Zithromax (Azithromyxin) ??

SilverTab · Jan 13th, 2007, 02:51

My doctor prescribed some Zithromax antibiotics for my India trip...

usually I get Cipro and it seems to work (I was sick in Peru(severe stomach pain and diarrhea) and after one cipro, I seemed to be fine the next day)...

I asked why he didnt prescribed cipro and he told me that some bacterias in India could be cipro-resistant... ?? I'm guessing he knows what he is talking about, but did anyone else heard the same thing?? Is Zithromax known to be as effective as Cipro? Should I still get some cipro just in case??? (I think I have some left from my trip to Peru/Bolivia)...

Of course the best thing would be to avoid it completely (I have been taking probiotic/bacterias for a while now and will continue to take some in India).. I also heard neem capsules could help...but I'm pretty sure Cipro is what fixed me when I was sick in Peru...

SANJAY_DEL · Jan 13th, 2007, 03:03

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is indicated for some specific infections. It is NOT "prescribed for an India trip" !!!
If at all you happen to be unwell while in India, please visit a doctor at his clinic, a nearby hospital or have your hotel arrange for a doctor's visit.
Ciprofloxacin is in widespread use in India for various infections and it is not right to make a sweeping general statement about its resistance. Many bacteria develop resistance to some antibiotics at some point, and the local pattern of resistance varies widely.
Do not bring any antibiotics from Canada. They are all available in India, if at all you happen to need them. The prices are much lower than in Europe or North America.

Cipro is not a panacea that will fix you for all times to come, even if it seemed so good in Peru.
There are lots of other options known to Indian physicians. My best advice would be for you to consult with a doctor in India rather than going in for self-medication.

SilverTab · Jan 13th, 2007, 03:19

Thanks for the advise sanjay! I read a lot of threads about people saying they got some really good care from Indian physicians, so I'm not really worried. I guess your idea makes sense (i.e. dont bring anything I might not even need, that can be bought in India anyway) so I will keep that in mind!

Nick-H · Jan 13th, 2007, 10:52

Quote:

My doctor prescribed some Zithromax antibiotics for my India trip...

Weird.

Why didn't he just tell you to go see a doctor if and when you get ill? Would he prescribe a selection of antibiotics for you to keep at home?

It really is time this idea of bringing all this stuff got utterly knocked on the head.

SilverTab · Jan 13th, 2007, 11:08

My guess is that most people are NOT aware that you can get some proper (and even good) health care in India!... I know it wouldve been a problem if I didnt have some with me in Bolivia as we were in very remote areas of the country where it is quite difficult to get medical attention...!

So pretty much what he was thinking is...better safe than sorry... just my guess ....

Nick-H · Jan 13th, 2007, 11:18

Yes,I think you are right.

And the same would be true for those travelling in remote rural areas in India.

But that is something of a special case, and possibly still wiser to discuss options with a doctor in the Indian city of arrival.

SilverTab · Jan 13th, 2007, 11:22

Well anyway the idea of seeing a doctor in India makes much more sense as I'm sure they have much more info about what bacteria/diseases are frequent in a specific area of the country!

sego · Jan 13th, 2007, 20:37

My doctor always prescribe Zithromax for me here in Canada for flu's etc. works well with the kids also and it's a 5 day course of medication. I carry a small supply medication with me to India because my drug plan covers most of them at no cost, take some if it's free and purchase more if needed in India. Happy Travels

SteamBuff · Jan 13th, 2007, 20:46

My doctor refused to prescribe antibiotics for my trip to India, as there is not a single "Cure All" antibiotic, I was advised to consult a local doctor if I was taken ill and to take his advice ....

SANJAY_DEL · Jan 13th, 2007, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by sego

My doctor always prescribe Zithromax for me here in Canada for flu's etc. works well with the kids also and it's a 5 day course of medication.

Azithromycin is not indicated for influenza, which is a viral infection.
For most upper respiratory bacterial infections, a 3 day course is sufficient.
Strogly advised not to self-medicate with antibiotics.

nofar · Jan 13th, 2007, 22:13

BUT...i wish travelers would read more about how to take care
of thamselfs as much as about place/train/restaurant.prevention
is the name of the game!
usually most MDs dont have time to give u information

cipro is stil first line in treatment of travelers diarea...what 2 do...& if u r using doxycycline as malaria prevention part of 'inner organs'is partially protected.(u can buy o.t.c in indian pharma.)azithromycin is once aday antibaiotic which saved for lung or s.t.d (sex transmitted disseas)what ur doc was thinking....

local doc's i met R proffetional as 'westeren'one.

Nick-H · Jan 13th, 2007, 22:36

You say that a powerful antibiotic is first line in treatment of travelers diarea.

Oh dear....

Still, it's your body, and I uphold your right to put whatever you choose into it.

Problem is, misusing antibiotics can affect other people as well.

SANJAY_DEL · Jan 13th, 2007, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by nofar

azithromycin is once aday antibaiotic which saved for lung or s.t.d (sex transmitted disseas)what ur doc was thinking....

local doc's i met R proffetional as 'westeren'one.

It bothers me to note that threads are started in the name of one drug or the other, and people start listing uses and side effects and anecdotal information and old wives tales.
There is such a thing as too much information.
Sensitive prescribing information regarding various medicines is not to be leaked out on a website such as this.

Nick-H · Jan 14th, 2007, 00:05

Yes, I think this particular thread is more dangerous than useful.

Closure is in order.

Jan 13th, 2007, 02:51	#1
SilverTab Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 34	Zithromax (Azithromyxin) ?? My doctor prescribed some Zithromax antibiotics for my India trip... usually I get Cipro and it seems to work (I was sick in Peru(severe stomach pain and diarrhea) and after one cipro, I seemed to be fine the next day)... I asked why he didnt prescribed cipro and he told me that some bacterias in India could be cipro-resistant... ?? I'm guessing he knows what he is talking about, but did anyone else heard the same thing?? Is Zithromax known to be as effective as Cipro? Should I still get some cipro just in case??? (I think I have some left from my trip to Peru/Bolivia)... Of course the best thing would be to avoid it completely (I have been taking probiotic/bacterias for a while now and will continue to take some in India).. I also heard neem capsules could help...but I'm pretty sure Cipro is what fixed me when I was sick in Peru...

Jan 13th, 2007, 22:13	#11
nofar Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: red sea Posts: 16	self medication is ok ! BUT...i wish travelers would read more about how to take care of thamselfs as much as about place/train/restaurant.prevention is the name of the game! usually most MDs dont have time to give u information cipro is stil first line in treatment of travelers diarea...what 2 do...& if u r using doxycycline as malaria prevention part of 'inner organs'is partially protected.(u can buy o.t.c in indian pharma.)azithromycin is once aday antibaiotic which saved for lung or s.t.d (sex transmitted disseas)what ur doc was thinking.... local doc's i met R proffetional as 'westeren'one.

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Jan 13th, 2007, 03:03	#2
SANJAY_DEL Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA Posts: 1,351	Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is indicated for some specific infections. It is NOT "prescribed for an India trip" !!! If at all you happen to be unwell while in India, please visit a doctor at his clinic, a nearby hospital or have your hotel arrange for a doctor's visit. Ciprofloxacin is in widespread use in India for various infections and it is not right to make a sweeping general statement about its resistance. Many bacteria develop resistance to some antibiotics at some point, and the local pattern of resistance varies widely. Do not bring any antibiotics from Canada. They are all available in India, if at all you happen to need them. The prices are much lower than in Europe or North America. Cipro is not a panacea that will fix you for all times to come, even if it seemed so good in Peru. There are lots of other options known to Indian physicians. My best advice would be for you to consult with a doctor in India rather than going in for self-medication.

Jan 13th, 2007, 03:19	#3
SilverTab Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 34	Thanks for the advise sanjay! I read a lot of threads about people saying they got some really good care from Indian physicians, so I'm not really worried. I guess your idea makes sense (i.e. dont bring anything I might not even need, that can be bought in India anyway) so I will keep that in mind!

Jan 13th, 2007, 11:08	#5
SilverTab Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 34	My guess is that most people are NOT aware that you can get some proper (and even good) health care in India!... I know it wouldve been a problem if I didnt have some with me in Bolivia as we were in very remote areas of the country where it is quite difficult to get medical attention...! So pretty much what he was thinking is...better safe than sorry... just my guess ....

Jan 13th, 2007, 11:18	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Yes,I think you are right. And the same would be true for those travelling in remote rural areas in India. But that is something of a special case, and possibly still wiser to discuss options with a doctor in the Indian city of arrival.

Jan 13th, 2007, 11:22	#7
SilverTab Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 34	Well anyway the idea of seeing a doctor in India makes much more sense as I'm sure they have much more info about what bacteria/diseases are frequent in a specific area of the country!

Jan 13th, 2007, 20:37	#8
sego Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 91	My doctor always prescribe Zithromax for me here in Canada for flu's etc. works well with the kids also and it's a 5 day course of medication. I carry a small supply medication with me to India because my drug plan covers most of them at no cost, take some if it's free and purchase more if needed in India. Happy Travels

Jan 13th, 2007, 20:46	#9
SteamBuff Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Essex, Endland Posts: 370	My doctor refused to prescribe antibiotics for my trip to India, as there is not a single "Cure All" antibiotic, I was advised to consult a local doctor if I was taken ill and to take his advice ....

Jan 13th, 2007, 22:36	#12
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	You say that a powerful antibiotic is first line in treatment of travelers diarea. Oh dear.... Still, it's your body, and I uphold your right to put whatever you choose into it. Problem is, misusing antibiotics can affect other people as well.

Jan 14th, 2007, 00:05	#14
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Yes, I think this particular thread is more dangerous than useful. Closure is in order.

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