Before starting your trip, you should put together a first-aid kit. The following drugs/medicines should be part of the basic equipment of a medicine cabinet:
- Analgesics (painkillers) – e.g. paracetamol 500 mg; if necessary also NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASS).
- Antihistamine ointment, possibly with hydrocortisone – for insect bites / sunburn.
- Eye drops against conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis).
- Hypnotics (sleeping pills)
- Insect repellents; the following ingredients show good efficacy:
- Diethyltoluamide (DEET); contained, for example, in concentrations of 30 to 50 percent in: Anti Brumm Forte, Care Plus and Nobite (protection between five and eight hours against diurnal and nocturnal mosquitoes and against malaria vectors).
- Icaridin, for example, contained in Autan, Azaron, Ballistol and Parazeet (almost as successful).
- Plant-based: mixtures as coconut precursor fatty acids and essential oils; effect lower and shorter than chemical repellents.
- Medicines against diarrhea (diarrhea) – including electrolyte powder.
- Medication against gastric discomfort – metoclopramide.
- Medication for bruises / strains – Diclofenac gel.
- Medication for motion sickness (antivertiginosa).
- Ear drops against otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal).
- Sedatives (tranquilizers)
- Spasmolytics (antispasmodic drugs) – N-butylscopolamine (e.g., for smooth muscle spasms, so-called colic).
- Wound treatment agents
- Antiseptic wound ointment / solution; if necessary, disinfectant spray.
- Dressing material – gauze bandages (8 cm), wound plasters, sterile compresses (7.5 x 7.5 cm), adhesive plasters; elastic bandages (8 cm).
- Disinfectant for hands / objects
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- Individual medications that are needed on a regular basis – a doctor’s note can be helpful to ease the sometimes strict guidelines for importing medications
- Clinical thermometer
- Tick tongs
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Spare glasses for spectacle wearers
Need medication according to individual constitution:
- Laxatives
- Loperamide (drug from the group of peristaltic inhibitors used for symptomatic treatment of diarrhea; note contraindications).
- Thrombosis prophylaxis (heparin).
- Etc.
The following aids/medications are eligible for additional equipment* :
- Sterile material for emergencies (disposable syringes, disposable needles, sutures, etc.).
- Medication for prophylaxis/emergency medication against malaria (after prior explanation by the doctor).
- Emergency kits for dental treatment, treatment of snakebites, etc.
- Antibiotics (after consultation with your doctor).
* The more remote the destination, the more fully equipped a first-aid kit should be. Medicines should be packed in your hand luggage for flights and generally stored between +8 and +25 ° C if possible. The UV light associated with sunlight can also lead to a weakening of the effect or even a loss of efficacy, depending on the duration of the light effect. This applies in particular to drugs such as nifedipine, nitroglycerin, theophylline and insulin. Important information for diabetics Glucagon emergency kit for patients on insulin therapy or rapidly absorbable carbohydrates, gels or sprays can be life-saving in the event of hypoglycemia. Both therefore belong in your hand luggage so that they are always to hand. During the flight, train or bus ride, it is advisable to measure blood glucose every three hours and to drink regularly. For desiccosis treatment (treatment of dehydration), you should have enough mineral water and electrolyte replacement with you. Keep in mind that you may need two to three times the amount of insulin, pens, pump accessories, syringes, test strips, or blood glucose-lowering medications. It is also advisable to have a multilingual diabetic card that lists the necessary medications. This often saves trouble with customs. In addition, it is important that you also have your doctor certify that it is necessary to carry insulin syringes.
