The main health problem travelers have is DIARRHEA sometimes with vomiting. So you should have medicines to help these problems, and replenish fluids.

1. KALBETEN ( Pepto-Bismol overseas ). Tablets and Liquid. This is the "healthiest" medicine for diarrhea. Always use this before other anti-diarrhea medicines. Dosage: One dose after every bout of diarrhea, up to seven times a day. Side effect: Colors stool black ( and may color tongue black too! ) .

2. IMODIUM ( Stopit; Loperid ). Capsules. Not as healthy as Kalbeten, but more effective. Use when you have to stop the diarrhea as soon as possible. May cause more stomach cramps. Dosage: Two capsules together to start, continue with another capsule every six hours as needed. Avoid Milk and milk products.

Avoid Caffeine ( Tea, Coke, Coffee ). You should try to eat, your intestines are sick and will "get better" sooner if you eat ( Even if you have lost your appetite ). Chicken soup, or any broth is good ( a source for fluid, salt and protein ). Instant soup "cubes" or packets are a good idea. A special "anti-diarrhea" diet does not have a major effect on the illness. It generally lasts for about 12 hours of vomiting at the beginning, and then up to 5 days of diarrhea.

ANTI-VOMITING

3. PRAMIN Tablets, Syrup, or Suppositories. Suppositories are the best ( If you don't have diarrhea ). BUT they may get soft in heat ( If they do - put them (still in their plastic wrapper ) in ice water or in a freezer for 15 minutes ). Suppositories are not pleasant, but you won't throw them up! Dosage: One Supp. Or tablet up to 4 times a day . Side effect: may put you to sleep. Take after the second time you vomit.

4. ORAL REHYDRATION SALTS are very important to replenish loss fluids and salts. We avoid dehydration, and may avoid being hospitalized! Useful also on hot trips to avoid dehydration. Many products are available as "Sport" drinks such as ISOSTAR, or GATORAID. HYDRAN, REHIDRAT, and ORSET are powders to prepare a "isotonic" drink. These are available by prescription ( so they are less expensive ). ( Hydran prepares a liter, Rehidrat 250 cc, and Orset 60 cc per tablet ) It is important to use the exact amount of water to prepare the "isotonic" solutions. DEHYDRATION IS THE MAIN DANGER OF THIS ILLNESS. TAKE IT EASY UNTIL YOUR STOMACH GETS BACK TO NORMAL. TAKE A FEW DAYS OFF. AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES FOR A WEEK AFTER A BOUT OF DIARRHEA. IF IN DOUBT - CALL ME or SEE A LOCAL DOCTOR!!

DEHYDRATION IS THE MAIN DANGER OF THIS ILLNESS. TAKE IT EASY UNTIL YOUR STOMACH GETS BACK TO NORMAL. TAKE A FEW DAYS OFF. AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES FOR A WEEK AFTER A BOUT OF DIARRHEA.

AND IF IN DOUBT - CALL ME or SEE A LOCAL DOCTOR!!