Travel Prescription Drugs and Antibiotics

[challis0124]

For the international cruiser (Caribbean / Europe) what sorts of prescription medications or antibiotics do you recommend getting from your doctor prior to embarking on the journey. Thanks in advance for your help!

[LakeSuperior]

At the top level, we carried:

1. oral scopolamine and dexedrine (NASA treatment for severe motion sickness)
2. an assortment of antibiotics
3. 800 mg motrin
4. several types of powerful prescription pain medications

We did two years cruising the North Atlantic circle route. Did not use any of the medications.

One can imagine that a back injury, tooth ache, broken ribs, or broken limbs 10 or 15 days out of port would take some of the fun out of the passage. Since we did not have open water experience we worried about extreme non-stop motion sickness.

[Crosis]

Just make sure that while in US waters you keep any prescription drug (800mg motrin is also a controlled prescription drug) in their original bottles with the name of the person they are prescribed to on the bottles. Repackaging them is a felony and as we all know we do not have 4th amendment rights on a boat.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by challis0124

For the international cruiser (Caribbean / Europe) what sorts of prescription medications or antibiotics do you recommend getting from your doctor prior to embarking on the journey. Thanks in advance for your help!

Broad spectrum antibiotics. , including cream
Pain relief including tramadol, quick and slow release if possible
Treatment for women's fungal inflections
Eye drops for conjunctivitis.

Usual first aid stuff


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[MarkJ]

If you insist on buying prescription drugs, do it once you leave the USA and you will find they are affordable!

[a64pilot]

Dexedrine is an ADHD and Narcolepsy drug?

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Dexedrine is an ADHD and Narcolepsy drug?

Check out Scop-Dex from NASA http://microgravityuniversity.jsc.na...nti-nausea.pdf

They hadn't packaged the treatment back in 2010 that I am aware of. Most folks just got separate prescriptions for the components and mixed them in the digestive system.

[Triumphant]

Hi there

The following list and instructions were put together by a Doctor and a Pharmacist in the UK for our medical chest for an extended cruise from Europe to the Caribbean

The drugs have labels on their containers which include the name of the vessel and the words "Yacht in Transit" printed on the labels

We have replaced any drugs we have used, with the exception of the USA, at quite reasonable prices and often without a prescription.

The whole lot fits in a large tupperware box and live in the fridge


• QDS = 4 TIMES A DAY ,
• TDS =THREE TIMES A DAY
• OD = ONCE A DAY

ANTIBIOTICS – 1ST LINE

• CEPHALEXIN CAPSULES 250 mgs 1-2 tabs to be taken 4 times a day
For infection of teeth, ears, skin, wounds, respiratory and urinary tract..

This is a first line antibiotic and should be taken in courses of 5 – 7 days.
Quantity of capsules 28 x 6

• ERYTHOMYCIN 250 MGS 1 tab to be taken 4 times a day
For Skin infections, sore throats, upper respiratory tract infection, sinus etc.

This is a first line antibiotic.
Quantity of capsules 28 x 3

ANTIBIOTICS – 2nd LINE

• LEVOFLOXACIN 500 mgs 1OD for 5 days
For infections of the bowel, female pelvic organs, prostrate and urinary tract.

(Very expensive - use only for severe infections and also if 1st Line antibiotics do not work)
Slight risk of photosensitivity so cover up!!
Quantity of capsules 5 x 3 courses,

• METRONIDZOLE 400 mgs 1 TDS for 7 days
For infections of Teeth.
Also can be added to Levofloxacin for severe abdominal infections such as Peritonitis

e.g. if at sea and in big trouble

Quantity of capsules 3 x 2 courses

AVOID ALCOHOL AS SEVERE REACTION

• AZITHROMYCIN 500 mgs 1 OD for 3 days
For infections of upper and lower respiratory tract, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia

Quantity of capsules 3 x 2 courses

TOPICAL ANTIBIOTICS

• LOCORTEN VIOFORM EARDROPS use 4 times per day for 3-4 days
For swimmers ear and discharging ears

Quantity x 2

CHLORAMPHENICOL EYE DROPS 2 drops QDS for 5 days

For eye infections

Quantity 10 mls x 2

ANTI-NAUSEA/SEA SICKNESS

• STUGERON 15 MGS (CINNARAZINE) 1 -2 TDS
For prevention of sea-sickness, makes you drowsy

Quantity 30

• BUCCASTEM SUBLINGUAL 3MGS
1-2 sublingually (under tongue) twice a day for vomiting.

Useful if you cannot keep fluids down, able to drink fluid sips about 20 minutes after taking 2

Quantity 30

BOWELS/GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS

• GAVISON TABLETS 1-2 QDS X 50
For indigestion

• LANSOPRAZOLE 30 mgs 1 ONCE A DAY x 50
Take if indigestion really bad, stop smoking

• Oral re-hydration sachets
For severe diarrhoea (contains sugar and salt) x 20

• CLOTRIMOXASOL/HYDROCORTISONE CREAM x 60 gms
For sore bottoms

• LOPERIMIDE CAPSULES –
For severe diarrhoea (only use if desperate , better out than in)
Quantity 100

• DOCUSATE SODIUM CAPSULES 100 MGS
For severe constipation, may take up to 5 a day in divided doses

• SENNA CAPSULES
For severe constipation
1 – 4 a night with lots of water depending on severity of the problem

• OLIVE OIL with separate Dropper
For blocked ears with wax. Use for 5/7 days, 4 -5 x a day

• NORMAL SALINE EYE DROPS
To irrigate eyes if something gets in them. x10 mls steripods in dressing pack

SKIN PREPARATIONS

• BETNOVATE CREAM – DO NOT USE ON FACE
Strong steroid cream. For severe eczema type problems on body, local allergies etc. 2 x per day 30gms

• FUCIDIN CREAM
Topical cream for skin infections e.g. coral scratches THREE TIMES A DAY x 30 gms

• FUCIBET CREAM
Topical cream for infected insect bites, (has ingredient that helps stop itching) 2 x 30 gms

• CLOTRIMOXAZAZOLE AND 1% HYDROCORTISONE CREAM
For fungal and itches . Also itchy bottoms

ANTIHISTAMINES

• PIRITON 4MGS
1 THREE TIMES A DAY for allergic reactions, may make you drowsy. Quantity 50

• TELFAST 180 MGS
1OD for severe allergic reactions of the skin. Quantity 50

ANTI-ALLERGIC MEDICATION

• PREDNISOLONE E/C 5MGS TABS
For general allergic reactions i.e. skin, asthma etc.
Take 4 – 7 per day, can be taken all together No depends severity of the reaction

PAINKILLERS - ANALGESIC LADDER –

Starting with the least strongest to the strongest

1. PARACETOMOL 500 MGS
2qds for headache, fever and muscle aches

2. COPROXAMOL
Less strong than COCODAMOL 4 x 2000

3. COCODAMOL 30/500mgs
Contains Paracetamol. Strong pain killers, may constipate CAN ONLY TAKE 8 PARACETAMOL IN 24 HOURS EITHER AS COCODAMOL OR STRAIGHT PARACETAMOL

4. DICLOFENAC SUPPOSITORY 100 MGS BD
For strong pain, especially kidney pain Quantity 4

5. TEMGESIC sublingual 400 mcgs
1 twice a day, sublingually (under tongue or lips) for strong pain.

OPIATE – so watch out – only for strong pain

The following come after NO 5 in PAINKILLERS - ANALGESIC LADDER and what the ambulance men use for severe pain

MODERATE TO SEVERE PAIN

6 NUBAIN INJECTIONS 10MG/ML
For use in moderate to Severe pain

Dose
1 amp for Female
2 amp for Mail

Method
Inject in upper outer quadrant of Buttock, Green needle

Quantity 10 mg amps x 5

CHEST PAINS – probable heart attack

• GTN SPRAY
For use with crushing chest pain/left arm or radiating to jaw

Dose
1 Spray under tongue, at the same time take 1 x aspirin 300mgs
May repeat spray after 10-15 minutes if pain does not go away

IF PAIN STILL THERE AFTER THAT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Quantity 1 mg x spray, Aspirin 300mgs x 50

[kas_1611]

Originally Posted by Triumphant

Hi there

The following list and instructions were put together by a Doctor and a Pharmacist in the UK for our medical chest for an extended cruise from Europe to the Caribbean

The drugs have labels on their containers which include the name of the vessel and the words "Yacht in Transit" printed on the labels

We have replaced any drugs we have used, with the exception of the USA, at quite reasonable prices and often without a prescription.

The whole lot fits in a large tupperware box and live in the fridge

Excellent and extensive list and good to see it was put together by a qualified Doctor and Pharmacist and not just thrown together based on something someone read somewhere sometime. Also a good point about getting the labels made out to the name of the vessel and not to a specific person, never thought about that. I presume you also have (or had) the original prescriptions and/or a letter from the Dr/Pharmacist explaining why you had them? I also like the way you had a comprehensive list of the sort of ailments/conditions that each medication can be used for and how to take them (mental note to speak to the Pharmacist about my own medical kit when I get back to the yacht!).

If you are sailing around the Med you shouldn't need that comprehensive a medical kit as you should never be that far from medical help, especially if you are on the European side of the Med. However it is better to be safe than sorry of course. Make sure you have fully comprehensive medical insurance including prescription medications and repatriation cover and that your insurance company are "happy" that you are sailing for an extended period of time, or going to be away from home for an extended period. If a EU citizen/resident make sure you have your EHIC (old name was E111) for reciprocal emergency healthcare.

One thing to consider about medications is that in some countries it is (or maybe) an offence to medicate someone else unless you are a qualified person (medic, paramedic, nurse, pharmacist) but you can assist someone to self-medicate. This is indicated if you do a formal 1st Aid course in the UK at least.

Lastly, don't forget to add to the kit things like after sun cream, rehydration salts, nitrile (better than latex) examination gloves, sterile wipes and other such sundries.

Keiron

[Stu Jackson]

#8 is a very helpful list. You might also want to be aware that there are many entire books (!) about medical issues for going to sea, which almost all include detailed medical kit information, much more detailed than one would find on an internet board.

[barnaclejim]

May of us have spent a lot on a cabinet full of expensive meds that, especially in warm climates will expire sooner than later. Its good to have a stash of important drugs but dont go too overboard. There are doctors and clinics most everywhere you would cruise. Epenephrine and some full spectrum antibiotics as some things like an allergic reaction or an infection need immediate attention.

[otterbanks]

from personal experience......something like uri stat for uti symptoms

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by challis0124

For the international cruiser (Caribbean / Europe) what sorts of prescription medications or antibiotics do you recommend getting from your doctor prior to embarking on the journey. Thanks in advance for your help!

How would you get from Caribbean to Europe? If you intend to cross the ocean, you need to know how to/when to use the different drugs. You may consider a good medicine sailing text and a satellite phone.
Another thing: last time I have crossed an ocean I have taken a defibrillator on board. We were the only boat out of over 200 vessels in that year's ARC to have one.

[roland stockham]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Dexedrine is an ADHD and Narcolepsy drug?

Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant and a type of amphetamine. While it might keep you awake on a long watch it is addictive and dangerous. It is a restricted drug for that reason and should only be use under expert supervision and should not be on a boat.

Generally I would say that you should get advice before deciding on drugs to take (ideally find a doctor or nurse who sails). It is as much about you personal needs, age, health and medical knowledge as it is about the drugs so best done as a personal consultation.

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

Dexedrine ... It is a restricted drug ... and should not be on a boat.

A layman opinion that is contrary to that of an ex Navy flight surgeon and Dr. at a world class clinic. Thanks for weighing in with your expertise Roland.