Children's Medications

Tylenol, infant suspension - Dose for children under 12 lbs: 10-15 mg per kg per dose, or approx. 40 mg (1 1/4 ml) 80 mg for a child 13-17 lbs. 120 mg for a child 18-23 lbs. For Children's and Juniors use guidelines on the box. Tylenol can be given safely every 4 to 6 hours.

Ibuprofen , infant suspension--The dose is 10 mg/kg per dose or approximately 2.5 ml for children under 12 lbs., 4 ml for children 13 to 19 lbs., 5 ml for children 20 lbs. to 35 lbs., 7.5 ml for children 36 to 47 lbs. For Children's and Junior's use guidelines on the box. Ibuprofen can safely be given with Tylenol and can be given every 6 to 8 hours.

Diaper Rash: These antifungal creams are useful for yeast diaper rashes that characteristically have a red, blistery appearance. Use three to four times daily for these rashes

OPTIONAL CHILDREN'S MEDICATIONS

• Polyvisol with iron (or other multivitamin)

• Hives or itching: Benadryl elixir (12.5 mg/5 ml) Benadryl is an antihistamine that can
• relieve itching due to hives or rashes.

• Pedialyte for diarrhea Pedialyte is a solution used to help replace salt and other electrolyte losses seen in vomiting and diarrhea.

• If your child develops bloody diarrhea, or cannot maintain enough fluid for 3 urinations in 24 hours, seek medical attention immediately.

Prior to Traveling check with your health care provider about:

• Tetanus/Diptheria Shot
  Should have been within the last 10 years. There is a diptheria epidemic in Eastern Europe right now so this is important. You remember your mothers warning about lock jaw so tetanus goes without saying.

• Measles booster or MMR
  If you were born after 1957 it is recommended. If you were born before 1957 you probably had measles as a child but to be sure you can have a blood test for measles antibody or get a booster (cheaper than the blood test & not harmful if you've had the disease).

• Chicken Pox/Varicella
  If you haven't had it or are not sure, there is a vaccine which is available. Anyone 12 years and over must get two shots 6 weeks apart for full immunity. If you are not sure whether or not you had it, same as measles, there is a blood test but it may be cheaper to get the vaccine.

• Influenza/Flu Vaccine
  Recommended if travelling between November & April. At other times of the year it is not highly recommended.

• Hepatitis A
  Protects against the hepatitis that you get from food & water. One vaccine is given at least one month before travel and a booster 6-12 months later if you are continuing to travel to high risk areas.

• Hepatitis B
  Protects against the hepatitis you get from blood & semen. Three shot series, you get the first shot then the second a month later. The final shot is given 4-6 months after the first and then most people have long term immunity. Don't worry if you can't get all three in before you travel, the majority of vaccine receipients achieve immunity after the second shot but we still recommend all three!

• Polio, Cholera & Typhoid
  If you have to pick one of these, go with the polio if you are unsure of your immunity. Just know that these are no longer the sugar cubes we remember as kids, now they are... yep, you guessed it, a shot. Probably these are really not needed but if you want to be extra sure you can have them done as well.

All shots are given in the arm if that makes anyone feel better. Most cause only local reactions but be prepared for flu-like symptoms by taking tylenol for a few days after. Let your health care provider know if you are allergic to eggs or any medications because there can be some allergic reactions.

Also, call the office to make sure they stock these vaccines before you go. Not all offices routinely carry all vaccines. If they don't carry them, you can get these at most county health departments. Make sure that any kids & adults in your household that are not traveling are up to date on their immunizations as well!

OK, so you are at the office getting your 25 shots, explain to them where you are going and what you are likely to encounter. Ask for prescriptions or samples (even better) to cover:

• Traveler's Diarrhea

• Vomiting
  Phenergan tablets - Get a few, just in case. While the suppositories are ideal when vomiting, they must be kept refrigerated and can't be used with traveling.

• Insomnia
  (to get a good night's rest on plane/trains) - Sonata or Ambien. Benadryl works just as well but gives you a morning "hangover" feeling.

• Scabies/Lice
  Elimite Cream, Kwell. Yep, you'll be coming in contact with these little beasties. Often times you'll be told that the rashes you see on the kids are allergic reactions but their reallly mites. I see this at the first office visit on over 75% of the kids that are adopted from overseas.

• Allergies
  Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra. Good for seasonal allergies. Also can be used for itching without causing sedation. Most offices have tons of samples so you may not need to get a whole prescription.

• Indigestion/GERD
  Ask for some samples of Zantac, Pepcid, Axid or other similar medicine. Won't treat traveler's diarrhea but will make you feel better after a meal of unfamiliar food or when your stomach is in knots with stress.

• Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic
  To cover any sinus infection or bronchitis that you may develop while traveling. Airplanes are notorious recycled bacteria chambers. Also when you travel you are exposed to a whole host of other bugs that you have not built up resistance to and your stress level/lack of sleep adds to decreased immunity. Personally while I recommend that you be assessed and diagnosed by a professional before starting them, this may not be possible so you will need to use your judgement and can ask for instructions before starting. Make sure that you have not had an allergic reaction to the medicine. To be safe, don't take along anything that you haven't had before.

Don't forget to stock up on all of your regular prescription medications to take with you!!! Make sure that you have at least a 45 day supply in case your travel is extended.

Also, if you look pathetic enough, you may be able to get a box of examination gloves to take with you for diaper changes overseas. I know that I always give them to my international baby adopters as a bon voyage present! If this fails, you can buy them at the store.

Helpful Over-the-counter Products:

• Sudafed (or your favorite decongestant)
  For nasal congestion. Get the non-drowsy unless you want to be.

• Afrin or Neo-synephrine
  To use if you are prone to ear pressure problems when flying. Use 2 sprays each nostril 15-30 minutes before take offs and landings. Voila, no ear plugs needed. You can use it per the package directions if you have that plugged up feeling afterwards as well. Never use it for more than 3 days in a row - it can become addicting to your nasal packages. As long as you take a break between use you can reuse it on any other travel in country & back home.

• Robitussin (or your favorite) cough medicine
  I personally would recommend tablet form because while the syrup feels better going down, it's messy when the bottle breaks or leaks in your luggage.

• Tylenol or Ibuprofen
  For pain/fever

• Immodium
  For Diarrhea.

• Laxatives
  If you are prone to constipation (I doubt this will be a concern overseas LOL) or overdose on immodium.

• Pepto Bismol Tablets
  For diarrhea & vomiting, will actually absorb some stomach bacterias and speed recovery.

In order to make an over the counter product into a prescription strength, double the package dosing recommendations. This works for Motrin (advil, aleve, ibuprofen), Zantac HB, Pepcid AC & Immodium. Just be aware that it may be cheaper to get a prescription for these and that side effects may increase with higher doses.

Legal Reminder - all of the above are suggestions and do not take the place of your health care provider's advice for you as an individual.

--Kerry