Bacterial Dysentery Treatment Options and Medications

Bacterial dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria. Effective treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics that target and eliminate the bacteria responsible for the illness. One of the most commonly prescribed classes of antibiotics for this condition is fluoroquinolones. Among fluoroquinolones, norfloxacin and levofloxacin are frequently used due to their strong antibacterial properties against Shigella species.

However, it's important to note that fluoroquinolones may interfere with bone development in growing individuals. Therefore, this class of antibiotics is not recommended for children, adolescents, or young adults whose bones are still developing. Additionally, due to potential risks to fetal and infant development, pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

For patients who cannot take fluoroquinolones, third-generation oral cephalosporins serve as an effective alternative. Cefixime is one of the most commonly prescribed cephalosporins for bacterial dysentery, as it demonstrates good sensitivity to Shigella bacteria and effectively eliminates the infection.

In addition to antibiotic therapy, maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal flora is crucial during recovery. Patients may benefit from taking probiotic supplements such as bifidobacterium-based medications, including products like Bifidobacterium Tri-Live Capsules or Bifidobacterium Quadra-Live Capsules. These help restore the natural gut microbiota that may be disrupted during infection and antibiotic treatment.

It's important to note that probiotics should be taken at a different time from antibiotics, as concurrent use may result in the antibiotics killing the beneficial live bacteria in the probiotic supplements. Separating the doses by a few hours can help ensure both treatments remain effective.