How To Treat Shigella Infections

Avoid Anti-Diarrhea Medication

Individuals naturally think if they have diarrhea, they should use anti-diarrheal medication. However, this is not always the case. In fact, studies show anti-diarrheal medication can actually worsen symptoms of a Shigella infection. Patients should, therefore, avoid taking these medications, particularly those containing loperamide or diphenoxylate with atropine. In a recent study, individuals who were given diphenoxylate with atropine to treat their Shigella infections had a fever as long as they took the medication. As soon as the drug was discontinued, the fever abated. Anti-diarrheal medication has also been shown to slow gastrointestinal motility and may encourage the release and quick growth of bacterial exotoxins in cases of Shigella infections. So carefully read labels and avoid anti-diarrheal medication, particularly diphenoxylate with atropine and loperamide, when dealing with a Shigella infection.