Antibiotics for Travelers' Diarrhea: What Works and What Doesn't?
Antibiotics for Travelers' Diarrhea: What Works and What Doesn't?
What's This About?
Antibiotics can be a game-changer for severe travelers' diarrhea, but when are they really necessary? Here's what you need to know.
Contents
- When to Use Antibiotics
- Recommended Antibiotics
- Antibiotic Resistance
When to Use Antibiotics
Antibiotics are typically reserved for severe cases of travelers' diarrhea, especially when symptoms include fever or bloody stools. In most cases, the illness resolves on its own without antibiotics. Using them unnecessarily can lead to resistance and other side effects.
Recommended Antibiotics
Azithromycin is often recommended due to its effectiveness against various pathogens. Rifaximin and rifamycin are alternatives, particularly for cases suspected to be caused by non-invasive E. coli. However, these should not be used for severe symptoms like fever.
Antibiotic Resistance
Resistance to antibiotics, especially fluoroquinolones, is on the rise. This makes choosing the right treatment more important than ever to avoid promoting further resistance.
FAQs
When are antibiotics needed?
For severe cases with symptoms like fever or bloody stools.
What is the recommended antibiotic?
Azithromycin is commonly recommended.
Are there alternatives?
Yes, rifaximin and rifamycin for non-invasive cases.
What about antibiotic resistance?
Resistance is increasing, especially with fluoroquinolones.
Key Takeaways
Use antibiotics wisely to treat travelers' diarrhea and minimize resistance.
Additional References
- Tribble DR, Sanders JW, Pang LW, et al. Traveler's diarrhea in Thailand. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 44:338.
- Steffen R, Jiang ZD, Gracias Garcia ML, et al. Rifamycin SV-MMX® for treatment of travellers' diarrhea. J Travel Med 2018; 25.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.