Over The Counter Medication on Flights?

[cammie1229]

Am I allowed to take OTC drugs in my carry on or do they have to go in checked luggage?

DD (age 5) has a cold. I'm taking her to the doctor this afternoon and hoping like hell it won't affect our flight on Friday. But I'd like to take cold medicine (most likely a decongestant) on the flight with me. If I can't take over the counter stuff, how do I get medicine into her at the right time?

 

[reelmom]

Maybe you could give it to her right before you go through security and then throw the bottle away. And pray that you don't have a delay so it doesn't wear off.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

I'd like to know the answer to this too. I want to bring Children's Tylenol for the kids in case they get ear pain. Is it ok to put it in the carry-on??

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#2

The above link should tell you what you can take on as far as liquids. I believe it does say that non- prescription liquids are okay.

 

[KingdomHearts]

Am I allowed to take OTC drugs in my carry on or do they have to go in checked luggage?

DD (age 5) has a cold. I'm taking her to the doctor this afternoon and hoping like hell it won't affect our flight on Friday. But I'd like to take cold medicine (most likely a decongestant) on the flight with me. If I can't take over the counter stuff, how do I get medicine into her at the right time?

The last time we flew was in December, and as of that time you could have all your medications in a regualr size zip lock bag, to carry on. Any liquids, lip stick/ gloss, or hand santizer had to be kept in a zip lock bag as well. If they do not let you take the medicine on the plane with you I would try to space out the doses so right before you check your luggage you are able to give your DD her medicine. But I would def. call the airlines! Happy Planning!

 

[reelmom]

I'd like to know the answer to this too. I want to bring Children's Tylenol for the kids in case they get ear pain. Is it ok to put it in the carry-on??

Tylenol now makes the Melt-Away tabs for ages 2-6. No more messy liquid and they are grape flavored.

 

[OneLuckyMom]

Ask your doctor when you see him if your daughter can take one OLD-FORMULA Adult Sudafed (or the generic equivalent - very cheap). The dosage on that for 6-12 year olds is 1 (very small) tablet. I've found this is the most convenient for airplanes. I suspect your doctor would OK one tablet for air travel for a 5 year old, but be sure to ask first. I get my daughter to take the pill by giving it to her with a chocolate kiss - she just chews the pill along with the kiss and barely notices it.

If your doctor OKs it, be sure not to get the new formula sudafed that you can find in the drug store isles these days - it does not have dosing for under 12 year olds. It HAS to be the old formula. I usually get it at WalMart, where it is kept behind the pharmacy counter. You just ask them for it - then sign swearing you're not making an illegal substance out of it! Also be sure that you get the regular 4-hour kind, not the 12 or 24 hour stuff.

 

[constanze]

Also, I read on these boards about Earplanes. I'm going to purchase some of these in case my kids come down with a head cold, or just to help keep their ears from hurting. I read you can get them at most drug stores or buy them on line.

 

[love~disney]

I didn't have problems taking my meds on the plane with me in Dec. or Jan. In my purse I put my allergy pills, inhaler, eye drops, and nasal spray. All of these items were able to fit in my ziploc bag. Plus I was always told that you should carry it with you in case your luggage gets lost.
However, always check with the airlines just incase.

 

[Tinkalink]

When we went to WDW in Feb. I brought my DDs cold medicines and DH brought his vitamins in a carry on. They were all in Ziplock Freezer bags and we had no problems with our carry on. However we put our DD's inhaler in our luggage and they took it apart! They also rifled through other Ziplock bags in our checked luggage. Everything was returned, but the inhaler was damaged. Thought I was doing the right thing and got burned.

 

[whogirl'smom]

We took children's Dimetapp tablets and children's Tylenol tablets, adult Ibuprofen and my asthma inhaler just in my purse when we flew last month. Nothing was said and the purse sailed through the xray at 4 different airports! The Dimetapp tablets are just the best thing since sliced bread--I've even taken them for my cold and they dissolve very easily!