Prophilactic antibiotics for Traveler's diarrhe -

[ArchivalUser]

FFF

According to Kaplan video highlights, prophylactic antibiotics (i.e. Cipro) can be used when traveling to endemic regions to prevent this type of diarrhea, is this true???

Please somebody explain, and if its something currently used

Thx in advance

[ArchivalUser]

LDN

Yes it is true but you need to apply to the context of question.
In principle drug prophylaxis aginst traveler's diarrhea in adults are ( in order of preferred):
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) PO 2 tablet qid.
Ciprofloxin (Cipro), 500 mg once daily
Norfloxacin (Noroxin), 400 mg once daily
Ofloxacin (Floxin), 300 mg once daily
Doxycycline (Vibramycin), 100 mg once daily
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim DS), 160 mg/800 mg once daily.
In most people, drug prophylaxis engenders a false sense of security. In addition, drug prophylaxis always carries the remote risk of a potentially life-threatening side effect ( you always need a 3 week period of drug taking) such as pseudomembranous colitis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Side effects such as vaginal yeast infections and, with doxycycline, photosensitivity, are common. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends preventive measures only and not drug prophylaxis for most travelers. If diarrhea occurs despite precautions, a self-treatment contingency plan is reasonable.

[ArchivalUser]

FFF

So, therefore, currently PROPHYLACTICALY AB's are not recommended???, only to treat known diarrheal infections??

[ArchivalUser]

brian

The point is you should satisfy what they want to ask you. That's why some exam takers got a very high score while others got lower but their knowledges are not quite different. Step 2 and step 3 are different form step 1 in that it is more human and flexible. You are treating the patients not the diseases. But if they want to test your knowledge, please show it to them. So you task is to find out what they want and serve them.