Norfloxacin for the Prophylaxis of Travelers' Diarrhea in U.S. Military Personnel

Abstract

Norfloxacin, an oral fluoroquinolone (dose 400 mg daily), was compared to a placebo in a double blinded randomized trial for the prophylaxis of travelers' diarrhea. The study was of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel on shore level in Alexandria, Egypt. A total of 222 subject were available (105 norfloxacin, 117 placebo). In the placebo group, 26% (30/117) developed acute diarrhea vs. 2% (1/105) in the norfloxacin group. There were no significant side effects in either group. Acute diarrhea is a concern for travelers to developing countries. Although a diarrheal illness rarely produces mortality in healthy populations, it can impair an individual's ability to function. Attack rates vary, but reports of up to 40% are not uncommon. Numerous strategies involving dietary discretion, bismuth subsalicylate prophylaxis, and antibiotic prophylaxis have been tried to prevent acute diarrhea.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA241307

Entities

People

  • Daniel A. Scott
  • Kenneth C. Hyams
  • Richard L. Haberberger
  • Scott A. Thornton

Organizations

  • Naval Medical Research Unit Three

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Army Personnel
  • Availability
  • Biomedical Research
  • Classification
  • Diarrhea
  • Health
  • Marine Corps
  • Marine Corps Personnel
  • Meals
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • New York
  • Security
  • Side Effects
  • Statistical Analysis
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology