Letter Re: Choosing Antibiotics to Store for Emergencies

Mr Rawles,
I have been reading Survivalblog for a couple of years now and want to thank you for providing such a wonderful resource. I also participated in the April 8th Amazon book bomb and just finished reading “Patriots: A Novel Survival in the Coming Collapse” for the first time. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. That being said, I must point out one potentially harmful error in your mention of tetracycline. I am starting my final year of pharmacy school and have been working in my family’s drugstore for 25 years. Tetracycline is the only [antibiotic] drug I know of that actually “goes bad” and becomes toxic when it goes out of date. For this reason, I would not suggest tetracycline for a TEOTWAWKI medical kit.

I would suggest that readers consult with their physicians and inquire about susceptibility patterns in their particular geographic location. The major strains of staphlococcus aureus, MRSA, and the various pathogens that cause pulmonary and upper respiratory infections will vary from region to region. Thus, the choice of antibiotics for your G.O.O.D. kit may vary as well. This is a prime example of why all readers should follow your advice and try to diversify the talents in your retreat group. A doctor, pharmacist, RN, EMT, PA, etc. would be a valuable addition. I am fortunate in that regard, as my children’s pediatrician is like minded and goes to church with us.

Keep up the great work. Thanks, – TR in the State of Franklin