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The Best Travel Medications for Common Health Issues

By  InHouse Physicians  ·  3 minute read

Getting sick while traveling isn’t just inconvenient;  it can derail your entire trip. Whether you're heading to a conference or crossing time zones for vacation, you're exposed to new environments, unfamiliar foods, and long days that put stress on your immune system. That’s where RoamRx comes in.

Created by physicians with decades of experience supporting travelers, RoamRx is a pre-filled travel medication kit that helps you handle common health issues—before they ruin your plans. Here's what it treats, and what’s inside.

Skin and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Medications:

  • Cephalexin 500mg (generic for Keflex): Commonly used antibiotic for skin and bladder infections (UTI).
    • For an uncomplicated UTI in an adult female, take one tablet twice daily for 5 - 7 days.
    • For uncomplicated cellulitis (skin infection), take one tablet 4 times a day for 10 days.
  • Bacitracin ointment: Topical antibiotic for the prevention of skin infections due to cuts, scrapes, or minor burns.
    • Apply to the affected area 1 - 3 times per day.

Bronchitis, Pneumonia, and Strep Throat

Medications:

  • Azithromycin 250mg (generic for Z-Pak): This is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for bacterial upper respiratory infections (such as bronchitis) and pneumonia
    • Take two tablets on Day 1, and then one tablet daily for 4 days.
    • Consult with your doctor before taking this medication.
  •  Guafenesin 600mg (generic Mucinex): Loosens congestion in lungs and sinuses associated with bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinusitis.
    • Take 600mg to 1200mg every 12 hours as needed.
    • Drink lots of water with this medication.

Nausea and Vomiting

Medication:  

Whether it’s food poisoning, motion sickness, or just stress, nausea can ruin your day. Zofran is a fast-dissolving, hospital-grade antiemetic that stops nausea in its tracks.

  • Ondansetron 8mg ODT (generic for Zofran)
    • Take 1/2 to 1 tablet dissolved under the tongue every 8 hours as needed for severe nausea and vomiting.
    • Consult with your doctor before taking this medication.

 Allergic Reactions

Unexpected reactions to food, pollen, or even hotel bedding are common while traveling. That’s why RoamRx includes a full allergy response pack—including antihistamines and topical steroid cream—to handle mild to moderate allergic reactions on the go.

Medications:

  • Hydrocortisone Cream 1% (topical): Topical steroidal anti-inflammatory for allergic rash.
    • Apply to the affected area 2 -4 times per day.
  • Diphenhydramine (generic for Benadryl): Sedating antihistamine. Appropriate for more severe allergic reactions.
    • Take 1 -2 tablets every 6 hours as needed. 
  • Cetirizine (generic for Zyrtec): Non-sedating medication for allergies. Take one tablet per day.

Sinus Infections and Ear Pain
When sinus pressure is accompanied by fever or discolored nasal discharge, you may have developed acute bacterial sinusitis.

Medication:

  • Amoxicillin and Clavulanate 875mg (generic for Augmentin):  This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can treat many infections.
    • For acute bacterial sinusitis and bacterial pneumonia, take one tablet twice a day for 7 days.
    • For acute otitis media (middle ear infection) and strep throat, take one tablet twice a day for 10 days.
    • Consult with your doctor before taking this medication.
  • Pseudoephedrine 30mg (generic from Sudafed Sinus Congestion: This OTC nasal decongestant does not require a prescription but must be dispensed by the pharmacist. It is helpful to relieve sinus pressure and congestion.
    • Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours
    • Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours
    • Do not take late in the day as it may cause insomnia
    • Do not take if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 2 weeks.
    • Ask a doctor before use if you have
      • heart disease
      • high blood pressure
      • thyroid disease
      • diabetes
      • trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
  • Guafenesin 600mg (generic Mucinex): Loosens congestion in lungs and sinuses associated with bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinusitis.
    • Take 600mg to 1200mg every 12 hours as needed.
    • Drink lots of water with this medication.

Severe Traveler’s Diarrhea

Nothing ends a trip faster than traveler’s diarrhea.RoamRx includes both symptom relief with antidiarrheal medications and treatment with an antibiotic

Medications:
  • Azithromycin 250mg (Z-Pak): An antibiotic for prolonged or severe Traveler’s diarrhea
    • Take two tablets on day 1 and two tablets on Day 2
  • Loperamide 2mg (generic for Imodium): This is an antidiarrheal medication.
    • Take 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement.
    • Do not take more than four capsules in 24 hours.
    • Do not take if bloody/black/or tarry stools, high fever, diarrhea due to a bacterial infection, abdominal pain without diarrhea, or a history of ulcerative colitis.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Diotame, generic for Pepto-Bismol): For traveler's diarrhea or to reduce symptoms of an upset stomach.
    • Chew two tablets every 1/2 to 1 hour as needed, not to exceed 16 tablets in 24 hours.
    • Do not use for more than 2 days.

Pain Relief

Whether it’s a headache, sore feet, or menstrual cramps, RoamRx packs both anti-inflammatory and pain relief options.

Medications:

  • Ibuprofen 200mg (Advil)
  • Acetaminophen 500mg (Tylenol)

Why RoamRx?

No one wants to spend their trip searching for a pharmacy or waiting for a telehealth appointment that might not be available in your time zone. RoamRx empowers travelers to take care of themselves on the spot—with prescription medications pre-approved by licensed physicians and shipped to your door before your trip.

You shouldn’t have to miss the meeting, cancel the tour, or suffer through it.

RoamRx helps you stay ready—no matter where the road takes you.