A mission to Mars remains decades away, not least due to the problem of radiation. Before the journey over millions of miles begins, attempts need be made to travel deeper into space. In addition to excursions further into our solar system, there is talk of a moon base and expansions to the International Space Station (ISS). While advanced technology is required to make life easier for the astronauts on board, and to allow them to collect important experimental data, the health of astronauts is also important.
A new study considers the key medicines required by space travelers, as well as those set for long-stints on board the ISS.
It might come as a surprise that the most important medicines are not those designed to combat any ill effects of prolonged periods spent in zero gravity; rather the top two things to pack are sleeping pills and creams designed to tackle skin rashes.
Both sleeping aids and skin ointments have come top of the list based on reviews of issues raised by previous ISS occupants. It may come as a disappointment, but most of the medications required are not advanced or personalized biologics, but everyday items required by most people on Earth. What is different is the regularity at which the medications need to be taken. Sleeping is something reported as being very difficult, and, perhaps due to zero gravity, skin rashes take a long time to heal.
One of the researchers involved, Dr. Virginia E. Wotring told Pharmaceutical Processing magazine that she was expectant that the research would be taken seriously. “We hope that this study will help NASA to prepare for astronauts’ medical needs on long-duration spaceflight missions.”
She added: “Knowing what medications to pack is especially important before starting an exploration mission that may last three years.” The medic points out that the medical conditions experienced by astronauts are very similar to those experienced by submariners.
The research is published in the FASEB Journal, is the first-ever examination of the medications used by astronauts on long-duration missions to the International Space Station. The article is titled “Medication use by U.S. crewmembers on the International Space Station.”
