Travelan to prevent TD in Egypt?
 

Hi all! Has anyone out there used Travelan for prophylaxis in preventing traveller's diarrhea? I recently came accross it on the web - lots of people apparently favor it for the far east (Bali, Thailand, etc.). I just haven't come accross any "success" stories from Egypt. Their website cites studies showing 93% effectiveness in preventing TD related to E-coli contamination, which is supposedly the most common source of TD worldwide in developing countries. But is the TD in Egypt mostly Shigella related (hence the Antinal is what works)? Sorry for the very nerdy question, and any and all replies are appreciated!

Dr. Percy - S.T.A.T. Calling Dr. Percy!

I would bring Cipro with you and Immodium ( the Quick Dissolve type ).

The upset stomach that you get in Egypt is not like in the Tropical places.

The AntiNal is over the counter in Egypt and you can always get and use that if you have a "Mummy Tummy".

What you have to worry about in Asia is not the same organism you worry about in Egypt.

I answered all this last July 2009 ( on Fodors ) and I will try to find you a link to the site.

Hi Debbie :)

Thank you both Debbie and Dr. Percy!

I'll be taking Doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis, does that work as preventative for "mummy tummy" too?

Assume you are taking the Doxy because you are also going to another country that has malaria risk? There is no malaria risk in Egypt.

Doxy MAY given some extra measure of protection against bacteria-caused diarrheas, but many of those bacteria have become resistant to Doxy. Still, I have some patients who swear they have less TD when they're on Doxy.

yes, going to Botswana and Vic Falls first, so will still be on the Doxy for awhile afterwards.

mmc923:

Here is the Link to your questions about your concern about Traveller's Diarrhea in Egypt

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...edications.cfm

You know Travelan is not used in North America and I doubt it is used in the UK either ( hmmmmmm!!)


About Doxycycline:

It really will not act as any good preventative for "Mummy Tummy".

I assume there is a good reason why you are taking Doxycycline as a prophylaxis against malaria instead of one of the anti-malaria drugs.

Doxycycline is used for malaria protection , when you are not able to use any of the anti-malaria drugs..and

also in places where the malaria is resistant to the conventional anti-malaria drugs such as Malarone.

The thing I do not like about Doxycycline is that it really does make most people nauseated ...sometimes to the point where you feel like vomiting.

So use this drug with food or milk and not on an empty stomach.

You donot want to look down over the bridge at Victoria Falls and feel dizzy and nauseated...your on holidays.!

Yes I am allergic to Malarone -- broke out in hives in Kenya and in Botswana on two different safaris (I guess I am a slow learner) and I won't take Larium again, even though I loved the vivid dreams! Have taken Doxy before with no issues, just take it at dinner each night. Too bad it isn't also good for Egypt. My doc said I won't need Cipro as I have the doxy. Keeping my fingers crossed I won't need it......!

patirician ( I like how you snuck the "i" in after the "t" in your name ).

In Egypt you probably will not need anything.

Well, that explains why you are taking Doxycycline !! :)

I take Cipro and Immodium with me always and I am glad when I never have to use it.

Good Luck and Good Health on the trip.

Percy has given wise advice. :)

If, for some reason, you need Cipro in Egypt - it is readily available at the local pharmacies with no prescription needed.

As for malaria - we used Doxy the first time (all of us) and my older son used Malorone for his 2nd trip to Tanzania. As with you, we just made it part of our dinner ritual. No problems with either.

Just be cautious/wise about what you eat. Living in Egypt for 4 years, and visiting later for a week - not one of us got sick.

Hi Grcxx3

Glad that Doxycycline does not give you any side effects.

Having spent all the time you have in Egypt ,I am sure you know all about people getting gasterointestinal upset ( Mummy Tummy ).

I am glad I never encountered a mosquito or tsetse fly in Kenya/ Tanzania last year.... but

my friends (when I got back home) told me that not even mosquitos or tsetse flies want to waste their time on me.!! :)

Good Night

If they only knew the buzz they could get off your blood, they might want to waste their time on you Percy! ;)

Yep, Debbie that Tusker Beer in Kenya ( in 500 ml bottles packs a wallop ) !!

Just like Stella ( beer ) in Cairo. :)

Well, that might explain my good health, as well!! ;)