Non-Rx Oral Medication Module
Percogesic tablets (pain, fever, muscle spasm, sleep aid, anxiety, congestion, cough, and nausea)
Ibuprofen 200 mg tablets (pain, fever, bursitis, tendonitis, menstrual cramps)
Diphenhydramine 25 mg tablets (antihistamine, anti-anxiety, cough, muscle cramps, nausea, motion sickness prevention)
Bisacodyl 5 mg tablets (constipation)
Loperamide 2 mg tablets (diarrhea)
Ranitidine 150 mg tablets (heartburn, certain allergic reactions)
✓ Alternatives to the use of these medications are discussed in the treatment options throughout the book. Each medication is multi functional and also has cross-therapeutic versatility. This means that each item can be used for more than one problem, and problems have more than one drug that can be used as treatment. This allows a minimal number of medications to be carried, yet provides depth of coverage if one medication is in short supply.
PERCOGESIC TABLETS
Relieves pain, fever, and muscle spasm. Each tablet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen and 12.5 mg of citrate diphenhydramine. Ideal for injuries of joints and muscles, as well as aches from infections. Diphenhydramine is also a decongestant and cough suppressant. It also induces drowsiness and can be used as a sleeping aid or to calm a hysterical person (these indications are not included on the pack aging information). Dosage is generally 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. One of the most useful non-Rx drugs obtainable.
IBUPROFEN TABLETS, 200 MG
Brand names are Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin, among others. Relieves pain, fever, menstrual cramps, and inflammation. Overuse syndromes such as bursitis and tendonitis are common in work-related activities, and this is an ideal treatment. The non-Rx dosage is 2 tablets 4 times a day. Should be taken with food to prevent stomach irritation or heartburn. The Rx dosage is 4 tablets taken 4 times daily, a dose that may be necessary for severe inflammation.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE TABLETS, 25 MG
The brand name is Benadryl; many variations are sold containing more ingredients than just the diphenhydramine. For antihistamine action, these capsules can be taken 1 or 2 every 6 hours. To use as a powerful cough suppresser, the dose is 1 tablet every 6 hours. For muscle spasm relief, take 1 or 2 tablets at bedtime alone, or in combination with 2 ibuprofen 200 mg tablets. For nausea or motion sick ness, take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed. For sleep induction take 1 or 2 tablets just before going to bed. The Percogesic included in this module also contains diphenhydramine.
LOPERAMIDE TABLETS, 2 MG
An antidiarrheal with the brand name of Imodium. Dosage for per sons 12 and older is 2 tablets after the first loose bowel movement, followed by 1 tablet after each subsequent loose bowel movement, but no more than 4 tablets a day for no more than 2 days. The prescription use of this medication is usually 2 tablets immediately, and 2 with each loose stool up to a maximum of 8 per day. Follow the package instructions for children's dosages.
RANITIDINE TABLETS, 150 MG
Brand name is Zantac. This medication suppresses acid formation. It may also be used to treat certain allergic reactions. The non-Rx dosage is 1 tablet daily. Prescription use goes as high as 300 mg daily for acid suppression. Stronger formulations of medications are available to treat stomach heartburn and reflux symptoms, such as the PPI class of compounds including OTC omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and espmeprazole (Nexium). If you have severe problems with these conditions, substitute them for ranitidine (Zantac).
The Off-Grid medical kit also includes prescription modules. Prescription items can properly be requested from your family physician or from a physician who understands your special needs as a prepper. There are alternative sourcing possibilities. Many items can be purchased internationally via the Internet. Some materials may be obtained from aquarium stores or agricultural outlets. As these sources maybe "moving targets," the best advice is for you to check prepper blogs and websites for the latest sourcing suggestions.