items available in chemists?

paulus · Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:28

just wondering if i need to get rehydration salts & water purification tablets before i set off for India or are they easily available in chemists throughout India.

also are there any uselful items i should bring which are perhaps difficult to get hold of whilst out there?

Thanks
P

machadinha · Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:45

For rehydration salt the do-it-yourself way is to mix 8 cubes of sugar with 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of water. This may lack some minerals that are included in the medical mix. Don't know about local availabilty.

cyberhippie · Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:51

For all the info you need about chemists and prices take a look here!!

Chemists!

Happy Traveling

Nick-H · Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:57

Rehydration salts are available, not sure about water purification tablets.

Lots of threads which discuss shopping and the pros and cons of buying before or buying in arival. Have a good look around, but don't let me put you off coming back with more questions if you don't find what you want.

I would say to take a small "first aid kit" of your favourite pills and potients for headaches, fevers, tummies and bowels ---just because you might not feel like going out looking for stuff for one day.

When you do need to go out for something, ask for the nearest pharmacist, rather than "chemist". But don't go there for advice; they just sell pills. See a doctor if you need advice.

machadinha · Jun 3rd, 2005, 01:10

I missed the water purification thing before. Unless you plan to go way off the beaten track they won't be necessary, mineral water is available most everywhere (rehydration salts for that matter you'll only need in case of excessive perspiration combined with too little drinking. Drinking enough non-alcoholic liquids is the real solution, but you may want to take them if you're feeling "low," in which case the aforementioned solution would be helpful -- or in case of acute dehydration of course. Children need extra attention however as they tend to exhaust themselves more easily.)

I took water purification tablets with me once, they're quite expensive and the only time I felt I needed them was at a place where having a bottle of water was so exotic that the villagers would drink most of it so they weren't much use to me. They're recommended for trekking and so however. Tincture of iodine is cheaper, less tasty and less durable, and you can't use it for extended periods.

Having some basic stuff like aspirin on you in case you acutely need it is good advice.

paulus · Jun 3rd, 2005, 21:13

thanks for your advice

edwardseco · Jun 3rd, 2005, 21:50

Rehydration salts are very cheap in India and very much useful should you get a nasty dysentary along the travels..

Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:28	#1
paulus Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: nyc, but not for much longer, boo hoo Posts: 11	items available in chemists? just wondering if i need to get rehydration salts & water purification tablets before i set off for India or are they easily available in chemists throughout India. also are there any uselful items i should bring which are perhaps difficult to get hold of whilst out there? Thanks P

Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:45	#2
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,521	For rehydration salt the do-it-yourself way is to mix 8 cubes of sugar with 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of water. This may lack some minerals that are included in the medical mix. Don't know about local availabilty. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:57	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,773	Rehydration salts are available, not sure about water purification tablets. Lots of threads which discuss shopping and the pros and cons of buying before or buying in arival. Have a good look around, but don't let me put you off coming back with more questions if you don't find what you want. I would say to take a small "first aid kit" of your favourite pills and potients for headaches, fevers, tummies and bowels ---just because you might not feel like going out looking for stuff for one day. When you do need to go out for something, ask for the nearest pharmacist, rather than "chemist". But don't go there for advice; they just sell pills. See a doctor if you need advice. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Jun 3rd, 2005, 00:51	#3
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	For all the info you need about chemists and prices take a look here!! Chemists! Happy Traveling

Jun 3rd, 2005, 01:10	#5
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,521	I missed the water purification thing before. Unless you plan to go way off the beaten track they won't be necessary, mineral water is available most everywhere (rehydration salts for that matter you'll only need in case of excessive perspiration combined with too little drinking. Drinking enough non-alcoholic liquids is the real solution, but you may want to take them if you're feeling "low," in which case the aforementioned solution would be helpful -- or in case of acute dehydration of course. Children need extra attention however as they tend to exhaust themselves more easily.) I took water purification tablets with me once, they're quite expensive and the only time I felt I needed them was at a place where having a bottle of water was so exotic that the villagers would drink most of it so they weren't much use to me. They're recommended for trekking and so however. Tincture of iodine is cheaper, less tasty and less durable, and you can't use it for extended periods. Having some basic stuff like aspirin on you in case you acutely need it is good advice.

Jun 3rd, 2005, 21:13	#6
paulus Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: nyc, but not for much longer, boo hoo Posts: 11	thanks for your advice

Jun 3rd, 2005, 21:50	#7
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 3,911	Rehydration salts are very cheap in India and very much useful should you get a nasty dysentary along the travels..

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