A super handy list of Medicines to pack for Himachal will be extremely useful for those planning a trip to Himachal. Staying healthy and fit will really ensure that you enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Based on my experience and travels to Himachal, carrying a basic over the counter medicines for common ailments is really advisable and I am here to help you comprehensive list of medicines to carry while traveling to Himachal.
Medicines to Pack For Himachal – All You Need To Know
During my travels to Himachal, I usually make it a point to carry basic over the counter medicines for common ailments. I would also advise you do the same to avoid any kind of health issues which could ruin your trip.
Even the basic medicines can be hard to find in the remote villages of Himachal. So carrying them before hand is really recommended.
Please note I am not a medical professional. But I’ve created list of what medicines to pack for Himachal so that you have a fair idea of what to take on your trip. Please consult your doctor before you take any of these medicines.
| Medicines for Fever, Body Ache, Headache
Paracetamol Tylenol Ibuprofen |
| Medicines for Allergies
Cetirizine Hydroxyzine |
| Medicines for Common Cold
Phenylephrine Chlorphenamine |
| Medicines for Diarrhea, Acidity
Loperamide Diphenoxylate/Atropine Bismuth Subsalicylate Pantoprazole |
| Medicines for Motion Sickness
Promethazine Dimenhydrinate Meclizine |
| Medicines for AMS
Diamox Dexamethasone |
Medicines for Fever, Body Ache, Headache
Suffering from Fever, body ache etc in the middle of a trip can be really frustrating. But it is certainly not uncommon.
Long hikes, exploration trips without adequate can result in fatigue and in turn fever. Or a simple viral infection or Flu can also result in fever, body ache.
So make sure you carry basic over the counter medicines like Paracetamol, tylenol, Ibuprofen etc which helps with fevers and body aches.
Dolo 650 is currently one of the most famous and popular medicines in India which helps with fever, body ache, headache. Combiflam is another popular over the counter medicine for fever.
By the way, here is a detailed blog on things to pack for Himachal. I am sure this will be of a great help to first time travelers
Medicines for Allergies
If you know you suffer from allergies make it it point that you carry basic anti-histamines to alleviate your symptoms and provide you relief.
Basic anti-histamines medicines like Hydroxyzine, Cetirizine can really help with allergies. They also really help in case you have cold, running nose, blocked nose. Atarax is one of the more popular brand for Hydroxyzine.
Anti-histamines can make you drowsy, so the doctors recommend to take them before going to bed. During my recent winter to trip to Kinnaur, I caught cold and Tab 1 AL really helped which was basically Cetirizine.
If you like treading on off the beaten path, here is a list 27 unexplored places near Kullu and Manali.
Medicines for Common Cold
Common cold is usually one of the most common disease that you can contract. So it is advisable that you carry basic over the counter medicine to tackle common cold.
Medicines like Phenylephrine, Paracetamol, Chlorphenamine really help with common cold symptoms like blocked nose, running nose, fever, body ache, sore throat etc.
Over the counter medicines like Wikoryl, Febrex Plus are basically combination of all of the above which really help in tackling common cold. I personally used Wikoryl and it really helped.
In case the cold is bad and these medicines don’t help, you should consult a doctor for further course of action.
By the way, her is a detailed blog on things to pack for a trip to Kasol. I am sure this will be very helpful for a first time traveler.
Medicines for Diarrhea, Acidity
Common medicines for Diarrhea include loperamide, Diphenoxylate/atropine to treat Diarhhea. Imodium and lomotil are popular over the counter brands. I was personally Racecadotril prescribed with by my doctor. But fortunately I did not have to use it.
In case you do not show any improvement with the above medicines, consult a doctor so that they can prescribe anti-biotics to treat your diarrhea.
I was also prescribed Tab Satrogyl for acute diarrhea and loose motions by my doctor. But please note it is an antibiotic. So consult your doctor first before taking it.
Pantoprazole is one of the best medicines to treat acidity. It is sold under brand name Pan 40. It is usually taken before breakfast. Of course, you can also treat acidity by using Antacids. Gelusil, Diegene are some of the popular antacids in India.
Medicines for Motion Sickness/ Nausea/ Vomiting
Motion Sickness is probably one of the most common issues that people usually face when traveling to Himachal or mountains in general. All thanks to the serpentine roads with crazy hairpin bends.
Promethazine, dimenhydrinate, meclizine are some medicines that you can use to treat nausea and vomiting symptoms
Avomine is one the best over the counter medicine that will really help you with the motion sickness. So make sure you carry it if you suffer from motion sickness while traveling to the mountains.
Here are 13 easy hikes and treks around Kullu and Manali which are perfect for beginners.
Medicines for Altitude Sickness (AMS)
If you planning to got to high altitude valleys above 3000 m or planning a high altitude trek, then AMS is something will have to watch out for.
As I always mention, acclimatization is the best way to prevent and actually tackle AMS. Usually from my knowledge and experience, AMS can occur on altitudes above 3000 m due to a sudden gain in altitude.
Diamox is one of the medicines taken as a preventive medicine. For instance, when you know you are going to gain altitude quickly without proper acclimatization, you can go on a preventive course of Diamox to help your body acclimatize faster.
Dexamethasone a corticosterid is basically used after AMS has hit you unlike Diamox. Diamox basically helps you buy time to descend to lower altitude (below 2800 m) when AMS has gotten a hold of you.
If you need more details on how to tackle AMS in the high altitude valleys like Spiti, Pangi etc, here is a detailed guide on the same.
Basic First Aid Kit And Pain Relievers
Make sure you carry basic first aid kit with items like antiseptic liquid, antiseptic cream and bandage to treat minor wounds.
Betadine is a popular antiseptic cream. While Savlon and Dettol are popular antiseptic liquids.
Also make sure you carry Topical Pain relief sprays and basic analgesics medication in case of injuries or musculoskeletal pain in the body. Volini Spray is one of the more popular pain relief sprays in India,
Medicines Specific to Your Ailments
Make sure you bring medicines specific to your own ailments. Like chronic diseases, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or any other ailment.
Finding specific medicines with the same brand becomes quite difficult in Himachal. You might not be able to find medicines of your choice even in the tourist resorts or big towns of Himachal.
To conclude, I hope now are fair bit of idea on medicines to pack for Himachal. Make sure you carry basic over the counter medicines and your own medicines. Of course consult your doctor first.
In case you have any queries on what medicines to pack for Himachal, make sure to drop them in the comments.