Medication in Kathmandu

[Ultralight Hiker]

I had read somehwere that most prescription drugs are available over the counter in Kathmandu...is this true? I typically bring some Cypro with me where ever I go, but hate to take the day off work to see a doctor and then pay through the nose for it.
Also, any other meds you guys recommend for the Everest Region?
Thanks,
Steve

[thesilvertops]

Hi

We usually stock up on some traveller's medicines when we are in Kathmandu prior to going on trek. We use a pharmacy on 7 Corners Road at the top end of Thamel. Go round all 7 corners and just before the cross-roads there is a pharmacy on the right (there is usually a fish stall on the left opposite). Prices are reasonable but check the use-by date. We usually get 2 or 3 antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin - for bacterial infections in the gut, an Antiprotozoal for Giardia and the like, and Amoxycillin which is a wide spectrum antibiotic for all manner of things like brochitis. You can also get some basic things such as Strepsils, Nurofen, etc., At the end of our trips we try to donate unused, good condition and in-date drugs to a health centre on the trail.

[critter2722]

All great recommendations from silvertops. I have to say that a protazoa antibiotic would probably be the most important being that Giardia infections are the most common. I can't see you getting any type of Staph/Strept infection or running into E. coli. Don't forget to get some Pencillin in case you run into any Yeti women that have syphillis!!! Also...it is not a bad idea to get those meds at home where you are sure of what you are getting. That is, if you have a problem with something you took, you might regret not taking that day off of work. There is a good reason why these drugs are not available over-the-counter in non-developing countries.

happy trekking,

critter

[Per]

I had read somehwere that most prescription drugs are available over the counter in Kathmandu...is this true?

Yes, very convenient, but also disastrous in the long run as restistant bacteria develop making antibiotics completely useless.

[Huw]

Have a look at this site:
http://www.travellersdiarrhea.com/Home/home.html
I read about Dukoral on Yetizone a couple of years ago and took it for the first time before I went to India. It was originally developed as a vaccine to prevent cholera but it also completely stops all Ecoli based stomach upsets, which is most of them. This bug is endemic in Nepal and causes most of the awful sickness trekkers get. In the UK you may have to pay for a private prescription from your doctor (about £25) It's an oral vaccine which tastes quite nice and is effective for 3 months. We ate whatever we wanted in Delhi while the others in our group got sick, likewise in Nepal last winter - I would never willingly go trekking in a third world country without it. The vaccine comes in two sachets which you take a week apart, the last one at least a week before you travel.
Huw
--
http://www.trekdiaries.co.uk

[yakshaver]

I had read somehwere that most prescription drugs are available over the counter in Kathmandu...is this true? I typically bring some Cypro with me where ever I go, but hate to take the day off work to see a doctor and then pay through the nose for it.
Also, any other meds you guys recommend for the Everest Region?
Thanks,
Steve

I usually get Flagyl for (or rather against) Giardia. Never used it. I am probably imune to it as I had it as a child.
I also get a couple of antibiotitcs (something like Cipro, and Amoxyl). Never used them. It is a bit silly to use them unless you know wht you are doing and desperate.


I get some Nurofen, Panedine and Codeine Phosphate (I hate pain). I occasionally used them.
I get Diamox. Use one tablet a day after 3000m until the day I start going down.

I also get some Dexamethasone. Never used.

I get Maxalon and some other stuff for (or against...) diahhorrea. Never used. What's wrong with a bit of the runs... We in the developed world are getting really soft (metaphorically speaking...)

[critter2722]

Yes, very convenient, but also disastrous in the long run as restistant bacteria develop making antibiotics completely useless.

Per-

Very insightful!!! That is exactly why I said there are good reasons why antibiotics should not be available over-the-counter.

critter