What Medications Should I Pack for International Travel?

Getting sick is inconvenient anywhere. Getting sick thousands of miles from home, where you may not know the healthcare system, pharmacy options or even the local language, can be much more complicated.

That's why health preparation deserves a place on your pre-trip checklist alongside your passport, flights and hotel reservations.

So, what medications should you pack for international travel?

The answer depends on your destination, medical history and individual needs, but a well-prepared travel medicine kit generally combines your regular prescriptions, useful over-the-counter medications and, when medically appropriate, prescription medications recommended by a healthcare professional.

What Is a Travel Medicine Kit

A travel medicine kit is a collection of medications, medical supplies and health information you bring with you while traveling.

The CDC recommends preparing a travel health kit containing items you may need during your trip, particularly things that could be difficult to find at your destination.

Your kit doesn't need to contain everything imaginable. What you bring should reflect where you're traveling, how long you'll be gone and your individual health needs.

1. Your Regular Prescription Medications

Start with any medications you already take.

Bring enough for your entire trip and consider additional medication in case your return is unexpectedly delayed.

When traveling internationally, keep medications in their original labeled containers whenever possible and bring copies of your prescriptions.

2. Pain and Fever Medication

Common over-the-counter pain and fever medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be useful additions when they're safe for you to take.

Having familiar products with you can also eliminate the need to decipher unfamiliar medication names or packaging abroad.

3. Medication for Diarrhea

Digestive problems are among the health concerns travelers frequently prepare for.

The CDC includes diarrhea medications such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate among items travelers may consider for a travel health kit.

Depending on your destination and individual circumstances, a healthcare professional may recommend additional prescription treatment for travelers' diarrhea.

4. Motion-Sickness Medication

Planes, boats, buses and winding roads can all trigger motion sickness.

If you're prone to it—or your itinerary involves significant time on the water—consider discussing appropriate prevention and treatment options with a healthcare professional before leaving.

5. Allergy Medication

An antihistamine may be another useful addition to your kit when appropriate for you.

Travel can expose you to unfamiliar plants, foods and environments, so having your usual allergy medication accessible can be helpful.

6. Prescription Medications Recommended for Your Trip

Some travelers may benefit from having specific prescription medications available before departure.

What is appropriate depends on the traveler and destination. A healthcare professional should determine whether a prescription is appropriate and provide instructions about when and how it should be used.

Never take antibiotics or other prescription medications simply because you become sick. Use prescription medication only for the circumstances and according to the directions provided by your healthcare professional.

Put Important Medication in Your Carry-On

One of the easiest travel-health mistakes is putting every medication in checked luggage.

Checked bags can be delayed or lost.

The CDC recommends carrying medications in your carry-on so they're available even if your checked luggage doesn't arrive with you.

Can I Bring Prescription Medication Into Another Country?

Not necessarily.

Medication laws differ from country to country. A medication legally prescribed in the United States may be restricted somewhere else.

Before departure, check the rules for every country on your itinerary, including destinations and potentially relevant transit countries.

Keep medications properly labeled and carry documentation when required.

Why Bring Medication Instead of Buying It Abroad?

You shouldn't assume the medication you normally use will be readily available everywhere.

Drug names, formulations, availability and regulations differ internationally. The CDC also warns travelers about counterfeit medicines in some countries and recommends bringing enough medication from home for the trip plus extra for possible delays.

Preparing before departure provides greater certainty about where your medication came from and what you've been instructed to take.

Don't Forget the Non-Medication Essentials

A complete travel health kit can also include:

• Copies of prescriptions
• Health insurance information
• Emergency contact information
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Thermometer
• Destination-specific health information

Prepare for Illness Before Your Flight Takes Off

Most people spend weeks preparing where they'll stay, what they'll see and what they'll pack.

Consider preparing for the unexpected, too.

Heads Up Medical helps eligible patients prepare ahead through an online medical evaluation. When a licensed healthcare professional determines treatment is medically appropriate, prescription medications can be provided as part of your travel preparedness plan.

That means you can leave home with a plan rather than figuring everything out for the first time after you become sick.

Explore Heads Up Medical Travel Kits →

Frequently Asked Questions

What medicine should I take on an international trip?

Your kit depends on your destination and health needs. Travelers commonly consider their regular prescriptions plus appropriate medications for pain or fever, diarrhea, allergies and motion sickness. Ask a healthcare professional about destination-specific prescription needs.

Should I put medication in my checked luggage?

Important medications are better kept accessible. The CDC recommends packing medications in carry-on luggage in case checked baggage is lost or delayed.

Should prescription medication stay in its original bottle?

The CDC recommends keeping medicines in their original labeled containers when traveling abroad.

Should I bring extra prescription medication?

The CDC recommends taking enough medication for your trip plus extra in case of travel delays.

Can I buy my medicine after I arrive?

Availability, quality and regulation differ between countries. It's generally better to plan ahead rather than assume you'll be able to purchase the same medication at your destination.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not provide individual medical advice. Prescription medications require evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional and are prescribed only when medically appropriate. Seek urgent or emergency care for severe or life-threatening symptoms.