How is cryptosporidiosis treated?
Most people with healthy immune systems will get better without treatment for cryptosporidiosis. The most important treatment is drinking plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. Your provider may prescribe oral or IV hydration or antidiarrheal medications.
Antiprotozoal medication can also be used to treat cryptosporidiosis in people with healthy immune systems. Antiprotozoal medications stop protozoa like Cryptosporidium from growing in your body.
If you have an underlying condition that weakens you immune system, your provider will help you manage your underlying condition, which can help the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis.
What can’t I eat/drink with cryptosporidiosis?
If you have cryptosporidiosis, avoid eating or drinking anything that makes diarrhea and dehydration worse, like alcohol and caffeine. Some evidence suggests that avoiding foods with lactose (like dairy products) can shorten the amount of time diarrhea lasts. Ask your provider what foods you should eat and which to avoid.
What medications/treatments are used for cryptosporidiosis?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you have underlying conditions, your provider may prescribe:
- Antiprotozoal medication. Nitazoxanide (Alinia®) might shorten the amount of time you’re sick with cryptosporidiosis. Nitazoxanide might not work as well if you have a weakened immune system.
- Antidiarrheal medications. Your provider might prescribe medications like diphenoxylate-atropine (Lomotil®) or loperamide (Imodium®) to help stop the diarrhea. This helps prevent dehydration and losing important minerals from your body.
- Hydration. Your provider might give you special fluids to rehydrate you and replace electrolytes (minerals that keep your body working properly).
Side effects of treatment
Loperamide can cause heart rhythm problems in high doses. Make sure you tell your provider if you have a heart or liver condition before taking this medicine.
Tell your provider if you have liver or kidney disease, bile or gallbladder problems or a weakened immune system before taking nitazoxanide.
How do I take care of myself/manage the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis?
The best way to take care of yourself at home with cryptosporidiosis is to make sure you’re staying hydrated and that your symptoms don’t worsen.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water, broth, sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte®) are the best choices to keep you hydrated.
- Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium®) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®, Kaopectate®) can help stop diarrhea, but check with your healthcare provider before taking them. Don’t give medications to your infant or child without asking their pediatrician first.
- Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you can’t keep anything down or your diarrhea is severe (more than 10 watery stools a day), contact your healthcare provider. You may need IV fluids or nutrition.
How soon after treatment will I feel better?
If you’re prescribed antiprotozoal medication for cryptosporidiosis, it can take five days or more to start feeling better. Take all of your medication as prescribed, even if you feel better before you’ve finished it.
