Going to Mexico, travel with cipro and flagyl

[Hindags]

Diagnosed with PMR Dec. 2016. Currently on 5mg DR Pred taken at 10pm. Currently good energy and sleep, emotionally overly sensitive.

I've read here that cipro and flagyl may be contraindicated for people with PMR or people who are on Pred.

I have a history of dirverticulitis and have traveled with cipro and flagyl since 2000. Haven't had a problem in years now, thank goodness, but I'm traveling to Mexico and have gotten a refill to take along. I've asked my primary physician and pharmacist about whether cipro and flagyl are contraindicated for those taking Pred or those with PMR. They tell me no problem. Just checking in with the experts here.

Also:

My insurer Kaiser, suggested that I take along azithromycin in case I get a cast of touristas. But I'm sensitive to erythromycin and doxycycline. Both give me pretty severe gut problems. So the travel Doctor vetoed the azithromycin and just recommended vigilence. Any opinions on this?

[ConventCassie]

I don’t know what those first drugs are, but for the latter, I never travel without Imodium AD. Have a great time! Just don’t get a “henna” tattoo because it’s not henna like we presume henna.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There is only a MAJOR drug interaction between cipro and prednisone:

drugs.com/drug-interactions...

drugs.com/drug-interactions...

Having had personal experience of that one and spending 9 months on crutches - nothing would induce me to mess with quinolones again!

One source says close monitoring is required when using flagl with corticosteroids (as well as a lot of other drugs!) though I cannot find why.

No idea about the other antibiotic.

[Hindags in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I’ve sent the link to my primary care doctor.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I wouldn’t touch Cipro with a barge pole. Nearly lost my Achilles’ tendons from taking it, even without Pred which makes matters worse. My sister did too after a month of it for a gut problem.

As for antibiotics for travellers’ trots, if that’s what you meant, I caution that too. No one antibiotic kills off all types of non-viral infective diarrhoea. Some antibiotics can make you more likely to get Clostridium difficile infection especially if your gut or immune system is compromised and Cipro and Azithromycin are examples. There are some antibiotics that are marketed specifically for travellers’ trots, the details of which tell you what they target. However, if you have blood in it or fever you should get medical help anyway and a targeted antibiotic if possible.

Here is a good website for travel health and this link is to its pages on toilet based holiday troubles.

travelhealthpro.org.uk/fact...

[NanJean]

I can see why you need the Flagyl. I always take probiotics when on antibiotics in case of clostridium difficile diarrhea. I use either Culturelle or Florastor. Both have a pretty good track record for really containing live bacteria. And I take them at least 3 times a day at hours different then the antibiotic. So, at least it has a fighting chance of getting to my gut. I ignore the once a day recommendation when on antibiotics. And I eat plain yogurt as a matter of routine.

I will not take Cipro since the FDA issued a black box warning about fluoroquinolones on the possibility of tendon rupture. Even before the FDA issued that warning, I once was doing a homecare visit on a person with multiple sclerosis to administer IV steroids. On exam he had pus on either side of the back of his throat. I called the prescribing doctor, a neurologist. He told me to call the person's primary physician for an antibiotic, but not to let it be a fluoroquinolone. He already knew about this potential to rupture tendons. And the FDA warning came out in 2008. And I haven't done homecare since 1998.

Now the Flagyl covers what's called Gram Negative bacteria. You might have been having all your GI disturbances from the loss of balance in your gut. We need bacteria of course to help digest our food. But, when one takes over as the others are killed off by the antibiotic, they, like clostridium difficile, can make us awfully sick.

I have had 4 bacterial infections since being diagnosed with GCA & PMR. Three were of my eyelid. They started where they lift the lid to check your eye pressure. And one was on my face from a cat scratch. Azithromycin was what I used. And most likely these were Staph infections, which are Gram Positive bacteria & all over our skin.

I wish you a wonderful vacation. On a metaphysical note--Surround yourself with White Light, (especially your Solar Plexis which is under your ribs and above the belly button (umbilicus). The Healer Pat Longo teaches that before you leave your home to imagine a vest or a belt like a WWE belt of White Light around your Solar Plexis protecting you.

[Hindags]

Thank you. I love the white light healing protection. I use guided imagry with clients. I will try it.

[sweetsusie]

The only thing that works for me is Welchol (3 pills, twice a day with meals). It's expensive here in the States, though, so my doctor has just switched me to one called "Colestipol." Hope it works as well.

Please be very careful in Mexico...very dangerous there, even in some tourist areas. Watch your back....

[Hindags]

So thankful for this recommendation. Puerto Vallarta is pretty much ok per US govt. I grew up in NYC, lived in S side of Chicago. Yup watching my back is pretty natural.

[bunnymom]

I leave for Mexico in a few weeks going same place as you. Any suggestions? Don't want to get sick on this very expensive trip of a lifetime. Only bottled water, no fresh fruit or salad, wash hands alot, taking over the counter meds with me. Any more ideas?

[piglette]

I had a computer job which included Mexico as my area. I used to think no salads etc then I would forget when I got there. I think I must have a cast iron stomach.