Malaria prevention in Goa for kids

haddojetty · Jan 26th, 2007, 02:11

Hi, what is the correct product for a 6 year old to take? Is it tablets or a syrup form? Also is it possible to buy enough tablets (for adults too) in the UK for the week before going, then buy the rest in Goa? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

SANJAY_DEL · Jan 27th, 2007, 00:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by haddojetty

Hi, what is the correct product for a 6 year old to take? Is it tablets or a syrup form? Also is it possible to buy enough tablets (for adults too) in the UK for the week before going, then buy the rest in Goa? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

MODERATOR NOTE...

Whatever Sanjay's qualification and experience, suggest that you check with A LIVE DOCTOR IN THE FLESH before giving any medication to a child.

We, the IndiaMike team, have strong concerns about seeking/giving medical advice on the internet, but heck, it's a free world.

However, internet prescribing for children is not something we want to see done here at all.

edwardseco · Jan 27th, 2007, 01:32

Holy Moly, Mefloquin is the generic name for Larium. It won't take much of a google search by the OP to determine there are a lot of horror stories attached to that particular drug.
For something to stir your pathos try: http://www.mefloquin.de/englisch.html
For a child that can't even understand what is going on this is As a parent I can't even draw the composure to comment.

Doxycline is not a good alternative for those under 10-12. I was prescribed Chloroquine for my child at one point because so many have left it due to drug resistance that it has actually become more effective of late. It is so bitter though that a small child will quickly want to learn how to swallow not chew pills. I recommend a pediatric tropical medicine specialist.

Repellants and nets are important in themselves as no malarial pill is 100% effective. Odomos and Mosfree are easily available and very effective.

In all such medicines one must consider the costs as opposed to the benefits with regard to probabilities. The odds of getting malaria in Goa are modest even in the present outbreak. The odds of having lasting mental damage from Larium can only be guessed at since officially reported figures are clearly a vast understimate. However, judging from the personal reports it is a significant hazard. All medicines are a risk and we take many medicines because the risk payoff is justified. Many people take Larium without damage or discomfort other than perhaps nightmares. The bottom line is is it worth the risk?

The parent has to do the research because it is a significant judgement..

Shaktipalooza · Jan 27th, 2007, 03:42

Larium is pretty bad. I had a spouse travel to Bali on short notice (just a couple of days). The doctor pumped up her dosage so she'd be ready for the trip. She became certifiably neurotic as soon as the doses hit her. After easing up to the standard dose her symptoms went away.

Many people do just fine with Larium but I'd hate to be one of the people with lasting side effects.

Special care must be taken with prescribing medication for children. Among other potential side effects, some malaria medications can permanently stain your child's teeth gray.

You need to visit a travel medicine specialist, no way around it.

edwardseco · Jan 27th, 2007, 10:50

Doxy is that particular case. I had to take a chance at age 11 with my child because our family area is malarial. I observed carefully for any such signs so as to be able to change the regimine if necessary. Those that use powerful as I do must be aware of the potential problems so as to mitigate any problems just as Shakti points out..

Jan 26th, 2007, 02:11	#1
haddojetty Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: UK Posts: 48	Malaria prevention in Goa for kids Hi, what is the correct product for a 6 year old to take? Is it tablets or a syrup form? Also is it possible to buy enough tablets (for adults too) in the UK for the week before going, then buy the rest in Goa? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Jan 27th, 2007, 03:42	#4
Shaktipalooza Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Portland Oregon USA Posts: 896	Larium is pretty bad. I had a spouse travel to Bali on short notice (just a couple of days). The doctor pumped up her dosage so she'd be ready for the trip. She became certifiably neurotic as soon as the doses hit her. After easing up to the standard dose her symptoms went away. Many people do just fine with Larium but I'd hate to be one of the people with lasting side effects. Special care must be taken with prescribing medication for children. Among other potential side effects, some malaria medications can permanently stain your child's teeth gray. You need to visit a travel medicine specialist, no way around it. __________________ IndiaGroove - Train finder now in beta! Pics from India 2006 Traditional Indian Dance

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Jan 27th, 2007, 01:32	#3
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,141	Holy Moly, Mefloquin is the generic name for Larium. It won't take much of a google search by the OP to determine there are a lot of horror stories attached to that particular drug. For something to stir your pathos try: http://www.mefloquin.de/englisch.html For a child that can't even understand what is going on this is As a parent I can't even draw the composure to comment. Doxycline is not a good alternative for those under 10-12. I was prescribed Chloroquine for my child at one point because so many have left it due to drug resistance that it has actually become more effective of late. It is so bitter though that a small child will quickly want to learn how to swallow not chew pills. I recommend a pediatric tropical medicine specialist. Repellants and nets are important in themselves as no malarial pill is 100% effective. Odomos and Mosfree are easily available and very effective. In all such medicines one must consider the costs as opposed to the benefits with regard to probabilities. The odds of getting malaria in Goa are modest even in the present outbreak. The odds of having lasting mental damage from Larium can only be guessed at since officially reported figures are clearly a vast understimate. However, judging from the personal reports it is a significant hazard. All medicines are a risk and we take many medicines because the risk payoff is justified. Many people take Larium without damage or discomfort other than perhaps nightmares. The bottom line is is it worth the risk? The parent has to do the research because it is a significant judgement..

Jan 27th, 2007, 10:50	#5
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,141	Doxy is that particular case. I had to take a chance at age 11 with my child because our family area is malarial. I observed carefully for any such signs so as to be able to change the regimine if necessary. Those that use powerful as I do must be aware of the potential problems so as to mitigate any problems just as Shakti points out..

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