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CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008

Archived Highlight: New Drug Approved for the Treatment of Travelers' Diarrhea

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved rifaximin (Xifaxan, Salix Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of travelers' diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli . The drug is expected in U.S. pharmacies by August 2004 and is approved for persons 12 years of age and older.

This new agent represents a significant addition to the few oral drugs currently available for the treatment of the most common cause of bacterial travelers' diarrhea. The other recommended drugs for the treatment of travelers' diarrhea are the quinolone antibiotics and azithromycin. The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole had been used in the past, but is no longer recommended because of the high level of resistance (see diarrhea on the Diseases page).

Rifaximin should not be used if dysentery is suspected (fever and bloody stools) or if causes of diarrhea other than noninvasive strains of E. coli are suspected or isolated. The drug label may be viewed on the FDA website ( http://www.fda.gov ).

Travelers should always review with their health-care provider any medications they may be taking during travel. Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed by the physician even if symptoms are no longer present. This precaution is to ensure treatment is completed and to prevent antibiotic resistance. CDC does not generally recommend that travelers' take any antibiotic, including rifaximin, to prevent infections like travelers' diarrhea. To limit the further development and spread of antibiotic resistance, these medications should be reserved for treatment only. To avoid illness, travelers should be advised to select food with care. Data indicate that careful attention to food and beverage consumption can decrease the likelihood of developing travelers' diarrhea

For more information about Travelers' Diarrhea, see

  • Page last reviewed:
  • Page last updated: October 14, 2004
  • Content source:
    Division of Global Migration and Quarantine
    National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases
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