TRAVEL HEALTH
MEDICINES

Remember good medicines can be expensive but expensive medicines are not always the best. It is also important to realise that in certain countries, such as France, it is common to supply some types of medicine in the form of suppositories where your British GP would give you tablets. Check with a local pharmacist as to how to take the medicine prescribed.

Names of medicines

The most common problem faced by travellers is varying brand names and even basic medicines do not share universal names in different countries.

Counterfeit medicines

Counterfeit medicines, creams and ointments are a growing problem world-wide. It is advisable to take any medicines you might need with you rather than hope to buy them from pharmacies abroad which may not be governed by strict laws relating to medicines. European community countries, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand all have good legislation with regard to medicines.

Dangerous reactions

Some medicines cannot be mixed. Certain combinations often cause unpleasant or dangerous reactions. So when abroad it is important to tell the doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are already taking. For this reason ensure you write the names and dosage of your medication in a notebook or on a card that you keep with you at all times. If you receive medication while abroad try to make a note of what you were given. This will help your own doctor or pharmacist when you return home.

SELF-CARE

Pre-existing Illness, Disease, Medical Problems

Ensure you take enough of your medicines with you. If you are away for longer than three months ensure adequate supplies are available at your destination. Take a list of medications with you. Use the proper (Generic) names - not brand names.

Medicine packaging and storage

Where possible use blister packs of tablets because they avoid being rattled around in your luggage and protect the tablets from crumbling.

Tubes are best for carrying creams and ointments because they are less likely to allow dirt and bacteria to be introduced into the medicine.

Pessaries and suppositories need to be sealed. In warm climates put them in the fridge to keep cool before use as they liquefy at 37 degrees C (98 degrees F).

n If travelling in a hot climate try to store the medicines in a dry, cool and dark place which is not accessible to children.

Allergic reactions

If you know you suffer from severe allergic reactions ensure you carry a card, dog-tags, Medalert bracelet or some other identification/medical condition item which explains what things you are allergic to. For example, antibiotics, peanuts, insect bites and such like.

If you are a person known to suffer from severe life threatening allergic reactions ensure that you have your adrenaline pen injector with you at all times when travelling. It is also advisable to travel with someone else who knows how to use the injector.

Antibiotics

These are commonly available to buy in many countries but you are strongly advised against buying them. If you think you require an antibiotic seek a health professional's advice at the earliest opportunity (unless you have a condition for which you have been regularly taking antibiotics in the UK and you are able to receive exactly the same medication and dose while abroad).

If you are allergic to antibiotics make sure the doctor or pharmacist you consult understands you have this allergy. Remember antibiotics are not effective against viral illnesses like colds and influenza.

Treatments you can make yourself

A number of useful medical products can be bought over the counter (OTC) but often highly effective treatments can be made by yourself from products available in the smallest general store. See the Emergency Travel Kit section for a list of useful medicines to have to hand when travelling.

Salt

Salt (sodium chloride) is probably one of the most useful chemicals to have with you when travelling. Use salt (half a teaspoon to a mug of lukewarm water) to make your own nose drops, mouthwash, gargle or eye drops.

Bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate

Bicarbonate of soda can be used for treating indigestion. Three teaspoons to half a mug of water (125ml). It can also be used in a dilute form (one teaspoonful to one mug of water (250ml)) to relieve the burning of urinary infections such as cystitis.

Calamine lotion

Use only OILY LOTION or OINTMENT because it can be rubbed in more effectively than the more usually available water based suspension. To convert a water based suspension to an oily one allow it to settle then pour off the water and add an equivalent volume of vegetable or mineral oil, such as olive or baby oil. Shake the suspension vigorously until mixed. Oily calamine lotion is a very effective anti-itch and cooling lotion. It is also useful to treat sunburn, insect bites, allergic rashes and any skin irritation. Hydrocortisone cream or other steroids are available over-the-counter in many countries.

Oral Rehydration preparations

With sugar and salt - Two level teaspoons of sugar and a pinch of salt to 250ml of boiled water. To this add 50ml of fruit juice, coconut milk or a quarter of a mashed over-ripe banana.

With powdered cereal or potatoes - Two heaped teaspoons of any of the following: wheat, maize flour, cooked mash potato, ground rice or pasta. This alternative is acceptable when baby milk must be avoided. Breast feeding should be increased, if possible, with additional rehydration solution used to supplement this if required.

Medicines for Pain

There are four levels of pain commonly experienced and these are the common painkiller alternatives to use if the pain continues.

All common self curing ailments are helped by third level pain killing strategies.

First level (low level pain)

Paracetamol - 500mg (known as Acetaminophen in some countries) Adult dosage: Take two tablets every three or four hours, maximum dosage is eight Paracetamol tablets (4g) a day.

Soluble Aspirin - 300mg (not for children under 16 years)

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is the cheapest and most common painkiller available world-wide. Try to use soluble tablets and line your stomach with a little food.

Adult dosage: Take two or three tablets every three or four hours, maximum dosage is 12 Soluble Aspirin tablets (3.6g) a day.

Second level

Codeine - 15mg tablets

Adult dosage: Use Codeine with Paracetamol - one, two or even three tablets every four hours. Alternatively use a Paracetamol and Codeine combination available in many countries.

Third level

Ibuprofen - 200, 400, 600mg (also known as IBUFEN, NEUROFEN)

Adult dosage: Take 200mg or 400mg every eight hours. Can be taken with Paracetamol and Codeine.

Fourth level (high level pain)

Use a combination of eight Paracetamol a day as a base for adults:

Add up to three Codeine (45mg) four times a day and either three Soluble Aspirin or up to 600mg of Ibuprofen, four times a day.

If you are requiring a fourth line painkilling strategy to help your pain and you have not broken a bone, or know you are suffering from a serious illness then you must consult a Health Professional.

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