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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffAntibiotic therapy is the only effective treatment for typhoid fever.
Commonly prescribed antibiotics
In the United States, most doctors prescribe ciprofloxacin for nonpregnant adults. Women who are pregnant and children most often receive ceftriaxone (Rocephin) injections, because ciprofloxacin has been associated with problems in these groups. All of these drugs can cause side effects, and long-term use can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
Problems with antibiotic resistance
In the past, the drug of choice was chloramphenicol. Doctors no longer commonly use it, however, because of severe side effects, a high relapse rate and widespread bacterial resistance. In fact, the existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing problem in the treatment of typhoid, especially in the developing world. In recent years, S. typhi also has proved resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ampicillin.
Supportive therapy
Other treatment steps aimed at managing symptoms include:
- Drinking fluids. This helps prevent the dehydration that results from a prolonged fever and diarrhea. If you're severely dehydrated, you may need to receive fluids through a vein in your arm (intravenously).
- Eating a healthy diet. Nonbulky, high-calorie meals can help replace the nutrients you lose when you're sick.
