Going to India-- what meds to take?

Definitely Pepto! I'd take a wide array of OTC stomach remedies as that's what is most likely to get you out of commission. I would ask for a broad spectrum AB for each family member, but none of my family docs would do it, I'm sure.

I'd also take a variety of pain relievers - ibuprofen, acetaminophen and I'd also take Tylenol PM just to help get over jet lag and to help sleep when it was elusive.

Aside from that, I'd take what I needed for my kiddos - the stuff that I give them here when they have a virus that I know works for their various ailments.

Have fun!

I would call my Dr. if I were you. We usually give our traveling patients Cipro (if not allergic) and Immodium to take with them. And if warranted, Malarone and the oral Typhoid. Also make sure everyone is up-to-date on all needed vaccinations, including Hepatitis A.

I recommend Cipro, Immodium/Lomotil as well. Asprin for aches and if someone has breathing/airway issues your inhaler is a must.

Malaria isn't as bad as it used to be on the sub-continent - but it can't hurt to be safe.

PM me if you wish with your "places I'll be stopping at" and I can give some more general tips.


Have a safe trip!

If I may, I'd also recommend you take some decongestant with you as well (unless none of you suffers from any kind of seasonal allergies -I have bad sinuses so always have a nose spray -not Afrin- and Allegra D on hand) -after all, a sinus headache brought on by congested sinuses is just no way to enjoy a trip.
Do agree with the stomach remedies as well (though I've never had such issues when I've traveled, others in our party have and man did they look miserable! )

Just curious...what does work for a virus? I need to add it to my medicine cabinet!

Not a med, but what about mosquito netting, and repellents or will you have that available there? There are other mosquito acquired diseases besides malaria in India, i.e. dengue fever is just one, and chikungunya as well. I am not sure if these are just a problem at lower elevations or not. I do not know the current situation there.

One more thing, some of these mosquitoes are active in the daytime so
the netting is not going to help. You will have to rely on long sleeved
clothing, and repellants. Have you checked to see if these diseases are currently present in your travel destination? Some are found even in urban areas, so do check.

Just additional info: The doctor I work for just recently suggested checking into rabies vaccinations done prophylactically for a patient who is moving to India. I guess rabies is an issue in India.

Blue

These are some suggestions from an Indian friend who just took her husband for the first time.

Drink only bottled water, even when you just rinse after brushing your teeth. Don't eat any meat products, and no fresh (uncooked) fruits or veggies.

Definitely take a DEET bug spray. Her sister contracted Dengue Fever on one visit, and was very ill.

Saline nose spray is useful on long trips, and especially with kids, I'd take bandaids and antibiotic cream or ointment, and maybe some alcohol wipes. A little Benadryl might be a good med to take as well. Useful for all kinds of problems.

As long as you take stuff, you won't need it. It's the little things you forget that can be a problem. I left my hairbrush at home, on one trip back to the UK. You can't find anything like that in the airport, and we had to make a special trip into Inverness the day after we got to Scotland to find one that I liked.

Have a wonderful vacation!