PATRIOT INSIDER
The 10 Most Critical Over-The-Counter Medications to Stockpile
What you’ll need when pharmacies close
When disaster hits, most people imagine shelves stripped of bread, milk, and bottled water. But the first thing to vanish in every real collapse
Medicine.
In Bosnia, Venezuela, and even after U.S. hurricanes, people lined up for hours only to find pharmacies already empty. In a grid-down world, there are no refills, no overnight shipments, no “ask your doctor.”
That’s why every serious prepper needs to build a survival pharmacy now.
Here are the 10 most critical OTC medications to stockpile — small investments today that could save lives tomorrow. (Can also be used for barter)
1. Pain & Fever Reducer (Acetaminophen / Tylenol)
Brings down fever.
Manages pain when you need to stay functional.
Safe for most people, including kids (check dosing).
2. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen / Naproxen)
Reduces inflammation from injuries.
Helps with arthritis, sprains, muscle pain.
Also brings down fever.
3. Aspirin
Classic pain reliever.
Low-dose aspirin can help during suspected heart attack (chewed immediately).
Also used as blood thinner in emergencies.
4. Antihistamines (Diphenhydramine / Benadryl, Loratadine / Claritin)
Critical for allergic reactions.
Can reduce itching, rashes, hay fever.
In severe cases, Benadryl can buy time during anaphylaxis until epinephrine is available.
5. Antidiarrheals (Loperamide / Imodium)
Diarrhea = dehydration = death in survival scenarios.
Stops fluid loss when clean water is scarce.
6. Electrolyte Packets (Oral Rehydration Salts / Pedialyte Powder)
Not technically “meds,” but essential.
Replaces lost fluids & salts from heat, vomiting, diarrhea.
Absolute lifesaver for kids & elderly.
7. Antacids (Calcium Carbonate / Tums, Omeprazole / Prilosec)
Relief from acid reflux or gastritis.
Stress, bad food, and irregular meals during collapse = guaranteed stomach problems.
8. Antibiotic Ointment (Neosporin / Bacitracin)
Prevents infection in cuts & wounds when hospitals aren’t an option.
Minor scrapes can turn deadly without it.
9. Cough & Cold Medications
Decongestants (Pseudoephedrine / Phenylephrine).
Expectorants (Guaifenesin / Mucinex).
Pain/fever combos.
Respiratory bugs spread like wildfire when sanitation drops.
10. Antifungal & Hydrocortisone Creams
Fungal infections thrive when showers are scarce (athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch).
Hydrocortisone soothes itchy rashes, insect bites, and skin irritation.
Bonus Additions
Thermometers (digital + backups).
Gloves & masks (sanitation is medicine).
Syringes/med cups for accurate dosing.
You don’t need a pharmacy to survive collapse — you need foresight.
Pain, fever, diarrhea, infection, allergic reactions — all are treatable if you’ve stocked the right tools.
The time to prepare is before the lights go out and the shutters go down. Because once collapse hits, the only “pharmacy” left will be the one you built yourself.
Stay sharp. Get prepped. Stay healthy.
—George Shepherd
P.S. Many preppers are stockpiling essential oils because of their extremely long shelf-life, portability and health benefits without side effects. Here’s the source I recommend because ultra-high purity level. Watch Video Here »
Until next time… STAY PREPARED
Remember: The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second best time is now.
Forward this newsletter to fellow patriots who value self-reliance and preparation.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, stay alive.
