Young kids and anti-malaria drugs
Feb 22nd, 2008, 07:31 PM
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Young kids and anti-malaria drugs
Do folks think it is a good idea to give young kids (our are 5 and 6) anti-malarial drugs? We're considering it for a portion of our South Africa trip that will be in the area where malaria exists.
Feb 22nd, 2008, 10:23 PM
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Most of the people I knew with young kids waited until they were 5 or 6 to go on safaris because they didn't want to give the medicine to kids younger than that (AND they didn't think the younger kids would like/appreciate the safari).
I would strongly suggest talking to your doctor, but assuming that there are no medical reasons for them NOT to take the meds - I would do it. Better than taking the risk of contracting malaria.
I would strongly suggest talking to your doctor, but assuming that there are no medical reasons for them NOT to take the meds - I would do it. Better than taking the risk of contracting malaria.
Feb 23rd, 2008, 04:54 AM
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Malarone is available for children weighing more than 11Kg (45/lbs.) There is a pediatric dosage.
These tabs have to be taken daily (with food, preferrably dairy - cheese, yougurt, milk) from 2/days prior arriving in infected area, while in the area, then 7/days after leaving the area.
Always best to discuss with the Pediatrician in consideration of their personal health histories.
These tabs have to be taken daily (with food, preferrably dairy - cheese, yougurt, milk) from 2/days prior arriving in infected area, while in the area, then 7/days after leaving the area.
Always best to discuss with the Pediatrician in consideration of their personal health histories.
Feb 23rd, 2008, 06:27 AM
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Sandi,
I'm sure you mean to be helpful but in fact, 11KG is eqaul to approx. 24 lbs., not 45 lbs. and 24 lbs is the lowest weight suggested for preventative treatment with 1 pediatric Malarone dose. In fact at 45 lbs., the pediatric dosage doubles. Again, the danger of obtaining certain types of health information on internet forums is demonstrated.
Chuck
I'm sure you mean to be helpful but in fact, 11KG is eqaul to approx. 24 lbs., not 45 lbs. and 24 lbs is the lowest weight suggested for preventative treatment with 1 pediatric Malarone dose. In fact at 45 lbs., the pediatric dosage doubles. Again, the danger of obtaining certain types of health information on internet forums is demonstrated.
Chuck
Feb 23rd, 2008, 07:31 AM
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Thanks for the input. I have talked with my pediatrician about it. He has little experience with his patients as young as my children going to a malaria zone. He's made his recommendation, but I wanted to hear from others who have personal experiences. I would never choose a medicine against our pediatrician's advice, but I have found him open to researching my suggestions and giving his medical opinion on them.
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Feb 23rd, 2008, 07:26 PM
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Hi joelbra
I would be going to travel medical doctors - not a GP or a pediatrician! This is a specialist field!
The youngest niece I have taken was 8, and my travel medical doctor was happy enough for her to take malaria tablets.
Kind regards
Kaye
I would be going to travel medical doctors - not a GP or a pediatrician! This is a specialist field!
The youngest niece I have taken was 8, and my travel medical doctor was happy enough for her to take malaria tablets.
Kind regards
Kaye
