I remember a similar topic on another forum and I thought it would be interesting to discuss it here.
So:
If you had to pick only 5 meds to stock a drug bag for use in an austere environment what would they be and WHY?
Be specific. For example, don't say antibiotic, say what specific drug you would take and your rationale.
I will give you a freebie: since i live in Canada where it is not considered a drug, 0.9% Nacl will not be considered a drug for the purposes of this topic (but other fluids will be). Multiple dosage forms of the same drug also count as that one drug.
Also feel free to mention what administration equipment you would like to have along with you (no restrictions here).
So what would be YOUR top 5 medications to take with you?
I'll start it off:
1. Epi 1:1000 - can use to tx anaphylaxis or asthma exacerbation refractory to salbutamol.
2. Either naproxen or ibuprofen. Not sure which one i'd take. For minor injuries.
3. Gravol (dimenhydrinate) injection - it is an antihistamine (salt of diphenhydramine). In theory you might be able to use it for allergies as well as n/v if there was no other option.
4. Ketamine - can be used for analgesia, sedation or general anesthesia depending on dose. Pts keep their airway reflexes intact.
5. A broad spectrum ABx for PO and IV/IM use, likely a fluroquinilone such as levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin. A cephalosporin such as cephalexin would be useful for Abx. prophylaxis for wounds. I'm not sure what would be more critical - the cipro will provide coverage for most types of commmon RTI, UTI and bacterial gastroenteritis issues.
I would also add a few litres of saline and iv start gear. Again, in canada, crystalloid iv solutions are otc and not legally considered drugs.