Table 2.
Acute diarrhea antibiotic treatment recommendations
| Antibiotica | Dose | Treatment duration |
|---|---|---|
| Azithromycinc, d | 1000 mg by mouth or | Single or 1-day dividedb |
| 500 mg by mouth | 3 day course | |
| Levofloxacin | 500 mg by mouth | Single doseb or 3 day course |
| Ciprofloxacin | 750 mg by mouth or | Single doseb |
| 500 mg by mouth | 3 day course | |
| Ofloxacin | 400 mg by mouth | Single doseb or 3 day course |
| Rifaximine | 200 mg by mouth three times daily | 3 days |
a
Antibiotic regimens may be combined with loperamide, 4 mg first dose, then 2 mg dose after each loose stool, not to exceed 16 mg in a 24 hour period.
b
If symptoms are not resolved after 24 hours, continue daily dosing for up to 3 days.
c
Use empirically as first line in Southeast Asia and India to cover fluoroquinolone resistant Campylobacter or in other geographical areas if Campylobacter or resistant ETEC are suspected.
d
Preferred regimen for dysentery or febrile diarrhea.
e
Do not use if clinical suspicion for Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella or other causes of invasive diarrhea.