Where There Is No Doctor 2011 51
6. Anti-diarrhea medicines with hydroxyquinolines (Clioquinol,
di‑iodohydroxyquinoline, halquinol, broxyquinoline: Diodoquin, Enteroquinol,
Amicline, Quogyl, and many other brand names) (p. 369)
In the past clioquinols were widely used to treat diarrhea. These dangerous
medicines are now prohibited in many countries—but in others are still sold. They
can cause permanent paralysis, blindness, and even death. For treatment of
diarrhea, see Chapter 13.
7. Cortisone and cortico-steroids (Prednisolone, dexamethasone, and others)
These are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that are occasionally needed
for severe attacks of asthma, arthritis, or severe allergic reactions. But in many
countries, steroids are prescribed for minor aches and pains because they often
give quick results. This is a big mistake. Steroids cause serious or dangerous side
effects—especially if used in high doses or for more than a few days. They lower
a person’s defenses against infection. They can make tuberculosis much worse,
cause bleeding of stomach ulcers, and make bones so weak that they break easily.
8. Anabolic steroids (Nandrolone decanoate, Durabolin, Deca-Durabolin, Orabolin;
stanozolol, Cetabon; oxymetholone, Anapolon; ethylestrenol, Organaboral. There
are many other brand names.)
Anabolic steroids are made from male hormones and are mistakenly used in
tonics to help children gain weight and grow. At first the child may grow faster, but
he will stop growing sooner and end up shorter than he would have if he had not
taken the medicine. Anabolic steroids cause very dangerous side effects. Girls grow
hair on their faces like boys, which does not go away, even when the child stops
taking the medicine. Do not give growth tonics to children. Instead, to help your
child grow, use the money to buy food.
9. Arthritis medicines (Butazones: oxyphenbutazone, Amidozone; and
phenylbutazone, Butazolidin)
These medicines for joint pain (arthritis) can cause a dangerous, sometimes
deadly, blood disease (agranulocytosis). They can also damage the stomach,
liver, and kidneys. Do not use these dangerous medicines. For arthritis, aspirin
(p. 378) or ibuprofen (p. 379) is much safer and cheaper. For pain and fever only,
acetaminophen (p. 379) can be used.
10. Vitamin B12, liver extract, and iron injections (p. 392)
in
raVreitacmasinesB.12Aalsnod,
liver
they
extract do not help anemia or ‘weakness’ except
have certain risks when injected. They should
only be used when a specialist has prescribed them after testing the
blood. Also, avoid injectable iron, such as Inferon. To combat anemia,
iron pills are safer and work as well (see p. 124).