we make a practice of taking acidophilus caplets for about a month before we leave the country and have not had any problems . I think it really helps to build the good bacteria in your system. Its cheap enough and it certainly doesnt hurt.
I have read recently that antibiotics are not sold OTC, without a prescription, in Mexico anymore. This is new as of April, 2010. I'd love to know if this is true or not..
MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities say they will start cracking down on the sale of antibiotics without a prescription, something that is common in Mexico. The Health Department says new procedures are being drawn up to ensure that current laws requiring a doctor's prescription for such medications are enforced. The department says the plan is aimed at preventing self-medication and the growing problem of drug-resistant infections. Its Thursday statement did not give details. But local media say the program will start in April and will carry a threat of closure for pharmacies that violate the rule. Counter clerks at Mexican pharmacies frequently supply antibiotics on demand and sometimes even suggest antibiotics for specific ailments.
That's pretty much what I thought I'd read a while back somewhere. I've always had it in the back of my mind that if I ever got the MR, I'd just go buy some antibiotics since it is the most effective cure. But I've been to Mexico probably 30 times over the years and never have been sick once..and probably prior to the purification system. Thanks for finding this!
Here is something that I learned over the last 10 years and almost 30 trips. The first few times that we went we both ended of with the diarehha. And of course we're miserable. If you have a Dollar General in your area, go there and buy "Anti Diarehha" believe it or not, that is what the bottle says. It cost $1.00. BUT, the bottle says take 2 pills, then take 2 pills, then take 2 pills. DO NOT DO THIS. Once you realize that you do infact have the diarehha, just take the first 2 pills. It will take a couple hours to work. But believe me, your problem will be gone. And if you take anymore than the first 2 pills, after about 2 days you will be even more miserable than you was to start. But these pills will definitely take care of your problem.
Thanks for the information. I didn't realize that Mexico had changed its policies. The option is to call your doctor and tell them you are going and get a prescription here and bring it with you. (If you are truly worried about it!) I do that for a lot of my patients. However, in the Hotel district it shouldn't be a problem.
