Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic staff

For illness caused by E. coli O157:H7, no current treatments can cure the infection, relieve symptoms or prevent complications. For most people, the best option is to rest and drink plenty of fluids to help with dehydration and fatigue. Avoid taking an anti-diarrheal medication — this slows your digestive system down, preventing your body from getting rid of the toxins.

References
  1. Escherichia coli. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/stec_gi.html. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  2. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 12, 2009.
  3. Bitteman RA, et al. Acute gastroenteritis. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/135505615-6/837468548/1365/282.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50098-6--cesec40_4619. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  4. Calderwood SB. Microbiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  5. Basic information about E. coli O157:H7 in drinking water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/ecoli.html. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  6. Hemolytic uremic syndrome in children. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/childkidneydiseases/hemolytic_uremic_syndrome/. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  7. Calderwood SB. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 5, 2009.

DS01007

July 28, 2009

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger