The medicines you need on holiday

Packing your suitcase isn't an exciting part of your holiday, but taking the essentials can make a huge difference to how well it goes...

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Heading away this summer? Which medicines you need to take may depend on your medical history, where you are off to and what activities you have planned, but there are a few over-the-counter basics I'd recommend.

First up, painkillers, such as paracetamol for fever, headaches and general aches and pains. If you're able to take ibuprofen, for pain and inflammation, pack these as well, for backup. Plus, it's common to experience allergies, hay fever and insect bites in a new, often warmer environment. Generic non-drowsy antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, are cheaply available to buy and work well.