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Inhalation anthrax - Treatment

Alternative Names

Anthrax - inhalation

Treatment:

Several antibiotics are effective against anthrax, including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. Inhalation anthrax is usually treated with ciprofloxacin plus another antibiotic agent.

The length of treatment is currently about 60 days for individuals exposed to anthrax, since it may take spores that long to germinate.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis of inhalation anthrax once it reaches the second stage is poor, even with antibiotic therapy. Up to 90% of cases in the second stage are fatal.

Complications:

Hemorrhagic meningitis
Mediastinitis
Shock
ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome)

Calling your health care provider:

Notify your health care provider if you have been exposed to anthrax, whether or not you develop symptoms.

Inhalation Anthrax

Bacteria

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 6/29/2007
Cyrus Badshah, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB) Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Reissman DB, Whitney EA, Taylor TH Jr, et al. One-Year Health Assessment of Adult Survivors of Bacillus anthracis Infection.JAMA. 2004;291:1994-1998.

Inglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA.160;2002;287:2236-2252.

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