Treatment for Cholera

Treatment of cholera involves fluid and electrolyte replacement, and antibiotic treatment.

Infection of cholera can be adequately treated by fluid and electrolyte replacement with oral rehydration salts (ORS). In cases of severe dehydration, intravenous fluids may be given.

In severe cases, an effective antibiotic treatment can reduce the volume and duration of diarrhea and the period of V. cholerae excretion.

Tetracycline is the antibiotic usually given, but resistance to tetracycline is emerging. Tetracycline-resistant strains are now treated with cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol or furazolidone.