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Treatment for Cyclosporiasis

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), or Bactrim*, Septra*, or Cotrim*, is the treatment of choice. The typical regimen for immunocompetent adults is TMP 160 mg plus SMX 800 mg (one double-strength tablet), orally, twice a day, for 7-10 days. HIV-infected patients may need longer courses of therapy.

No highly effective alternatives have been identified for persons who are allergic to (or are intolerant of) TMP-SMX. Approaches to consider for such persons include observation and symptomatic treatment, use of an antibiotic whose effectiveness against Cyclospora is based on limited data, or desensitization to TMP-SMX. The latter approach should be considered only for selected patients who require treatment, have been evaluated by an allergist, and do not have a life-threatening allergy.

Anecdotal or unpublished data suggest that the following drugs are ineffective: albendazole, trimethoprim (when used as a single agent), azithromycin, nalidixic acid, tinidazole, metronidazole, quinacrine, tetracycline, doxycycline, and diloxanide furoate. Although data from a small study among HIV-infected patients in Haiti suggested that ciprofloxacin might have modest activity against Cyclospora, substantial anecdotal experience among many immunocompetent persons suggests that ciprofloxacin is ineffective.

* Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) is available for human use in the United States.

* Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Public Health Service or by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole

Note on Treatment in Pregnancy

Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) is in pregnancy category C. TMP–SMX should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. TMP-SMX should be avoided near-term because of the potential for hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus in the newborn.

Pregnancy Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal, or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Note on Treatment During Lactation

Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) is excreted in breast milk. TMP–SMX generally is compatible with breastfeeding of healthy, full-term infants after the newborn period. However, TMP-SMX generally should be avoided by women when nursing infants who are premature, jaundiced, ill, or stressed, or who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Note on Treatment in Pediatric Patients

The safety of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) in children has not been systematically evaluated. Use in children less than 2 months of age generally is not recommended

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