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

摘要

Norfloxacin, an oral fluoroquinolone (dose 400 mg daily), was compared to aplacebo 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.