The worst health problem a traveler to the rainforest is likely to suffer will be related to insect bites, sunburn, or an occasional twisted ankle. However, because you will be travelling to extremely remote locations with no access to medical services, we strongly encourage you to bring a personal medical kit. Why?

• Your guide or host may or may not have a medical kit on hand, it may not be well stocked,and it will most certainly not contain any prescription or controlled medications;
• While it is possible to purchase many drugs in-country without a prescription, these over-the-counter medications may not meet western safety and quality standards.

Please discuss the below list with your personal physician: it is only a guideline. Your medical kit should reflect your medical history and the specific health risks associated with your upcoming trip.  Ideally, your kit should only contain medications you have used before to lessen the chance of unforeseen allergies. Special attention is warranted for children and pregnant or nursing women. You should bring an additional 50% supply of your prescriptive medications in their original containers. And, please pack all prescriptive medications in your carry-on luggage.

PAIN RELIEF

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or  ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol III) or hydrocodone (Vicodin)

WOUND CARE

• Band-Aids, Steri-Strips, butterfly bandages, betadine solution or prep pads, tape, Polysporin ointment
• Antibiotics: Azithromycin (Zithromax), Amoxicillin (Augmentin), Erythromycin, Cefuroxime (Ceftin) or Cephalexin (Keflex)

ORTHOPEDIC/FOOT CARE

• Ace bandage, moleskin/foam, corn plasters, antifungal cream

RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

• Decongestant, antihistamine, nasal decongestant spray
• Throat lozenges
• Antibiotics: Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Cefuroxime or Cephalexin, or Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

EYE INFECTION

• Antibiotics: Tobrez Ophthalmic Solution 0.3%

EAR INFECTION

• Cortisporin otic orops
• Antibiotics: Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Cefuroxime or Cephalexin or Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

FEMALE

• Monistat cream, Mycelex G vaginal suppositories
• Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Cefuroxime, or Cephalexin or Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

INSECT-BORNE DISEASE

• Insect repellent (25% DEET… stronger concentrations do not provide superior protection)
• Malaria prophylaxis medication

 GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS

• Mylanta, Maalox, Gelusil, Pepto-Bismol or
• Oral rehydration/electrolyte mix
• Antibiotics: Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, or Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
• Antiparasitic: Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Anti-diarrhea: loperamide (Imodium), diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
• Anti-nausea: Ondansetron(Zofran-sublingual), Phenergan tablets and suppositories, or Compazine

SKIN CARE

• Sunscreen
• Treatment: 1% hydrocortisone cream
• Fungal Treatment: Clortrimazole or betamethasone dipropionate cream

MISCELLANEOUS

• Water purification chemical (e.g., Potable Aqua) or filtration/purification bottle (e.g. Katadyn)
• Anti-motion sickness medication
• Hemorrhoid cream/suppositories
• Allergy medications
• Beta-agonist dose inhaler
• Oil of clove (toothache)
• Hand sanitizer
• Scissors, tweezers, thermometer
• Tick removal tool
• Tweezers
• Emergency foil blanket
• ankle & knee brace