Guatemala trip: meds to take with you (anti parasite?)
 

A friend of mine lived in Guat for several years, and recommended that I get a prescription to take prior to going to Guat. that is an anti-parasite med. She couldn't remember the name of it, but recommended I look online so I could ask my Dr. for it.

I have looked around unsuccessfully; does anyone know what she might be referencing? Also, I will be traveling with my family (DH + 3 daughters ages 10, 12, 16). If there are any other tips you'd recommend, feel free to share. We'll be doing some humanitarian service in Guat. City, a 1-day trip to Tikal, hiking Pacayo, and visiting Atitlan. I've read quite a bit of info on the Guatemala boards.

Thanks!

I've never heard of that so can't help with your specific question but here's a list of the things I recommend health-wise from a previous thread. Happy trails!
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:: I tend to follow the adivce of the CDC for the country/ies I’m visiting:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm

:: At least be sure you're up to date on routine vaccines like diphtheria/tetanus and measles/mumps/rubella; many adults in the US aren't and some of those illnesses are horrible and still prevalent in developing countries. In my opinion everyone should have Hep A, too.

:: Keep the bugs from biting by wearing long sleeves/pants during buggy times (usually dusk and dawn), using effective, safe repellent (I like Ultrathon and Sawyer's Controlled Release deet products). You can also buy clothes preloaded with permethrin or buy the sprays and do it yourself; even a bandana is handy this way. I've read that any sort of oil will keep sand flies at bay but we haven't had much problem with them in our travels (pray for a steady breeze!) so can't speak about that personally.

:: I only drink bottled water, never tap (unless I purify it or boil it), even on my toothbrush

:: I wash my hands every chance I get

:: I avoid fruit I haven't peeled myself unless I trust the preparer (no bags of yummy-looking cut up mangos from street vendors, but usually I've felt ok in homestays)

:: I avoid lettuce

:: I only eat street food if it's selling quickly and really hot; most careful folks would say avoid it

:: I take shelf stable probiotics on the road; the one I prefer is here:
http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas...-Caps/124?at=0

:: I take a papain and bromelain digestive enzyme capsule just before or after high protein meals to speed digestion; I don't have a preferred brand but here's a link to some information:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...its.html?cat=5

:: When I have a touch of diarrhea, I take 2 or 3 cayenne capsules and repeat every few hours - usually kicks it

:: I carry immodium or the like but rarely need it; it shouldn't be used if you're REALLY sick as it keeps the bad bugs in your system longer (can be really dangerous)

:: I get a prescription filled for the antibiotic Ciproflaxin to carry along in case one of us gets REALLY sick (powerful stuff not to be taken lightly) ; it's usually available without a prescription in CA.

Please share when you get the name of the med!

Seconding hopefulist's list -- esp. the probiotics. I take Reuteri Pearls by Natures Way and I'm pretty certain this helped me to not get sick during my 4 wks in Guatemala. Initially, I avoided all street food, including those yummy liquados and i was only eating at turista restaurants, but by Week 3 I broke down and I was drinking liquados everyday and buying churrasco from street vendors. I don't rec that kind of brash behavior (but I counted out my Cipro where I'd have one for everyday in case I got sick....)

Also, my general practitioner said eating a couple Pepto tabs before meals helps coat the stomach making it difficult for bad bacteria to colonize the intestines. That was kinda gross, though, so I didn't keep it up but I've read from a couple of medical journals that if you have the follow-through, it's effective.