Guide to the management of gastro-intestinal infections (Giardiasis):

Treatment

Oral Metronidazole        

• Children   1-3 years                      500 mg daily for 3 days

• Children   3-7 years                      600 - 800 mg daily for 3 days

• Children   7-10 years                    1g daily for 3 days

• Children   >10 years - Adults       400 mg tds for 5 days

• or 2g once daily for 3 days (less well-tolerated)

or

Oral Tinidazole

• Children (1 month to 18 years)   50 - 75 mg/kg single dose (maximum 2g)

• Adults                                            2g single dose

If the patient relapses consider another course of therapy and investigation of the family who may be asymptomatic excretors.

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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