Essential Medication Tips for Foreigners in Brazil: Your First Aid Kit Guide

Navigate Brazil's Healthcare System with Confidence: Insider Tips for Prescriptions and Medications

Diarrheia

One of the most common health issues experienced by travelers is diarrhea. It's crucial to prioritize rehydration to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. We recommend including Rehidrat® (rehydration salts) in your first aid kit. This essential oral rehydration solution helps restore electrolyte balance. Additionally, adding probiotics like Floratil® can help reduce the intensity and duration of diarrhea symptoms. However, if diarrhea persists or is accompanied by fever or blood or if you feel important weakness or dizziness, it's important to consult a doctor as antibiotics or other drugs may be necessary.

Vomiting and nausea

To address vomiting and nausea, it's essential to stay hydrated, take appropriate medication and identify the origin of the symptom, if the person ate greasy foods or consumed alcohol recently it is a reasonable explanation for these symptons and will . Dramin B6® is an over-the-counter medication commonly used in Brazil to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting. It can be taken orally and provides relief for motion sickness and general nausea. Another alternative is Vonau Flash®, which dissolves on the tongue and can be used if swallowing is difficult due to vomiting. Including these medications in your first aid kit can help alleviate discomfort associated with nausea and vomiting, however, it is important to know the cause of these symptoms since some seazonal diseases in Brazil which need other treatments can also cause it.

Sunburn

With Brazil's tropical climate and abundant sunshine, sunburn is a common concern. Prevention is key, but if you find yourself with a sunburn, soothing relief is essential. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and consider including Caladryl Pós Sol® in your first aid kit. This topical lotion contains ingredients that provide cooling and soothing relief to sunburned skin. Apply it gently to the affected areas for relief from discomfort and to promote healing.

Migraine

Migraines can be debilitating, and if you experience severe headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise, it's important to address them promptly. In Brazil, you can find an over-the-counter medication called Neosaldina, specifically formulated for migraine relief. Neosaldina contains a combination of ingredients that help alleviate migraine symptoms. However, if the pain persists or becomes severe, it's advisable to combine Neosaldina with Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for more effective pain relief. Remember to follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult a doctor if your migraines persist or worsen, since you can need other prescription-only analgesics.

Respiratory Symptoms and Flu-like Diseases

If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms associated with flu-like diseases, such as cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion, it's important to address them early on. An over-the-counter antihistamine medication called Loratadina can help alleviate allergic symptoms and provide relief from common respiratory symptoms. Pairing it with Paracetamol, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, can help manage pain and reduce fever. However, it's essential to note that flu-like diseases can sometimes manifest with intense and prolonged coughing, which can be uncomfortable and require additional treatment. In such cases, corticosteroids may be necessary to reduce inflammation and relieve persistent coughing. To determine the appropriate treatment plan, it's recommended to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

Final recommendations

Being prepared with a well-equipped first aid kit is essential for foreigners in Brazil. In addition to the basic supplies, including the right medications can provide immediate relief for common health issues. However, it's important to note that self-medication has its limitations, and if symptoms persist or worsen, it's always advisable to seek medical attention.

In Brazil any antibiotic will need a medical prescription, so issues such as STDs (Sexual Transmitted Disesases), which requires antibiotics, would require a consultation. Even topic antibiotics for conjunctivitis or some skin issues, that are frequent in Brazil, will need a prescription. Fortunately for antibiotics it is possible to have access with electronic prescriptions that are sent to you immediatelly after your teleconsultation with My Brazilian Doctor.

Navigating pharmacies in a foreign country can be challenging, especially when it comes to language barriers as it very unlikely you will find English speaking support on pharmacies in Brazil, so, even for OTC (Over the counter) drugs, take the medication you want writen on paper to make the communication easier.

At My Brazilian Doctor, we are here to support you. Our teleconsultation services provide access to English-speaking doctors who can safely guide you through a variety of health topics, recommend appropriate medications, send you electronic prescriptions and ensure your well-being during your stay in Brazil. Stay prepared, stay healthy, and enjoy your time in this beautiful country!

Note: This article provides general information and suggestions. Please consult with a healthcare professional or our English-speaking doctors at My Brazilian Doctor for personalized advice based on your specific health condition and medical history.