what type of meds can we take?

[Schmoopie & J.C]

Last April my wife got sick after eating / drinking something bad, we don't know what it was. She was violently sick to her stomach & running to the bathroom for about a 1 1/2 days. We tried Pepto, Gatorade, Tums & a few other over the counter items to try & make her feel better. My question to everyone is what else can we take with us on our next trip to Playa? We don't want to go to a drug store in Playa & not know what we are buying because of the language difference. Thanks for the responces... Rob

[Babaloo]

You can take any meds - except illegal ones.

[Jimontheriver]

Xifaxan information from Drugs.com

[bigdogmom]

I always take Immodium and Pepto Bismol tablets with me to Mexico but have yet to have to use them, knock wood.

[TCed]

If you get sick bland out your diet. Try the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice,Applesauce, Toast plus lots of water until things firm up !

[Debbiec]

My husband used to get sick every year until a doctor friend of ours prescribed Ciprofloxacin, preventatively. He starts taking it 5 days before we go, takes it while we're there, and he hasn't been sick once since. Yes, it's an antibiotic, and no, it's not for sure that anything bacterial makes him sick, but.....it works.
You can buy it OTC in Playa, as well, but my husband is a firm believer in the advantages of starting it before we go. One brand name is Cipro, and it's likely the same kind of drug that Jimontheriver points you to.

[Smudger]

My GP told me not to use Imodium because all that does is slow the digestive process down and doesn't 'cure' the problem. I always take Dioralite (not sure of the spelling so please excuse if I got it wrong).....it comes in sachets and you mix the powder with 7 ounces of water and take after every 'visit' to the loo!....it replaces all the salts and electrolites your body loses and it does help to stop the 'runs'.......so hope this info helps.......oh and they come in different flavours the ones I had were Lemon, but you can also get it in blackcurrant..........you can even give it to small children as well..(as we did last year )...but it worked!...

[snappysammy]

Originally Posted by Debbiec

My husband used to get sick every year until a doctor friend of ours prescribed Ciprofloxacin, preventatively. He starts taking it 5 days before we go, takes it while we're there, and he hasn't been sick once since. Yes, it's an antibiotic, and no, it's not for sure that anything bacterial makes him sick, but.....it works.
You can buy it OTC in Playa, as well, but my husband is a firm believer in the advantages of starting it before we go. One brand name is Cipro, and it's likely the same kind of drug that Jimontheriver points you to.

most pharmas will not sell antibiotics OTC any longer
it is now illegal to do so in mexico

[chicalba]

I was prescribed Ciproxina (I think this is the antibiotic referred to above) along with Floratil (a probiotic) by a Mexican doctor a few of weeks ago. The meds worked a treat for me but I dont know if you can have alcohol with the antibiotics . I didnt want to risk it as I felt so awful at the time anyway.

I plan to get some more of both incase I ever get that sick again!

[Jimontheriver]

Originally Posted by Debbiec

My husband used to get sick every year until a doctor friend of ours prescribed Ciprofloxacin, preventatively. He starts taking it 5 days before we go, takes it while we're there, and he hasn't been sick once since. Yes, it's an antibiotic, and no, it's not for sure that anything bacterial makes him sick, but.....it works.
You can buy it OTC in Playa, as well, but my husband is a firm believer in the advantages of starting it before we go. One brand name is Cipro, and it's likely the same kind of drug that Jimontheriver points you to.

Not the same, Xifaxan stays in your gut, does not go thru your whole system like Cipro. I used Cipro years ago but they say not to use if unless you have for other things like diverticulitus. Xifaxan is not cheap, even with copay insurance but who wants to e sick on vacation and I can't go to Mexico not eat & drink whatever I want. I NEVER go to Mexico without some.

You might do a search about TD, I know there is at least to old threads about this.

[Yucatanned]

Personally I eat yogurt ten days before leaving..When in Playa I eat anything and everything..Never had a problem. Yogurt therapy or luck???
Besides..seeing a Dr in Playa is a bargain compared to US if you need one.

[Shammy]

Taking antibiotics as a preventative is typically not recommended. You build up a resistance to them and when you really need them, they're not going to work. Bring them but don't take them unless you actually get sick. Personal mileage may vary. This according to my doctor and many things I've read as well.

Anyway - Probiotics - yogurt with active yeast cultures or acidophilus pills (buy in a health food store). Start taking them before you go, up to 2 weeks before is good.

[roni]

Take Tedra

[Schmoopie & J.C]

wow what a response we got from our simple question. i want to thank everyone who sent in their remedies for us to try. we're looking forward to having a great time in Playa with the nice warm temps & not being in -20 in blizzard conditions... Rob

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Debbiec

My husband used to get sick every year until a doctor friend of ours prescribed Ciprofloxacin, preventatively. He starts taking it 5 days before we go, takes it while we're there, and he hasn't been sick once since. Yes, it's an antibiotic, and no, it's not for sure that anything bacterial makes him sick, but.....it works.
You can buy it OTC in Playa, as well, but my husband is a firm believer in the advantages of starting it before we go. One brand name is Cipro, and it's likely the same kind of drug that Jimontheriver points you to.

I have heard of people doing this, but it is not recommened to take antiobiotics as a preventive measure....this is one reason why we are finding more and more antiobiotic-resistant superbugs these days, plus other ways of abusing antiobiotics. If anything, maybe is one is prone to repeated bouts, have a prescription packed with you in case, but using just a harsh drug 'just in case', not a great idea, I think most docs would agree....of course, I am NOT a doctor, that is just my 2 cents.

Even taking Pepto pills every day 'just in case' can have unwanted side effects that make you miserable (and certainly Immodium does!) ... take it from me....only treat when you have symptoms, not before. Just because she had issues one trip does not make a pattern....I have had 2 bouts of food or water related (not the tequila!) illness in Mexico but it's not typical for me.

Try the yogurt or acidophilis pills....wash hands frequently, don't get tap water in your mouth, wash fruit and veggie skins with Microdyne if staying in a condo and cooking on your own, drink bottled water, avoid eating in restaurants with no soap in the washrooms ....stay out of the sun as much as possible and don't drink too much booze....most likely you will be fine.