Giardiasis Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Drink fluids such as sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, flat soda (such as 7-Up or ginger ale, none with caffeine), broth, soups, or preparations such as Pedialyte for children. Fluids should be taken in small amounts frequently throughout the day. Avoid fluids containing caffeine.

• Suck on ice chips to keep from becoming dehydrated if you cannot keep fluids down.

• After 12 hours, the diet can be advanced to bland foods such as potatoes, noodles, rice, toast, cereal, crackers, and boiled vegetables. Avoid spicy, greasy, and fried foods.

• After stools become formed, return to a regular diet. Avoid milk for several weeks.

• If you do not have fever or bloody diarrhea, you may take over-the-counter medications (along with antimicrobial prescription medications from your doctor). Loperamide is usually effective and should be taken as instructed on the label. Common nonprescription medications containing loperamide are Imodium, Kaopectate, and Pepto Diarrhea Control.