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Old 08-03-2014, 18:04   #1
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Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

I'm heading off shore soon and was told to take a broad spectrum antibiotic, just in case. My Doctor says he'll write the prescription, just tell him what is normally recommended. Any input would be great. Thanks
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Old 08-03-2014, 18:20   #2
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

Ampicillin
Amoxicillin
Tetracycline

But know your or your crew's potential allergic reaction to any of these.
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Old 08-03-2014, 19:20   #3
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

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Ampicillin
Amoxicillin
Tetracycline

But know your or your crew's potential allergic reaction to any of these.
Sorry, did you mean all three or any one of these?
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Old 08-03-2014, 19:32   #4
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

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Sorry, did you mean all three or any one of these?
One of those.
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Old 08-03-2014, 19:35   #5
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

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I'm heading off shore soon and was told to take a broad spectrum antibiotic, just in case. My Doctor says he'll write the prescription, just tell him what is normally recommended. Any input would be great. Thanks
That does not sound right. Your Doc should know what best for you? No?
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Old 08-03-2014, 19:38   #6
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

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That does not sound right. Your Doc should know what best for you? No?
Well that was kind of my first thought. I mean, wouldn't a doctor know what a broad spectrum antibiotic is? Since it would be for "just in case" and not a specific infection then just pick one.
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Old 08-03-2014, 19:39   #7
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

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Sorry, did you mean all three or any one of these?
Like Rockdawg said, pick your favorite flavor. But I am curious why your doctor asked you to pick one. Isn't that his area of expertise? Just explain why you want it and some of the potential problems you might encounter. Commonly and infected cut, maybe a dental abscess.
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Old 08-03-2014, 19:58   #8
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

My doc always has me carry Cipro. Effective on a lot of the stuff you can pick up in tropical areas.

A bit of thread drift, but if you are stocking a medical kit, a blood clotting agent sponge can save a life.

Amazon.com: Quikclot Sport Silver Brand Hemostatic Agent, one 1.75 oz. (50 G) 5x5 inch mesh bag, Package: Health & Personal Care
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Old 08-03-2014, 20:54   #9
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

I agree that your physician should know what you need or be able to tell you which antibiotics are better for different problems and let you decide what to take.

If you know where you'll be cruising you might be able to get a list of diseases that are more prevalent there and what antibiotics they respond to to help make an 'educated' guess.

Back in the day when there was less concern about the wide use of antibiotics my doctor would commonly prescribe me erythromycin for any kind of chest infection.
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Old 08-03-2014, 22:08   #10
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

I have posed just this question to diving medics as we are a dive operation in a remote tropical location.
Cipro.
And just for giggles some amoxicillin.
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Old 08-03-2014, 22:44   #11
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

Amoxicillin is the antibiotic of choice in this part of the world. I always keep a couple of 7 day courses on hand
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Old 09-03-2014, 00:09   #12
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

Very odd question. Any doctor should know which broad-spectrum antibiotic is best for his/her patient. Amoxicillin is probably most common but if you have mytral-valve prolapse then you would have taken so much of that already that it is not really effective anymore. Cipro is our antibiotic of choice for stocking on the boat as it will cover just about anything. But YOUR doctor should know what is best FOR YOU.

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Old 09-03-2014, 00:13   #13
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

Besides the doctor, don't forget your dentist for recommendations of stuff to have in case of a tooth ache, etc.

Mine recommended "Oil of Cloves" for temporary tooth ache until you can get to a dentist.
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Old 09-03-2014, 01:23   #14
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

I'll recommend Azithromycin, an erythromycin derivative; in the US, commonly called a 'Z-Pack'.
It is a very effective broad spectrum antibiotic and comes in durable packaging. See link below for a full rundown on it.

For a nuclear backup, only on really serious stuff, Cipro.

Stock several(+) courses of each on hand for multiple cases and redundancy. These two antibiotics will handle almost anything.
Including, for Ciprofloxacin, the dreaded 'Vibrio' class of pathogens (Cholera, V. vulnificus [warm saltwater + a skin wound], etc., etc.).
(IANAMD), read the cautions and contras.

Azithromycin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ciprofloxacin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Of course there are thousands of antimicrobial's to choose from, and I suspect most MD's do little more than throw a dart at the wall for most routine cases encountered.
Interesting information on the 'natural' stuff too, here:
Antimicrobial - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Old 09-03-2014, 03:48   #15
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Re: Looking for a broad spectrum antibiotic

I am reminded of the story of the UK sailor who was embarking on a long offshore voyage. He visited his GP requesting some strong painkillers in case of serious accident.

The GP refused.
"What happens if a break my leg a week from help pleaded the sailor"

Take two paracetamol and remember you are British, was the answer.

One consideration is that in some countries many drugs are available without prescription and are often much cheaper than in more developed civilisations.
The storage life on a yacht is short so they will need frequent replacement.
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