Medicine to Treat ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Outbreaks Could Cause More Diarrhea
Summary
A medicine called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is used to treat cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection causing severe diarrhea in the United States. While this antibiotic helps clear the infection, it can also cause diarrhea as a side effect in some patients.Key Facts
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and leads to watery, sometimes "explosive," diarrhea.
- TMP-SMX (brand names Bactrim and Septra) is the main antibiotic recommended by health officials to treat this infection.
- Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and frequent bowel movements.
- The illness can last weeks or come back after seeming to get better if untreated.
- TMP-SMX can cause diarrhea as a side effect due to its effect on gut bacteria, which may last even after treatment ends.
- Most patients recover without treatment, but antibiotics speed recovery and are advised for some cases.
- The generic form of TMP-SMX is inexpensive, typically costing under $10 for a 14-tablet course.
- Cyclosporiasis cases tend to rise in summer, often linked to eating more fresh produce.
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