Packing a small travel medical kit is essential for any trip to India. Here’s a list of recommended medications, with generic drug names and popular Indian brands for reference.
Essential Travel Medicines for India
| Category | Generic Drug Name | Popular Indian Brands | Use For |
| Pain Relief (Analgesics) | Paracetamol | Crocin, Pabin, Combiflam (combination with Ibuprofen) | Headaches, body aches, fever |
| Diarrhoea | Loperamide | Imodium AD, Endodiar | Short-term relief of diarrhoea (not for prolonged use) |
| Rehydration | Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) | Electrolyte powder (various brands), Enerzal | Replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea |
| Indigestion/Heartburn | Antacids | Gelusil, Eno, Digene | Relief from indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux |
| Allergies | Cetirizine (non-drowsy) | Levocetirizine, Cetrizine | Relief from allergies, runny nose, itching (non-drowsy option) |
| Allergies | Loratadine (less drowsy than some) | Claritin, Lotad | Relief from allergies, runny nose, itching (less drowsy option) |
| Cold & Flu | Phenylephrine & Chlorpheniramine (combination) | Vicks Action 500, Coldarin | Relieve congestion, runny nose, sneezing (may cause drowsiness) |
| Cold & Flu | Paracetamol & Phenylephrine (combination) | P Cold, Actifed Cold | Reduce fever, relieve congestion, runny nose (may cause drowsiness) |
| Motion Sickness | Meclizine | Avomine, Meclizine | Prevent nausea and vomiting during travel |
Popular Indian Brands of Common Medicines
| Generic Drug Name | Popular Indian Brands |
| 1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | – Dolo 650, Crocin, Calpol |
| 2. Ibuprofen | – Combiflam, Brufen |
| 3. Antidiarrheal (Loperamide) | – Imodium, Lopamide |
| 4. Antacid (Calcium Carbonate) | – Gelusil, Digene |
| 5. Antihistamine (Cetirizine) | – Cetzine, Zyrtec |
| 6. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) | – Electral, Pedialyte |
| 7. Antiseptic Cream (Betadine) | – Betadine, Povidone-Iodine |
| 8. Motion Sickness Medication (Dimenhydrinate) | – Avomine, Draminate |
| 9. Sunscreen | – Sunban, Photostable |
| 10. Insect Repellent (DEET-based) | – Odomos, Good Knight |
Additional Considerations
- Prescription Medications: If you have any ongoing medical conditions and require prescription medication, bring an adequate supply for your trip. Ensure you carry a doctor’s note mentioning the medications and their purpose.
- Stomach Issues: Probiotics can help maintain gut health and prevent traveller’s diarrhea.
- Wounds & Insect bites: Basic first-aid supplies like antiseptic wipes, bandages, and sting relief cream are recommended.
ITT Caution
- This list is for general guidance only. Consult your doctor for personalized advice based on your health and travel itinerary (especially if travelling to remote areas).
- Double-check the import regulations for medications into India. Some medications may require a doctor’s note or special permission.
- Pack all medications in their original labelled containers for ease of identification.
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