Thursday, February, 09, 2012

Inhalation anthrax

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Anthrax - inhalation


Treatment

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

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


Support Groups


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
  • ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome)
  • Death
  • Hemorrhagic meningitis
  • Shock

Calling your health care provider

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


Review Date: 05/30/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)