Ravel beckons, medication rules can be a minefield

home country, but possibly not allowed overseas.

Travellers consistently list forgetting to pack prescription and overthecounter (OTC) medicine as one of the top 10 travel mistakes, according to the Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. Nearly one in 10 travellers have forgotten to pack prescription medicines before a trip despite meds being one of the most important items needed on a trip.

Travellers should carry remedies for ailments such as colds, pain, swelling, diarrhoea, constipation, cuts and dehydration. Simple illnesses that can be treated with OTC medicine at home can ruin a trip or become more severe and require inhospital care if you are not prepared to treat them while travelling. While packing your medicine is essential, also important is checking to see whether they are regulated in the countries you plan to visit.

Many countries require medicines to be transported in original packaging. Medications without packaging run a greater risk of being confiscated. The US Department of State suggests checking with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or transiting to make sure your medications are permitted.

For example, the active ingredient in the antihistamine Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is banned in Zambia in OTC products. In Japan, it is allowed only if the amount in a tablet or injection is limited. However, a typical 25mg tablet of Tylenol PM in the US exceeds the 10mg maximum amount in a tablet you can bring into Japan. Some countries restrict the overall total amount of an active ingredient an individual traveller can legally import, which may impact longer stays, according to a report in The

OTC medicine for diarrhoea is regulated, too. PeptoBismol, an antacid, is not sold in France due to a health scare in the 1970s. Imodium is sold in France only with a prescription.

If you think you might need these products on your holiday, bring some with you, but the documentation you carry should also indicate the generic and chemical names of the active ingredients.

Travellers should check their destination rules on OTC medicine, such as cough syrups and allergy medications because some require a prescription, are strictly regulated or are banned overseas.

Some examples of banned or regulated medicines overseas.—

Decongestant medication containing pseudoephedrine is banned in Japan.

Prescription medicines for anxiety or pain are strictly regulated in Greece and UAE.

Antianxiety pills, OTC sleep aids and pain relievers, and strong painkillers require a licence in Singapore.

In Indonesia, many prescription medicines such as codeine and sleeping pills are illegal.

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia both prohibit Ambien, Intermezzo and other sleeping medications that contain zolpidem (a sedative).

In Qatar, OTC allergy medicines such as cold and cough remedies are controlled substances and must be accompanied by a prescription.

Failing to comply with destination requirements for bringing these prescribed medicines into a country may result in arrest, a fine or imprisonment.

It is a lot to remember, and the information is always changing, but being prepared and up to date with the regulations regarding medication is important for your health, safety and security while travelling.