Traveler’s Diarrhea
Prevent this malady by CAREFUL eating and drinking! Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it! Watch green salads and ice. If you are unlucky enough to get this illness, you can take an antibiotic, which may lessen the severity. We do not recommend taking antibiotics for prevention. If you get diarrhea, take over the counter Imodium and Kaopectate. Also consider:
Cipro (ciprofloxin)
A broad-spectrum antibiotic. Can cause upset stomach, possible photosensitivity. Avoid if pregnant or under the age of 16. Cipro is expensive. Take one 750 mg tablet as treatment. Don’t take with theophylline. Septra may be better for those under the age of 16.
Septra (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)
A long-time standby, but more bacteria have resistance to this sulfa antibiotic. Usually well tolerated (more so than Cipro). Okay in 2nd trimester only. Price is less expensive. Check for allergy to sulfa. Take one Septra DS (or generic) tablet every 12 hours for 6 doses.
Altitude Sickness
Travelers to high altitudes (over 10,000 feet) may wish to take medication to prevent altitude sickness.
Diamox (acetazolamide)
A diuretic related to sulfa. Don’t give to sulfa-allergic persons. Take one tablet (125 mg or 250 mg) twice a day starting 12 hours prior to being at altitude and continue until low elevation regained.