Medication Master Reference

Over the counter · Oral

Pain reliever and fever reducer for headaches, body aches, and fever. Used for mild-to-moderate pain when a gentler option than NSAIDs is needed.

Prescription only · Oral

Helps the body adjust to elevation, preventing and treating altitude sickness. Started 1-2 days before ascent above roughly 8,000 feet.

Prescription only · Inhaler

Fast-acting rescue inhaler that opens the airways during an asthma attack, wheezing, or breathing difficulty. Used at the first sign of chest tightness or shortness of breath.

Over the counter · Inhalant

Single-use ampules that release ammonia vapor to stimulate breathing and restore alertness after fainting or a mild head injury. Crushed and held under the nose.

Prescription only · Oral

Penicillin-class antibiotic for common bacterial infections such as ear infections, strep throat, and UTIs. Taken when a bacterial (not viral) infection is diagnosed or suspected.

Prescription only · Oral

Broader-spectrum antibiotic (amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid) for sinus, skin, and respiratory infections that resist plain amoxicillin. Used when a stronger first-line antibiotic is needed.

Prescription only · Oral

Antibiotic for respiratory infections, traveler's diarrhea, and certain STIs. A short 3-6 day course, useful when fast, broad coverage is needed away from a pharmacy.

Prescription only · Oral

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea, UTIs, and certain GI/skin infections. Reserved for infections where other antibiotics aren't suitable or resistance is a concern.

Prescription only · Eye drops

Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis ("pink eye"). A few drops applied to the affected eye several times a day.

Prescription only · Oral

Steroid used at high altitude to treat severe altitude sickness (and more broadly for inflammation and severe allergic reactions). Reserved for worsening symptoms despite acetazolamide.

Over the counter · Oral

Antihistamine for allergic reactions, hives, and itching, and as a short-term sleep aid. Taken at the onset of an allergic flare or for occasional sleeplessness.

Prescription only · Oral

Tetracycline antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea, tick-borne illness (Lyme disease), respiratory/skin infections, and malaria prevention. Taken with food to reduce stomach upset.

Prescription only · Auto-injector

Emergency injection for anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction). Used immediately at the first sign of throat swelling, widespread hives, or trouble breathing, followed by calling for emergency help.

Prescription only · Oral

Antifungal for yeast infections. A single dose typically clears an uncomplicated vaginal yeast infection.

Over the counter · Oral

Fast-acting sugar tablets to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in diabetics or after prolonged exertion. Chewed at the first sign of shakiness, confusion, or dizziness from low blood sugar.

Prescription only · Oral

Antihistamine for itching and hives, and for short-term anxiety relief. Taken when allergic itching or acute anxiety needs quick relief.

Over the counter · Oral

NSAID pain reliever and anti-inflammatory for headaches, muscle aches, and fever. Used for pain with swelling or inflammation (sprains, cramps) when acetaminophen isn't enough.

Prescription only · Oral

Antiparasitic used for infections like scabies and certain worm infestations. Taken as a single or short course once a parasitic infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.

Prescription only · Eye drops

Antihistamine eye drops for itchy, watery, allergic eyes. Used as needed when allergens (pollen, dust) trigger eye irritation.

Over the counter · Oral

Anti-diarrheal that slows the gut to control acute diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea. Used alongside (not instead of) antibiotics when bacterial diarrhea is suspected.

Prescription only · Oral

Prevents and treats motion sickness, sea sickness, and vertigo-related nausea. Taken before travel or at the first sign of queasiness.

Prescription only · Oral

Antibiotic for certain GI infections (like giardia) and bacterial vaginosis. Used for infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and some parasites — avoid alcohol while taking it.

Over the counter · Oral

Combination cough suppressant and mucus-thinning expectorant for chest congestion and a persistent cough from a cold or respiratory illness.

Prescription only · Topical cream

Topical antibiotic ointment for minor skin infections and infected cuts or scrapes. Applied directly to the affected skin area 2-3 times a day.

Prescription only · Oral

Antibiotic specifically for urinary tract infections (UTIs). A first-line treatment when UTI symptoms (burning, urgency) appear.

Prescription only · Oral

Anti-nausea medication that dissolves under the tongue. Used for nausea and vomiting from illness, food poisoning, or motion.

Prescription only · Oral

Antiviral for influenza. Most effective when started within 48 hours of flu symptoms (fever, body aches, cough) to shorten illness and reduce severity.

Over the counter · Nasal spray

Decongestant nasal spray for a stuffy nose from a cold, sinus infection, or allergies. Not for more than 3 days in a row to avoid rebound congestion.

Over the counter · Oral

OTC remedy for upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea. Chewed or swallowed at the first sign of GI distress.

Over the counter · Oral

OTC remedy for upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea. Chewed or swallowed at the first sign of GI distress.

Prescription only · Topical cream

Topical treatment for scabies and lice. Applied to the skin and left on for a set time (usually 8-14 hours) to kill mites/lice and their eggs.

Prescription only · Oral

Urinary tract analgesic that numbs bladder/urethra pain from a UTI. Taken alongside an antibiotic for fast symptom relief (turns urine orange — this is expected).

Prescription only · Oral

Blocks the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine during a nuclear/radiological emergency. Taken only on official guidance during such an event, not as routine iodine supplementation.

Prescription only · Oral

Oral corticosteroid for significant inflammation — severe allergic reactions, asthma/COPD flares, poison ivy, or autoimmune flare-ups. Typically a short tapering course.

Prescription only · Transdermal patch

Transdermal patch worn behind the ear that prevents motion and sea sickness. Applied several hours before travel and lasts up to 3 days.

Prescription only · Topical cream

Antimicrobial burn cream that prevents infection in burns and open wounds. Applied to clean, injured skin with a sterile applicator.

Prescription only · Topical ointment

Topical corticosteroid for itching, rashes, eczema, and skin inflammation. Applied sparingly to affected skin; not for long-term or large-area use.

Prescription only · Oral

Antiviral for cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes outbreaks. Most effective when started at the very first sign of an outbreak (tingling before blisters appear).