<Do you actually know when to take these medications? If your diarhea is caused by food poisoning, and your body is desperately trying to get rid of the toxic gunk you just swallowed, is taking Immodium a good idea? >

At least a dozen or more bacterial organisms, a few viral agents and various toxic substances can cause food poisoning. Vomiting and diarrhea are not necessarily the body's defenses at work to eliminate them from the body. Many of the biological and toxic agents can cause the death or block the ability of the cells responsible for the absorption of water in the colon. Profuse vomiting and diarrhea do not, in of themselves, necessarily eliminate the organisms from the body. Some agents produce toxins, which are enough of an irritant to force the body to react violently to them with vomiting and/or diarrhea. In these cases, the body's reaction may be beneficial. However, uncontrolled diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death in many third world countries. Both vomiting and diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. While most healthly individuals can tolerate a limited amount of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours, much after that and the body's ability to recover is greatly impaired. Access to large amounts of clean water and foodstuffs that will replenish electrolytes may allow you to discount carrying anti-diarrhea medications and that is your choice, but you will still be weak from a major degree of stress. I for one, carry anti-diarrhea medication, based upon personal experiences of traveling companions, as well as myself. Pete

Do you mean that^?

When you type your message, click on "Quote" in the "Insert UBB Code" box, next to the smilie faces. Then type what you want in between the two tags it inserts in your message. You'll see what I mean when you try it.

Chris

I disagree. They always say, the only stupid question is the one that you don't ask. The same with a post - this is a brainstorming group in many ways, the whole point of brainstorming is to throw out ideas and see whether they fly, float, or sink like a brick.

It's far better to post something that's far from perfect, than to keep quiet and never get around to discussing it with anyone. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Pete: Okay, I stand corrected. But I think my major point is still valid. You have far higher qualifications in this area than I do, so you presumably have a much better idea than most of us when it is or is not appropriate to take a particular medicine. But even OTC medications can have serious side effects if taken for the wrong reasons - I'm pretty sure that, for example, Tylenol can turn an unpleasant condition (a headache) into a life-threatening one (e.g. liver failure) if taken incorrectly. So I'm still a little leery of non-professionals taking a whole swack of medications into the woods without necessarily having the training or expertise to use them appropriately.
(Especially if they are doing so at the expense of basic first aid supplies that are far more likely to be needed.) <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I agree that all medicines should be taken in a prudent manner, even OTC meds. But most people have in their homes both OTC as well as prescription meds, many take medications routinely, with little to no observed adverse effects. While some individuals do have adverse reactions to various meds and some do ignore dosing recommendations, the vast majority of the public takes medications appropriately. I have responded to countless calls for unintentional OD's of OTC and prescription meds, fortunately most situations are not life threatening and are not actually OD's. Keep in mind when a medication is approved for OTC status, the FDA has evaluated the risk to the general population for experiencing adverse effects. With a little reading and education of the appropriate dosing for size and age, which appears on the bottle and/or box of all medications and adhering to the recommendations, most OTC medications can be safely carried into the field and used appropriately. As to acetaminophen (Tylenol), where the danger lies, is not with someone (adult) taking 3 instead of 2 tablets, but when someone takes a handful and swallows them in an attempt to harm themself or in an attempt to call attention to themself. One of the most frequent (my personal experiences) OD calls we run involves a female between the ages of 12-20, who has just had a fight with her boyfriend. She will often go to the medicine cabinet, grab a bottle of Tylenol, believing taking a handful of Tylenol will not hurt or kill her, but make a statement. If we and/or the hospital are able to deal early enough with the situation, having her stomach pumped and ongoing monitoring of acetaminophen levels will generally mitigate the problem. Pete

<img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've been away on a trip for for few days - THanks all for the replies!

WOFT: I just spent an uncomfy night in a hammock I thought I'd used without a pad before. I discovered that the bottom of the hammock was NOT, in fact, mosquito-proof.

This prompts me to suggest that you add some Benedryl or other antihistamine to your "grab-n-go" FAK. Once I realized that I'd been bitten (a bunch) I took some Benedryl and thereby kept myself from swelling and itching too much.

Bear

dchinell
I made a suggestion for Benadryl in my original Altoids post on this same topic. However, in your case, or rather future cases you may want to consider the Benadryl Cream. It will also treat the itching and swelling, but without causing drowsiness. Unless, of course you don't get drowsy when taking medicines. A couple of other alternatives would be Hydrocortisone Cream in a 1% base, or Sting relief swabs. I carry all three normally in the back country in a larger kit. Hope this helps.