What OTC Medicine for Kids to Take With you on a Resort Vacation

Question: 
What OTC medicine for kids do you take with you for resort vacation in Caribbean country such Mexico, Dominican Republic or Jamaica?
 

Answer:
I am sure the resort you are going to has some small medical center, pharmacy, nurse and maybe a doctor. However it is always a good idea to have basics so you don't wait long hours until pharmacy store is open or nurse to come to provide basic medical assistance.

• Assorted shapes and sizes of bandages and an antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin) to help with minor scrapes and cuts. If your family usually takes fairly active vacations like ours does, I don’t need to explain why this is a must. Even if you are a more leisurely type who prefers to spend vacations lounging on a beach or around the pool, these can often come in handy (as we experienced with our son who fell into a large cactus near the resort swimming pool during our recent vacation in Mexico).   

• Activated charcoal  and Pedialyte (or similar). If you have upset stomach and/or helping to prevent dehydration

• A few packets of alcohol wipes. Soap and water usually work fine (and sting less) to clean minor cuts and scrapes, but they might not always be available when you’re on the go.

• A sterile needle (can be from a sewing kit, just make sure you clean it with alcohol wipes) and tweezers. You may need to take out splinters (or, in my case, cactus spines), so these two items can come in handy and are easy to pack due to their small size.

• Hydrocortisone ointment for temporary itch relief. Comes in handy for soothing mosquito and other insect bites or other itchy skin condition (minor rashes/topical allergic reactions). In any case, I always bring a tube of 1% Hydrocortisone ointment with us.

• An antihistamine (such as Benadryl) for temporary relief from allergies.In the past, our children have had reactions caused by flowering plants and friends’ furry cats, and one time even by rabbits we petted. A dose of Benadryl quickly helped relieve and eventually stop the hives resulting from the allergic reaction.

• Pain killer/fever reducer. Some doctors and/or families prefer Tylenol, others Motrin. Whatever your choice, have a full bottle ready to bring with you. And if you haven’t weighed your child under 12 lately, make sure you do before your trip.  They may have moved up in dosage.

• Sunblock. Don't forget to protect your kids and you from the sun.

• Finally, motion sickness drugs. Depending on the nature of your trip, you may not need this one at all, but otherwise I suggest you bring a pack of Children’s Dramamine. It comes in kid friendly chewable pills, so they are easy to administer. 

Hope you will not use any of these items, but having them ready is always a good idea. Have a great vacation!