What to Include in Your Emergency Medication Kit (Prescription & OTC)

📚 Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Medication Planning Matters
• Essential Prescription Medications
• Must-Have Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
• Support Tools & Supplies to Include
• Storage & Rotation Tips
• FAQS
• Coming Next on the Blog
• Ready To Build Your Kit?
• References

🚨 Introduction

If you're new to emergency planning, you might want to start with Blog Post #1: Why Every Household Needs an Emergency Medication Kit. It explains the big-picture reasons why medical readiness is just as important as food and water.

When disaster strikes, having the right medications on hand can truly be life-saving. Whether it’s a wildfire evacuation, multi-day power outage, or extended travel delay, being without critical medications could lead to serious health consequences.

But what exactly should go into your emergency medication kit? This guide will walk you through the essential prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) items to consider for your home, car, or go-bag — plus support tools and best practices.

💊 Why Medication Planning Matters

According to the CDC, more than 6 in 10 U.S. adults live with a chronic condition — and many rely on daily medications. Even one missed dose can cause a health decline, especially in emergencies.

In an emergency, getting to a pharmacy may be impossible. Hospitals may be overwhelmed. Even a short delay in access to medications can lead to complications — especially for individuals with chronic conditions or allergies.

That’s why a well-stocked medication kit is a critical part of any emergency preparedness plan. It ensures you can:

• Start treatment at the first sign of illness or injury
• Avoid unnecessary ER visits
• Manage chronic conditions safely

🩺 Essential Prescription Medications

⚠️ Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before including any prescription medications in your emergency kit.

💡 Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance on what’s appropriate for your individual health profile.

Here are commonly recommended prescription meds to consider including:

• Antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin, Azithromycin) — For common infections
• Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine) — For allergic reactions
• Anti-nausea meds (e.g., Ondansetron) — For vomiting, motion sickness
• Pain relievers/anti-inflammatories (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• GI medications (e.g., Loperamide, Ondansetron) — For diarrhea, nausea
• Emergency inhalers (Albuterol) or EpiPens — If prescribed
• Other chronic condition meds — Such as insulin, thyroid meds, blood pressure meds

🛑 Reminder: Prescription meds must be ordered by a provider. Wasatch Advanced Wellness offers a $90 NP consultation to help you build a safe, customized kit.

🛒 Must-Have Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

OTC meds are just as important — especially for treating common symptoms that may arise when medical care is limited:

• Pain relievers (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen)
• Antacids (TUMS, famotidine)
• Electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration salts
• Allergy meds (Loratadine, Cetirizine)
• Hydrocortisone cream — For rashes, bug bites, skin irritation
• Saline rinse or artificial tears — Eye and nasal hydration
• Cold & flu meds — Cough drops, decongestants, throat sprays

Choose non-drowsy options when possible. Avoid multi-symptom formulas unless you understand each active ingredient.

📝 Free Printable: Don’t just pack medications — know exactly how to use them.
Download my Emergency Dosage Cheat Sheet with safe dosing guidelines for the most common OTC meds.📥 Get Your Free Dosage Guide »

🧰 Support Tools & Supplies to Include

Medications are only part of the equation. The right support tools make your kit more functional and user-friendly — especially when you're dealing with a high-stress emergency situation. Here are the key items to consider including:

• Pill organizer or med bag
• Dosing instructions (printable)
• Emergency med guide (like the one in our kits!)
• Flashlight + batteries
• Medication list + symptom tracker
• Photocopies of insurance and prescriptions

🧼 Storage & Rotation Tips

🔁 Want more detailed storage strategies? Stay tuned for Blog Post #4 where we’ll cover medication storage and shelf-life planning in depth.

‍In the meantime, here are a few brief reminders:

• Avoid high heat and humidity
• Keep medications dry and clearly labeled
• Review your kit twice a year to update expiration dates

📝 Pro Tip: Use a contents checklist to monitor your stock over time.

❓ FAQS

• Can I include prescription meds in my kit without a visit?
  ‍You’ll need a provider consultation. Our $90 NP visit can help with that.
• How many days of medication should I include?
   Ideally, 7–14 days for each medication. It’s better to have extra than run out.
• Can I use expired OTC meds in an emergency?
  Some may retain potency, but it’s best to rotate regularly. Our guide includes details on shelf life.
• Is it safe to store medications in my car?
  Only short-term. High heat can degrade meds quickly. We recommend home kits for long-term storage.

🔜 Coming Next

Next Post: Emergency Medication Planning for Kids, Elderly, and Pregnant WomenWe’ll explore how to safely prep meds for vulnerable family members with unique needs.

✨ Ready to Build Your Kit?

Don’t guess. Be prepared. Download a digital Emergency Medication Kit from Wasatch Advanced Wellness and add a nurse practitioner visit if you need prescriptions.
🛒 Shop the Kits on Etsy
📅 Book Your NP Visit

🔬 References

Here are some trusted resources, data sources, and expert articles that support the information in this post:

• CDC. "Emergency Health Supplies Checklist."
• WHO. "Essential Medicines List."
• Mayo Clinic. "Safe Medication Storage Guidelines."
• NPR. "Millions Faced Medication Access Issues During COVID-19."
• American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. "Role of emergency supply kits during disasters."
• Ready.gov. "Build a Kit – Emergency Medications."
• BeReady Utah. "Family Emergency Preparedness Guide."

📑 Table of Contents