Anthrax Q & A: Treatment
What is the treatment for patients with inhalation and cutaneous anthrax?
CDC made treatment recommendations for cases of inhalation and cutaneous anthrax associated with the bioterrorism attack of 2001. These recommendations can be found in the MMWR, 10/26/2001; 50(42), 909-919.
How do doctors treat inhalation anthrax to reduce the risk of death in patients?
When inhalation anthrax is suspected, physicians prescribe antibiotics to treat the disease. To be effective, antibiotic therapy should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure. Other treatment includes supportive care in hospital. Bacillus anthracis usually responds effectively to several antibiotics including penicillin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin).
What drugs are FDA-approved for treatment of anthrax?
Ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and penicillin are FDA-approved for the treatment of anthrax in adults and children.
What if I develop side effects from antibiotics that I'm taking?
If you develop side effects from the antibiotic, call your healthcare provider immediately. Depending on the type of side effects, you may be able to continue taking the medicine, or may be switched to an alternative antibiotic. If necessary, your physician may contact your State Department of Health for consultation on possible alternate antibiotics.
What are the risks of using tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin) in children? Are alternatives available?
Risks of using tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones in children must be weighed carefully against the risk for developing a life-threatening disease due to Bacillus anthracis. Both agents can have adverse health reactions in children. If adverse reactions are suspected, therapy may be changed to amoxicillin or penicillin.
Are there different strains of B. anthracis? Do they all respond to antibiotics?
Yes, there are different strains of Bacillus anthracis. Some strains of B. anthracis may be naturally resistant to certain antibiotics and not others. In addition, there may be biologically mutant strains that are engineered to be resistant to various antibiotics. A laboratory analysis can help to define which strain of B. anthracis is present and which antibiotic would be the most effective in treating the resulting anthrax.
Does a patient have immunity after recovering from anthrax infection?
We do not have enough data at this time to make this determination. However, it is theoretically possible to gain post-infection immunity.
- Page last updated March 25, 2005
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