freewillie
Contributor
Actually, ciprofloxacin should work for just about any intestinal diarrhea, assuming it's an infectious bacteria. Septra is a perfectly good alternative but I find it causes more upset stomach and nausea. Plus, it is a sulfa medication and the OP didn't indicate what his allergies, if any are.I travel with drugs
antibiotic (I usually ask for Septra -- Cipro doesn't work for a lot of things)
extra-strength antihistamine cream and hydrocortisone cream (I have scripts for antihistamine cream, and several strengths of steroid cream)
Benedryl
an elastic bandage
Lomotil
Swimmer's Ear
anti-fungal spray or cream (get script for Loprox)
Afrin
probiotic (in case I need the antibiotic)
eye drops
saline spray
dental kit for temp filling (drugstores have them)
tea tree oil
waterproof bandages in different sizes
antiseptic cream or spray
eye glass repair kit
Painkillers -- Tylenol, Motrin
Yes, I'm a mom. "I have a terrible itch. Do you have anything that will make it stop?" "There's something growing between my toes. What do I do?"
Personally I don't like patients to have their own antibiotics on hand to self medicate. But, if you are on a liveaboard and won't see a doctor until the boat makes it's next port then it's not totally unreasonable.
My personal recommendations for travel are for the following
Allergies - over the counter Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra but Benadryl is the best but also most sedating. I don't generally recommend decongestants for diving. It's not an issue for the first dive, but if you make several dives through the day there is the distinct possibility if not probability of the rx wearing off while you are on your afternoon dives.
Intestinal - Pepto Bismol is the first thing I recommend since it's good for heartburn and diarrhea. Other alternatives for heartburn are any antacids, Pepcid, Zantac, or Prilosec OTC. Prevacid is now available as well. Kaopectate or Immodium for diarrhea. Ginger tends to work well for mild nausea. Dramamine/Bonine for seasickness but your doctor may be able to prescribe Scopolamine patches.
Pain - Tylenol is the safest but not the strongest. Personally I like Aleve (naproxen) since it's twice a day, others may prefer Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen).
Sunscreen, lip balm, and aloe lotion for too much sun. I have contacts so eye drops are a must.
An ice pack/heating pad for any aches and pains.
---------- Post added January 31st, 2014 at 05:54 PM ----------
some good suggestions so far. I will simply mention a few things that I have stopped to buy while on family camping trips over the past several years:
Pepto-bismol tablets
anti-heartburn pills (i like loratadine)
Zyrtec, or similar
triple antibiotic ointment
sunburn cure (aloe or similar)
sunscreen
hand sanitizer
"feminine supplies" though it seems you may not need those. . .
bic lighter
adhesive tape
I particularly like the suggestion for duct tape and super glue, both very handy items. I also put the last 1/3 of a roll of toilet paper into a bag and use my food saver to vacuum seal it. I keep several of these stashed in my boat, camper and trail pack. I could have made good money on some of those if you know what I mean.
have a good trip,
Jerry
Loratadine is actually generic Claritin which is an antihistamine for allergies.
Heartburn meds would be antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Maalox. Pepcid (famotidine) Zantac (ranitidine) Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)