After planning and spending money on a trip, you want to count on having an enjoyable time, and few things can ruin a vacation faster than getting sick.
Consider the following list of medications to ensure a happy, healthy trip:
Malaria Prevention
- Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil), Chloroquine, Primaquine, and Tafenoquine: These medications prevent malaria in countries where mosquitoes carry the disease. The CDC keeps a list of countries and regions where prophylaxis is recommended.
- Chloroquine: Start 1 to 2 weeks before travel at a dose of 500 mg per week.
- Primaquine: Take 30 mg per day, starting 1-2 days before the trip, continuing during the trip, and for two weeks after return.
- Tafenoquine: Take 200 mg of tafenoquine daily for three days before travel, then 200 mg per week during travel and for one week after travel.
- Malarone: Start 1-2 days before travel and continue for at least one week after leaving the malaria area.
High Altitude Sickness
- Diamox (Acetazolamide): Used to prevent high altitude sickness symptoms like headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Take 125 mg every 12 hours, starting the day before the ascent.
Motion Sickness
- Scopace (Scopolamine) is effective in preventing nausea, vomiting, and a general sick feeling. Apply the patch behind the ear 4 hours before the trip, or use the intranasal spray for a non-drowsy option.
- Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate): Take 50-100 mg orally every 4-6 hours, starting 1 hour before travel.
- Meclizine: Take 25 mg up to every 6-8 hours.
Nausea Medications
- Zofran (Ondansetron): Take 4 mg every 6 hours as needed for nausea and vomiting. It is available in regular tablets, dissolvable tablets, liquids, or films.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
- Ciprofloxacin: Take one 500 mg tablet twice a day for several days.
- Azithromycin (Z-pack): Take a single dose of 500 mg, followed by another 500 mg 12 hours later if needed.
- Flagyl (Metronidazole): Used for diarrhea caused by invasive amoeba species. Take four tablets at once or ½ tablet per day for 4-7 days. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water.
Travel Prescriptions: Final Thoughts
Planning a trip? Our doctors are here to counsel you and prescribe the appropriate travel medications online, offering you the convenience of picking up your prescriptions at any pharmacy right after your consultation. Bon voyage!
