Antibiotics for intestinal infections, such as azithromycin, metronidazole or ciprofloxacin, may be indicated when the infection in the intestines is caused by bacteria, as they help to eliminate them, relieving intense diarrhea.
These antibiotics should only be used with a gastroenterologist’s recommendation, as the type of antibiotic and treatment time vary according to the type of bacteria.
Furthermore, while using antibiotics, it is important to complement treatment with rest, increased fluid intake, a light diet, or even the use of probiotics or medications to alleviate symptoms. See how intestinal infection is treated.
6 antibiotics for intestinal infection
The main antibiotics for intestinal infections that may be recommended by a gastroenterologist are:
1. Sulfametoxazol + trimetoprima
Sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim is an antibiotic indicated for intestinal infections such as typhoid fever, cholera, travelers’ diarrhea or shigellosis, for example.
Sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim can be found in pharmacies or drugstores under the names Bactrim, Bactrim F, Subtrax or Bacteracin, for example.
How to drink: The normally recommended doses for adults are sulfamethoxazole 800 mg + trimethoprim 160 mg, orally, every 12 hours, for 5 days, or as per medical advice.
2. Azithromycin
Azithromycin may be indicated for the treatment of intestinal infections that cause acute diarrhea, such as travelers’ diarrhea or shigellosis, for example.
How to use: Doses for adults vary, and the doctor may recommend 1 tablet of azithromycin 500 mg for 3 days, or 2 tablets of 500 mg (1000 mg) in a single dose.
3. Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic indicated for the treatment of bacterial intestinal infections, such as shigella, typhoid fever or travelers’ diarrhea.
This medicine is available in the form of 500 mg tablets, as generic “ciprofloxacin hydrochloride”, or under the trade names Cipro, Prolox or Foritus, sold upon presentation of a medical prescription.
How to use: Doses for adults vary according to the bacteria causing the infection, and 1 tablet of ciprofloxacin 500 mg may be recommended, once or twice a day, for 3 days, or 750 mg of ciprofloxacin in a single dose. Find out how to take and dosage of ciprofloxacin.
4. Doxycycline
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that acts by interfering with the metabolism of bacteria, preventing their proliferation, and is recommended as the first treatment option for cholera.
How to use: The normally recommended dose for cholera in adults is 300 mg of doxycycline in a single dose. See how to take doxycycline.
5. Metronidazole
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that may be indicated for infections caused by bacteroid Clostridium difficile.
Furthermore, this remedy has antiprotozoal action, and is also indicated in cases of amoebiasis.
How to use: The normally recommended dose for adults is 250 mg 4 times a day or 500 mg 3 times a day for 10 days for the treatment of HIV infection. Clostridium difficile. For amoebiasis in adults, doses are 500 to 750 mg, 3 times a day, for 7 to 10 days.
6. Vancomycin
Vancomycin is indicated for the treatment of intestinal infection called pseudomembranous colitis, caused by bacteroid Clostridium difficile.
This antibiotic is used as an injection into a vein, applied by a nurse in the hospital, under medical supervision.
How to use: doses for adults are 500 mg administered into a vein, 4 times a day, or 1000 mg every 12 hours, for 10 days.
Antibiotics for childhood intestinal infection
Antibiotics for childhood intestinal infections are the same as those recommended for adults, depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
However, the doses are different and must be indicated and calculated by the pediatrician according to the child’s age and weight.
Side effects of antibiotics
The most common side effects that may occur during antibiotic treatment are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, poor digestion, lack of appetite, diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool.
Additionally, the use of antibiotics can increase the risk of yeast infections in the mouth, throat or vagina, for example.
Antibiotics can also cause serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, which require immediate medical attention. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Care during treatment
During the treatment of intestinal infection, it is essential to rest and keep the body hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids.
In addition, a homemade serum solution can be made to replace liquids and mineral salts that are lost due to diarrhea, preventing dehydration.
It is also important to have a light and easily digestible diet, such as cooked white rice, lightly seasoned white meat and strained juices, for example, as they help to calm the intestines and relieve diarrhea. See more details on what to eat in case of intestinal infection.
