Spring boarding off of the daypack help topic, which OTC meds do you find essential to have in a daypack first aid kit (or any kit for that matter) and for why?

Off the top of my head, I go with:

Benedryl- Allergic Reactions to foods, plants, insect bites

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)- Fever Reducer/Pain Killer

Aspirin - (reduces heart attack risk, maybe)/Pain Killer

Pepto-Bismol Chew Tablets- Nausea/Heartburn

Immodium AD - Anti-Diarrheatic

Neo-sporin - Anti-Biotic Wound Goo (I think I should patent that)

Saline Solution - Typically sold as nasal spray or contact cleaner, but good for sterile irrigation.

Any others you find indispensable?

Alka-Seltzer works much better on heartburn.

Jeanette Isabelle

I'd add ibuprofen. Pain killer and anti-inflammatory. Helps reduce swelling when you've hiked harder than you're conditioned for.

I'll second this. Also, it's good to have in case of a minor sprain. A large-ish dose has been a life saver the morning after a twisted ankle when I had another march ahead of me.

Just don't take a REALLY large dose; be educated about what is and isn't safe. Too much ibuprofen can be harmful, and I don't mean *way* too much.

Just those two, plus hand sanitizer and chapstick ( spf)

For a daypack you are primarily providing yourself with meds instead of for family/friends/public so it makes sense to tailor the meds for yourself.

Since my own kit includes benadryl, lotradine (Claritin), loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium), triple anti-biotic, povidone iodine, 81 mg ASA, Tylenol, and Tums, I would say we are on the same track. Currently the Tums are going to be discarded in favour of Gaviscon (antacid with bicarbonate soda) and I will toss the standard strength Tylenol (vestige of the commercial kit) in favour of x-strength Tylenol.

I base this on my allergies, heartburn, heart attack prevention, pain management and nature's favourite -- diarrhea! I go with what works for me.
The anti-biotic and povidone iodine are for general wound management. I also usually carry a very small bottle (15ml) of hand sanitizer to keep my hands clean before meal prep. This is matched with the AMK .5 kit which originally was a lightweight solution but is now severely modified. It is now about 4.5 oz. in weight.

Not only is the type of meds customized to suit me, the quantities of each of each are designed to suit me and my activities.

I know people may say "just don't over-exert an you won't need it," but I find that if the sun is a little brighter than I expected or my hiking partners are any faster than I am, I tend to sweat more or work harder (and also sweat more) than I would otherwise.

I find ibuprofen a giant help for joint pain, and it reduces swelling. NUUN Active Hydration Tablets (or powdered sports drink mix) are a great way to help with hydration, but I suppose maybe they don't count as "medication" exactly.

IIRC its four grams TOTAL. That means eight extra strength and you're at the limit. If you're also taking cold medicine w/Tylenol in it you're over.

My must haves include:
-tylenol and/or advil adults and child (for migraines and mechanical injuries)
-benedryl adult and child (for allergic reactions )
-claritin (for seasonal allergies on overnights)
-chewable immodium (for upset tummies)
-children's gravol (for longer hikes and overnights)
-gravol (for overnights)

Caffeine.
-Blast, a man of few but very potent vices.