A prophylactic program to prevent traveler's diarrhea in United States Naval personnel comparing doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
A prophylactic program was designed to prevent traveler's diarrhea comparing the efficacy of doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. A total of 99 volunteers received either medication. No cases of traveler's diarrhea were reported in either group or in a control group not taking prophylactic antibiotics. The 42 volunteers taking doxycycline showed neither of its main two side effects, photosensitivity or gastrointestinal discomfort. Three of 57 volunteers taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole had side affects from it--two with some gastric discomfort and one with a skin rash. Another common side effect, which did not occur, is diarrhea. This paper makes suggestions on managing a shipboard traveler's diarrhea prevention program and anticipating potential problems.
Hipskind
J E
JE
Cook County Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612-9985.
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D009326:Naval Medicine; D014195:Travel; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D004318:Doxycycline