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Giardia Treatment

The most common Giardia treatment plan involves prescribed medications, staying well hydrated, and possibly treating people who have been in close contact with the infected person. If the infection remains after trying several different medicines, potential causes of reinfection (such as environmental sources) should be explored. With chronic giardiasis, Giardia treatment may kill the parasite, but it can take a while before symptoms improve.

 

Giardia Treatment: An Overview

Giardia treatment typically involves medicine, staying well hydrated, and possibly treating those in close contact with the infected person.
 

Medicine for Giardia Treatment

Several prescription medicines are available for Giardia treatment (see Giardia Medication). These medicines cure Giardia infection in about 80 percent of people. If a person's Giardia symptoms do not improve with Giardia treatment, the doctor may recommend treatment with another Giardia medication or with the same medicine for a longer period of time.
 
For someone with chronic giardiasis, Giardia treatment may kill the parasite (Giardia lamblia), but the person may have delayed improvement of his or her Giardia symptoms. If a person does not get better after Giardia treatment with several medicines, potential causes of reinfection (such as environmental sources) should be explored.
 

Hydration and Giardia Treatment

Keeping well hydrated is important during Giardia treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids is especially important for young children and pregnant women, who may be more susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhea.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD