Does antibiotic treatment treat giardiasis?

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite. It can lead to loose or greasy stools, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and tiredness. Symptoms may settle gradually, and temporary difficulty digesting milk or other foods can remain after the infection improves.

Treatment is intended to remove the parasite, but the appropriate medicine depends on age, pregnancy, other health conditions, previous treatment, and local clinical practice. Persistent diarrhoea may also have another cause, so ongoing symptoms should be reviewed rather than treated repeatedly without testing.

Take the prescribed medicine as directed and ask what to do if you vomit or miss a dose. Drink frequent fluids; oral rehydration solution may help replace water and salts when diarrhoea is significant. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food.

Avoid preparing food for other people while you have diarrhoea, clean bathroom surfaces, and do not swim while unwell. Do not share towels. Ask whether household members need testing if they develop symptoms, especially after shared water, food, or childcare exposure.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, very little urine, severe weakness, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician if diarrhoea continues after treatment, returns, or causes signs of dehydration. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people with significant medical conditions may need earlier advice.

Ask whether a stool test is needed, which medicine is suitable, how to replace fluids, and when you can return to work, school, childcare, or swimming. Ask what to do if symptoms persist despite completing treatment.