Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, antibiotics commonly prescribed for typhoid fever are ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. Patients treated with these antibiotics usually begin to feel better within two to three days. Patients should finish the full course of treatment with antibiotics so as to prevent the development of multidrug resistant Salmonella typhi.
Ampicillin
According to Drugs.com, ampicillin belongs to a class of antibiotic drugs known as penicillins. Ampicillin is used to treat typhoid and many other bacteria infections. Patients allergic to penicillins and cephalosporins should avoid taking ampicillin. Ampicillin should be used with caution in patients with asthma, kidney disease, blood clotting and bleeding problems. Patients should use another form of birth control when they are taking ampicillin because the drug reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills. Common side effects of ampicillin include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, vaginal itching, headache, thrush and diarrhea.
Ciproflaxin
Drugs.com states that ciproflaxin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Ciproflaxin is used to treat typhoid fever and other different bacteria infections. Patients allergic to fluoroquinolones should avoid taking ciproflaxin. Ciproflaxin should be used with caution in people with joint problems, myasthenia gravis, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes and seizures. Common side effects of ciproflaxin include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision and insomnia.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
According to Drugs.com, trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole also known as Bactrim or Septra is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat typhoid fever and other serious bacterial infections. Patients allergic to sulfonamides, sulfa drugs and trimethoprim should avoid trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be used with caution in patients with megaloblastic anemia, severe liver disease, bone marrow suppression, diabetes and malabsorption. Common side effects of trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea.
