What to expect from antibiotic treatment for giardiasis

Giardiasis affects the small intestine and can cause watery or greasy stools, cramps, bloating, nausea, and tiredness. The prescribed medicine targets the parasite, but bowel irritation may continue briefly as the gut recovers. Some people develop temporary difficulty digesting milk products after an intestinal infection. Persistent symptoms can also mean reinfection, an incomplete course, or another cause, so review may be needed.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and check whether alcohol or particular foods must be avoided with your regimen. Sip fluids regularly and choose foods you can tolerate. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food; clean bathroom surfaces and avoid swimming while diarrhoea continues. Do not prepare food for others if you are unwell, and ask whether household members need testing if symptoms occur.

Seek medical help for signs of dehydration such as very little urine, dizziness, unusual sleepiness, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange review for blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, fever, worsening diarrhoea, or symptoms that persist after treatment. Infants, older adults, and people with weakened immunity should seek advice early.

Ask how to take the medicine, which fluids and foods are suitable, when to repeat testing, and what to do if bowel symptoms continue.