A friend of mine has an infection. He doesn’t want to pay for a doctor’s visit, so he’s taking an OTC antibiotic called “Fish Pen Forte.” It’s an antibiotic (penicillin) for fish. My friend claims it’s the same as doctor-prescribed penicillin.
I googled it, but all I could find were posts from survivalist-types who (also) claim it’s the same as penicillin intended for human use.
Is there any truth to this?
Some medications for animals are indeed the same as for humans, but others are not, or even toxic to humans. So… it might be, but it might not.
In addition, purity standards may or may not be the same for animal medications as for human.
Frequently it’s the exact same product. Tolerances for impurities may be somewhat greater, but still within safe limits.
Doesn’t mean it’s a good idea, but using the correct med from the wrong source beats self-medicating with internet remedies.
is he looking green around the gills?
Does he know that the organism in question is sensitive to penicillin?
Does he know the proper dose for humans?
Does he know whether there is other stuff in there besides the penicillin?
Seems fishy to me.