antibiotics for shtf

[24Pink14Stink]

I started here...http://www.doomandbloom.net/

[Doc8404]

Vodka. 'Nuf said.

[Phazer]

From a purely medical stand point, this is a rally fukkin stupid idea.

Given the intended context, I would disagree.

In an "end game" scenario, even minor infections can become potentially fatal. Sure, you're not going to pop a few antibiotic doses every time you burp, fart, or crap. However, if you impale yourself on a branch or some metal object, you could be in real trouble even if you stop the bleeding and sew yourself up.

Many antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals, marketed for animal use are from the same companies as those intended for human use. They tend to have different marketing outlets and pricing. For example, humans can be prescribed Augmentin (which is amoxicillin and clavulanic acid). But, pets can be prescribed Clavamox (which is also amoxicillin and clavulanic acid). If you've got a raging leg cellulitis and there are no longer any functioning pharmacies, you'd probably be better off with Clavamox than nothing.

In most cases, penicillins (beta-lactam class antibiotics) will be useful for the usual skin flora (gram positive organisms and some sensitive gram negative species). Those allergic to penicillins will have to resort to macrolides such as azithromycin (possibly purchased as a "Z-pack") or fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacic; "Cipro"). Unless you have access to IV infusions, vancomycin won't do much for you unless you want to take it orally to treat a Clostridium difficile infection.

[Phazer]

Must resist.....must nottttt type.

Dammit...I couldn't help myself. I should have taken your advice, I'm sure.

[Phazer]

Did anyone ask his / her doctor about stocking up for a camping trip or emergency?

Many medical centers have "geographic medicine" offices. These specialized practices help you determine what sorts of vaccinations and medications you could need when traveling.

It is not at all unreasonable to provide a prescription for an antibiotic to be kept "on hand" for someone travelling to an area where they are more likely to have an exposure that could cause an illness.

[Doc8404]

Good reply but u forgot treating that raging case of chlamydia. LOL

Dammit...I couldn't help myself. I should have taken your advice, I'm sure.

[Phazer]

Good reply but u forgot treating that raging case of chlamydia. LOL

No I didn't. Azithro will cover that.

I left out using metronidazole for a raging SHTF case of trichomoniasis. After all...in that scenario someone may want to imbibe copious amounts of alcohol and I'd hate for them to suffer the antabuse effect.

[catskillkid]

Somewhere I remember reading that the shelf life for a lot of medicines, including antibiotics was far longer than what was originally thought. Now, in a complete TEOTWAWKI situation after some months or years this won't make a difference. But relatively early on scrounging, imo, could probably get what you needed.

[Doc8404]

U r correct. I was saving the AZ for something stronger. Need Doxy in the bag. Best and least used, most overlooked antibiotic. Then again, makes me nauseous as hell.

No I didn't. Azithro will cover that.

I left out using metronidazole for a raging SHTF case of trichomoniasis. After all...in that scenario someone may want to imbibe copious amounts of alcohol and I'd hate for them to suffer the antabuse effect.

[usmcveteran]

Somewhere I remember reading that the shelf life for a lot of medicines, including antibiotics was far longer than what was originally thought. Now, in a complete TEOTWAWKI situation after some months or years this won't make a difference. But relatively early on scrounging, imo, could probably get what you needed.

I heard about study done on 40+ year old medicine and it was still nearly 100% for most drugs and some only lost a little potency.

[masterswimmer]

Somewhere I remember reading that the shelf life for a lot of medicines, including antibiotics was far longer than what was originally thought. Now, in a complete TEOTWAWKI situation after some months or years this won't make a difference. But relatively early on scrounging, imo, could probably get what you needed.

Look up SLEP (Shelf Life Extension Program) to go into detail regarding medication expiration dates.

[Celt]

I heard about study done on 40+ year old medicine and it was still nearly 100% for most drugs and some only lost a little potency.

thats pretty good range... it would be nice to know how long the shelf lives are in reality...

for instance, if i stocked up on aquatic az, amox, and a couple others, would it last me 10 yrs, 20 yrs, etc..???

[24Pink14Stink]

thats pretty good range... it would be nice to know how long the shelf lives are in reality...

for instance, if i stocked up on aquatic az, amox, and a couple others, would it last me 10 yrs, 20 yrs, etc..???

Exactly, a graph showing declining efficacy over time would be awesome.

[masterswimmer]

Exactly, a graph showing declining efficacy over time would be awesome.

The problem with a graph is that time is not the only component to degradation of efficacy. Temperature and humidity plan a huge role.

[Phazer]

Exactly, a graph showing declining efficacy over time would be awesome.

This will never be done...at least through the pharmaceutical industry. They don't want you to know that 5-year-old medication will work "just fine." They want you to buy more.