MUST HAVE ANTIBIOTICS, ANTIFUNGALS, AND ANTIVIRALS
February 2, 2012 
27 Comments
Hey Preppers,
A couple of months ago I wrote a series of articles on antibiotics and their uses in a collapse situation. Since that time, I’ve gotten a number of requests as to what my must-have medications are for your storage supplies. Last week, we went through the over-the-counter drugs you should have, and now we’ll look at medicines that are meant to fight infection.
You don’t have to be a doctor to know that we’ll have issues with water and food contamination in a societal breakdown. We can, therefore, expect periodic outbreaks of epidemics of infectious disease in the surviving population. As such, anyone expecting to survive long-term will have to provide for this eventuality. Even the clearest mountain stream in a National Park might have organisms like Giardia in it; many of these organisms lead to significant diarrheal disease, dehydration, and even death without appropriate treatment.
Of course, we should start with antibiotics. Here’s my list of antibiotics you should have stockpiled, along with their veterinary equivalents:
Amoxicillin 250mg/500mg (FISH-MOX, FISH-MOX FORTE)
Ciprofloxacin 250mg/500mg (FISH-FLOX, FISH-FLOX FORTE)
Metronidazole 250mg (FISH-ZOLE)
Doxycycline 100mg (BIRD-BIOTIC)
Sulfamethoxazole 400mg/Trimethoprim 80mg (BIRD-SULFA)
Azithromycin 250mg, 500mg (AQUARIUM AZITHROMYCIN)
Clindamycin 150mg/300mg (AQUARIUM CLINDAMYCIN)
All of the above, with the exception of Amoxicillin and Ampicillin, are acceptable in those with Penicillin allergies. With the above antibiotics in your medical supplies, you’ll be able to treat 90% of the bacterial diseases that will appear on your doorstep in times of trouble, even some forms of Anthrax.
Unless you live barefoot and naked in the middle of Death Valley, you will also have to beware of fungal infections. Common ones like Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, and Jock Itch will be rampant in wet climates or in situations where you might not be able to change socks or underwear often. Therefore, it makes sense to keep some antifungal medication around as well. Clotrimazole (lotrimin) is a good choice here, as it comes in cream or powder, and doesn’t require a prescription. Medications like Miconazole (Monistat) would be useful for vaginal yeast infections. There is an oral tablet as well called Fluconazole (Diflucan), which may be more convenient than creams or powders, but requires a prescription.
Finally, anti-viral medications will be useful as well. Many of the infections, especially respiratory, that we consider to be bacterial in nature are more likely to be viral in nature. Antibiotics have no significant effect on viruses; despite this, many patients will demand an antibiotic prescription from their doctors as soon as they feel the first symptom.
One of the most popular anti-viral drugs is called Tamiflu (Oseltamvir). Tamiflu gives effective relief against symptoms of influenza and decreases the amount of time you would be sick. If taken when you first realize that you have been exposed to someone with the flu, it could even prevent the illness altogether. In a pandemic, those with without an anti-viral drug and a good supply of masks and gloves will be at major risk.
Don’t throw away that expired Tamiflu; the government has given a 5 year use extension beyond the date of “expiration” through the Shelf Life Extension Program. Like many medications in pill or capsule form, Tamiflu remains effective long afterwards. Other antivirals include Valtrex, Relenza, and Famvir.
Although we’re mentioning pharmaceuticals today, don’t forget that natural products such as Garlic and Honey have significant antii-infective properties. Garlic, for example, has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti0viral effects. Many people report significant antibacterial effect with colloidal silver, as well. Before there were antibiotics, there was silver, and it is still used in topical creams to prevent infection.
For more in-depth information, refer to our article which starts the series on how to use antibiotics:
For our list of over the counter medications:
Dr. Bones
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where can you purchase clotrimazole for a cheap price?
Clotrimazole is also known as Lotrimin or Mycelex in the U.S. and is not terribly expensive. Medical supply companies often offer volume discounts for bulk purchases, but you have to ask…
Dr. Bones
Hi Dr.!
I can’t find AQUARIUM AZITHROMYCIN – would powder erythromycin in 500 mg scoops be acceptable?
Hi Mary,
Erythromycin is also in the macrolide family, as is Azithromycin. Azithromycin is
a newer generation, and so is better for certain infections. Erythromycin would have to
used in 500 mg doses to be correct for adults. Make sure the eruthromycin has no other
ingredients in it.
all the best,
Dr. Bones
What is your opinion of supplementing with several mgs. of iodine on a daily basis? Also herbal anti-fungals like Pau D’Arco, and oil of oregano? Seems to me nutrition should be stressed more for helping to prevent disease so “cures” are less necessary. ie. excess sugar lowers immune response temporarily making it easier to contract an infection.Waste management and overall sanitation goes a long way in prevention.
Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones regulate many important biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis and enzymatic activity, and are critical determinants of metabolic activity. They are also required for proper skeletal and central nervous system development in fetuses and infants. it appears to play a role in immune response and might have a beneficial effect on mammary dysplasia and fibrocystic breast disease. Iodine rarely occurs as the element, which is a gas, but rather as a salt; for this reason, it is referred to as iodide and not iodine. Iodide is quickly and almost completely absorbed in the stomach and duodenum. You probably don’t need several milligrams as the RDA calls for micrograms (mcg):
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Iodine
Age Male Female Pregnancy Lactation
Birth to 6 months 110 mcg* 110 mcg*
7–12 months 130 mcg* 130 mcg*
1–3 years 90 mcg 90 mcg
4–8 years 90 mcg 90 mcg
9–13 years 120 mcg 120 mcg
14–18 years 150 mcg 150 mcg 220 mcg 290 mcg
19+ years 150 mcg 150 mcg 220 mcg 290 mcg
* Adequate Intake (AI)
Oil of oregano is an important essential oil with many uses that should be in everyone’s essential oil collection. I know less about Pau D’Arco, but it is thought to be
less strong than most of the others; it is most helpful in those who can’t tolerate Garlic, Oregano, Olive leaf extract, and other more commonly used natural antifungals.
Dr. Bones
May I ask what u recommend for a prepper with a problem with Folliculitis ? A bacterial and or fungal condition is my worry because it is rather warm and moist conditions, regardless of what I prepare. N ot the worst condition, but it can spread. Also infection can be common if washing is not possible as much as in our current society. Hope to get an idea, I know your educated. I will of course also talk to a Dr. I do hope to hear from u. alexiusmachine@yahoo.com
Hi Jonathon,
topical antibiotics in many cases are useful for staph skin infections, like folliculities. if they don’t work, a course of erythromycin, amoxicillin, or cephalexin may be helpful.
Lotrimin or clotrimazole is often used in fungal skin infections. In large boils, sometimes incision and drainage is performed.
All the best,
Dr. Bones