50 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
THE MOST DANGEROUS MISUSE OF MEDICINE
Here is a list of the most common and dangerous errors people make in using
modern medicines. The improper use of the following medicines causes many deaths
each year. BE CAREFUL!
1. Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) (p. 356)
The popular use of this medicine for simple diarrhea and other
mild sicknesses is extremely unfortunate, because it is so risky. Use
chloramphenicol only for very severe illnesses, like typhoid (see
p. 188). Never give it to newborn babies.
2. Oxytocin (Pitocin), Ergonovine (Ergotrate), and Misoprostol
(Cytotec) (p. 390-391)
Unfortunately, some midwives use these medicines to speed up
childbirth or ‘give strength’ to the mother in labor. This practice is very
dangerous. It can kill the mother or the child. Use these medicines
only to control bleeding after the child is born (see p. 266).
3. Injections of any medicine
The common belief that injections are usually better than medicine taken by mouth
is not true. Many times medicines taken by mouth work as well as or better than
injections. Also, most medicine is more dangerous injected than when taken by
mouth. Injections given to a child who has a mild polio
infection (with only signs of a cold) can lead to paralysis
(see p. 74). Use of injections should be very limited (read
Chapter 9 carefully).
4. Penicillin (p. 350)
Penicillin works only against certain types of infections. Use of penicillin for sprains,
bruises, or any pain or fever is a great mistake. As a general rule, injuries that do not
break the skin, even if they make large bruises, have no danger of infection; they do
not need to be treated with penicillin or any other antibiotic. Neither penicillin nor other
antibiotics helps colds (see p. 163).
Penicillin is dangerous for some people. Before using it, know its risks and the
precautions you must take—see pages 70 and 351.
5. Gentamicin (Garamycin) and Kanamycin (p. 358)
Too much use of these antibiotics for babies has caused permanent hearing loss
(deafness) in millions of babies. Give to babies only for life-threatening infections. For
many infections of the newborn, ampicillin works as well and is much less dangerous.