GENERAL MEDS FOR TRAVELERS:
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR OR VISIT PASSPORT HEALTH (www.passporthealthusa.com) WELL IN ADVANCE
MEDICATIONS FOR TRAVEL
When traveling out of the country, it is wise to raid the drugstore prior to departure to make sure that you have supplies in case of injury or illness. Those marked with asterisk (*) require a prescription.
Antibiotics:
1. CIPRO*250 mgs taken twice a day for 3 days will be useful for diarrheal, urinary tract, and some upper respiratory infections. Dose may be doubled for severe infections.
2. Amoxicillin* 250mgs taken three times a day for 5 days can be used for ear, urinary tract, skin and diarrheal infections. Dose may be doubled for severe infections. Must not take if allergic to penicillin.
Note: these can be taken in sunlight and are not diminished by alcohol.
Antimalarial:
Malarone* (there are several other antimalarial meds on market) (antimalarial prophylaxis): combination of Atovaquone 250mg and proguanil 100mg. This pill is taken once daily starting 2 days before reaching endemic area, throughout the time in the endemic area, and for 7 days afterwards. This should not be taken with tetracycline drugs and should be taken right after eating food.
General Medications and Supplies:
1. Lomotil*(diphenoxylate HCl/atropine sulfate), Imodium, Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea (Lomotil stronger than Imodium, but may cause dry mouth and drowsiness). Note that Pepto-Bismol, a substance like aspirin, should not be taken by those allergic to aspirin.
2. Eye drops:
a. Naphcon A, or Vasocon A: antihistamine drops for allergy
b. Tears as lubricant, important for very dry or dusty climates
c. Tobrex*(tobramycin) antibiotic drops for infection (red eye, crusting): 2 drops 4 times a day for 4 days in affected eye
3. Sunblock: use a lotion that is at least 15 SPF and a lip balm with SPF of 15 or more
4. Lotrisone*(betamethasone and clotrimazole) cream for (fungal) rashes
5. Bandaids, thermometer, antibacterial wipes(e.g. “Wet Ones”), alcohol wipes and needle for splinters
6. Elastic stockings for long flights: this truly helps to prevent the swelling that often occurs after sitting on a long flight. It is good for the circulation as well. (usually can be bought at surgical supply stores).
7. Ambien*(zolpidem tartrate) 5 mgs (1-2 at bedtime) as sleeping aid for long flights
8. Insect repellant: the repellant must contain DEET in a concentration of at least 30-35% (for adults) to be effective against mosquitoes that transmit the malaria parasite. Deep Woods “Off” meets this requirement. “Ben’s”is a high concentration repellant for serious wilderness trips (95% DEET).
9. Westcort*(hydrocortisone valerate) cream (corticosteroid) for itchy insect bites
10. Advil, Tylenol, or aspirin for pain, headache.
11. Antihistamine: Clarinex* 5 mgs (non sedating)for sneezing, runny nose)1/day
Travel Medications and Advice (continued):
12. Decongestants(use ½ hour before take-off and landing) if you have any symptoms of congestion in the ears, nose, head::
a. Sudafed for blocked ears, for flying to prevent perforated ear drums
b. Afrin nasal spray (short-acting) before taking off and on landing
The hepatitis vaccinations, ideally, are given over a span of 6 months (although accelerated schedules are available).
Up-to-date reports are available to determine what is needed from the CDC (Centers for Disease Prevention and Control) and their web site is very informative (www.CDC.gov). Hepatitis A vaccine: useful for any country where the water is questionable (most places outside of the US, Canada, and Western Europe) given as a series of two injections 6 months apart.
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