough. Knowing which medicines may be needed, how to use them and when to consult a healthcare professional is equally important.
Here is a list of essential medicines to consider carrying before setting out on your journey, along with guidance on their use.
1. For motion sickness and nausea
Many travellers experience headaches, dizziness, acid reflux and vomiting while travelling on winding or hilly roads. These symptoms can make a journey extremely uncomfortable.
Which medicine to use?
Promethazine.
How to use it?
Taking this medicine about half an hour before travelling may help prevent nausea and vomiting during the journey. However, promethazine can cause drowsiness and should be used only after consulting a healthcare professional, particularly if you will be driving.
2. For diarrhoea and dehydration
During Dashain, eating uncovered food from roadside hotels or shops, consuming oily meals and drinking contaminated water can increase the risk of stomach problems, food poisoning and diarrhoea.
Medicines and medical supplies
Oral rehydration salts (ORS), loperamide or metronidazole.
How to use them?
If diarrhoea occurs, dissolve ORS in the correct amount of clean water and drink it regularly to replace lost fluids and essential salts. Loperamide may be appropriate in certain cases, but it should be used according to a healthcare professional’s advice. Metronidazole is an antimicrobial medicine and should not be taken routinely for diarrhoea without medical advice.
3. For indigestion, gastric problems and heartburn
Dashain is a festival associated with food and feasting. Eating large quantities of meat dishes, spicy foods and sweets can cause bloating, indigestion, acidity and heartburn.
Medicines
Pantoprazole or omeprazole, and antacids in tablet or liquid form.
How to use them?
Pantoprazole and omeprazole are generally taken before meals when indicated, while antacids may provide relief from occasional heartburn. Follow the instructions on the medicine label or the advice of a healthcare professional rather than taking these medicines routinely before eating oily or spicy foods.
4. For sudden fever and pain
Travel fatigue, exposure to cold air or accidental bumps can cause body aches, headaches or sudden fever.
Medicines
Paracetamol and ibuprofen.
How to use them?
Paracetamol can help relieve fever and mild body aches or headaches when taken at the recommended dose. Ibuprofen may help with certain types of pain and inflammation, but it is not suitable for everyone. People with dehydration, stomach ulcers, kidney problems or certain other health conditions should avoid taking it without medical advice.
5. For allergies and cold symptoms
Exposure to road dust, smoke or cold air during travel may trigger itchy eyes, frequent sneezing, a blocked nose or itchy skin.
Medicines
Cetirizine or levocetirizine.
How to use them?
These medicines may help relieve allergy symptoms. Some people experience drowsiness after taking them, so follow the recommended instructions and avoid driving if affected. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
6. Essential first-aid supplies
Minor injuries, cuts and scratches can occur during long journeys. Carrying basic first-aid supplies can help you manage such situations.
- Bandages and dressing materials
- A suitable antiseptic for cleaning wounds
- Sterile gauze and disposable gloves
- A digital thermometer
- Tweezers and small scissors
- Hand sanitiser or soap
- Masks and mosquito repellent, as needed
It may also be useful to carry a pain-relief cream or spray for minor muscle aches or sprains, provided it is suitable for your condition.
Avoid using antibiotics and painkillers without medical advice
Carrying medicines for travel does not mean you should take antibiotics, steroids, sedatives or strong painkillers without consulting a healthcare professional.
A fever does not necessarily mean antibiotics are required. Most common colds are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective. Unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making infections more difficult to treat.
Similarly, medicines that stop diarrhoea are not suitable in every situation. In particular, do not use them without medical advice if diarrhoea is accompanied by bloody stools or a high fever. When purchasing medicines from a pharmacy, clearly explain your symptoms and disclose any other medicines you are taking.
Proper medicine storage is equally important
The bag used to carry medicines should be clean, dry and easily accessible. Medicines should be protected from excessive heat, direct sunlight and moisture and kept out of children’s reach. Avoid leaving them in hot areas inside vehicles for extended periods.
Whenever possible, keep medicines in their original packaging with their labels intact. Transferring medicines into separate packets without clearly identifying their names and dosages can be risky. Do not use medicines that have expired, changed colour or appearance, or have damaged packaging.
It is also useful to carry regular prescription medicines, prescriptions from your doctor, details of any medicine allergies and copies of relevant medical records. These can help healthcare professionals make informed decisions if your medicines are lost or you develop a health problem during the journey.
3 important things to remember
1. People with chronic conditions should take extra precautions.
If you regularly take medicines for diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, thyroid disorders or other chronic conditions, carry enough medication for the entire trip, plus at least one additional week where possible. Keep essential medicines in an easily accessible handbag rather than placing them in luggage that may be difficult to reach.
2. Check the expiry dates.
Before packing medicines, check their expiry dates. Expired medicines may not work as intended and should not be used.
3. Seek professional advice.
Pregnant women, children and older adults may require different medicines and dosages. It is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before travelling to determine which medicines are appropriate and safe.
A few simple precautions can go a long way towards ensuring that health problems do not spoil the joy of the festive season. Health awareness is the first step towards safe travel.
—By Krishna Nanda Mehta
(He is working as the head of the pharmacy department at Dolpa District Hospital.)
