Essential OTC Products for Your Summer First Aid Kit

Now that summer has started and we are all enjoying more traveling and outdoor activities, it’s crucial to be prepared for the minor mishaps and discomforts that can come along with the fun. Having a well-stocked first aid kit at home can provide peace of mind and quick relief when needed. Here’s a list of over-the-counter products you should always have on hand for emergency situations, especially during busy summer months. 

1. Pain Relief

• Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

  • Used for pain and fever.  

  • Safe for children, but follow dosing instructions carefully. 

  • Avoid alcohol while taking Tylenol. 

  • Do not exceed more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) per day. 

  • Can take orally every 6-8 hours. 

• Advil (Ibuprofen)  

  • Useful for pain, fevers, and inflammation. 

  • Can alternate with Tylenol for superior pain and fever control. 

  • Do not exceed more than 1,200 mg per day. 

  • Can take every 8-12 hours

• Aspirin

  • Less common, but still good to have on hand for pain and inflammation.

  • Aspirin should not be given to children < 18 years old with flu or chickenpox. 

2. Eye Care

• Muro 

• • Can treat inflammation and conjunctivitis. 

  • Kills most viruses and bacteria

3. Cold/Flu

• Benadryl

  • Used for allergies, itching, insomnia, and even nausea.

  • Safe for children as young as 2 years old.  

• Honey 

  • Antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that fight against viruses and help alleviate cold symptoms.

  • Soothes sore throat and may help with cough.

• Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine)

  • A nasal decongestant that comes in handy for reducing sinus pressure that you may feel in your face, nose, or eyes. 

  • Sudafed increases blood pressure, so use with caution if you have a history of high blood pressure. 

  • Sudafed can make you feel jittery and keep you awake, so consider not taking this too late in the day.  

• Antibiotics

  • Although antibiotics cannot be purchased over the counter in the U.S., you may consider buying an emergency supply kit that contains antibiotics.  

  • Jase Case offers emergency supply kits with broad-spectrum antibiotics that can be used for a multitude of bacterial infections.

4. Topical Products

• Sallye Ander No-Bite-Me Cream

• • This all-natural product is the perfect bug repellent and after-bite cream, particularly for mosquito and ant bites. 

• Emogene & Co Healer Balm

• • I highly recommend including this balm in your first aid kit. 

  • It functions as a lip balm, moisturizer, sunburn and windburn reliever, bug bite soother, and more, all in one convenient tin.

• Hydrocortisone Cream/Ointment 

• • Calms itchy or irritated skin due to allergies, bug bites, rashes, etc. 

  • Also useful for relieving discomfort due to hemorrhoids. 

• Lidocaine

• • Numbing and temporary pain relief.  

  • Avoid use in children ≤ 3 years old. 

• Lamisil 
  • Treats fungal infections like athlete’s foot and jock itch.
  • Particularly good to have on hand if you’ll be spending time in or around public pools and locker rooms this summer. 

5. Wound Care

• Hibiclens

• Antiseptic used for cleaning wounds and preventing infection. 

• Easy to find at drug stores, grocery stores, and online.  

• Potassium iodine

• Like hibiclens, potassium iodine can be used as an antiseptic to cleanse wounds and prevent infection.

6. Upset Stomach 

• Imodium 

  • Used to treat diarrhea in adults and children over 2 years old.  

• Pepto 

  • Helps alleviate upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and gas. 

  • Should not be used in children with the flu or chickenpox. 

By stocking up on these essentials, you can handle common summer mishaps and ailments with ease and enjoy the season to the fullest. Remember to always follow instructions on the labels and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions.