What is the best treatment for Giardia?
Medication Options Several drugs can be used to treat Giardia infection. Effective treatments include metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide. Other medications include paromomycin, quinacrine, and furazolidone.
How long does Giardia take to heal?
Symptoms generally last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. In people with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to illness such as HIV), symptoms may last longer. Healthcare providers can prescribe the appropriate antiparasitic medications to help reduce the amount of time symptoms last.
How long does it take for Giardia to go away on its own?
If your symptoms are mild, you generally won’t need treatment for giardiasis. Mild infections can go away on their own in a few weeks. If symptoms are severe or aren’t going away, medicine can be used. Infected people who work at a daycare or nursing home may also be treated with medicine.
How do you get rid of Giardia in humans?
Certain antibiotics are commonly used to treat giardiasis: Metronidazole is an antibiotic that needs to be taken for five to seven days. It can cause nausea and leave a metallic taste in your mouth. Tinidazole is as effective as metronidazole, and often treats giardiasis in a single dose.
Can you recover from giardia without medication?
Children and adults who have giardia infection without symptoms usually don’t need treatment unless they’re likely to spread the parasites. Many people who do have problems often get better on their own in a few weeks.
What kind of Medicine DO YOU take for Giardia?
Treatment. When signs and symptoms are severe or the infection persists, doctors usually treat giardiasis with medications such as: Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection. Side effects may include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth.
How long does it take to get rid of Giardia?
Treatment. Many people who do have problems often get better on their own in a few weeks. When signs and symptoms are severe or the infection persists, doctors usually treat giardiasis with medications such as: Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection.
When to see a doctor for a Giardia infection?
If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend delaying treatment until after the first trimester or longer. If treatment is necessary, discuss the best available treatment option with your doctor.
What kind of tests are used to diagnose Giardia?
Commercial products (DFA, EIAs, and rapid tests) are available in the United States for the diagnosis of giardiasis. Only molecular testing (DNA sequencing, for example) can be used to identify the strains of Giardia. Retesting for Giardia is only recommended if symptoms persist after treatment.
How long can you have Giardia untreated?
Giardiasis is unpleasant, but it’s not usually dangerous. Once you begin the medicine, you can recover in about a week. If it’s left untreated, symptoms can last 6 weeks or more. As with any illness, complications can occur.
What is the cure for giardiasis?
Certain antibiotics are commonly used to treat giardiasis: Metronidazole is an antibiotic that needs to be taken for five to seven days. Tinidazole is as effective as metronidazole, and often treats giardiasis in a single dose.
Can Giardia last for years?
In some patients, symptoms last for only 3 or 4 days, while in others symptoms can last for months or years. Rarely does Giardia infection cause death, but each year 4,600 persons with giardiasis are estimated to be hospitalized in the United States.
How do I treat Giardia infections?
When signs and symptoms are severe or the infection persists, doctors usually treat giardiasis with medications such as: Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection. Side effects may include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth. Don’t drink alcohol while taking this medication.