The best treatment for giardia is a medication called Metronidazole which is the most commonly used antibiotic for giardia infection.
For Giardia to go away it takes between 1 to 2 weeks and by then you should no longer be contagious.
Although in some cases, symptoms of giardia may seem to be gone but will return after several days or weeks.
Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis.
Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected people or animals.
You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs.
Giardia is an intestinal infection caused by a giardia parasite.
Giardia spreads through contaminated food or water or by person-to-person contact.
It's most common in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water.
Symptoms of giardia might include watery diarrhea alternating with greasy stools.
Fatigue, cramps, and belching gas also may occur.
Some people have no symptoms.
Most cases of giardia clear up on their own within a few weeks.
Severe cases are treated with antibiotics.
If your symptoms are mild, you generally won't need treatment for giardiasis.
Mild infections can go away on their own in a few weeks.
If symptoms are severe or aren't going away, medicine can be used. Infected people who work at a daycare or nursing home may also be treated with medicine.
If left untreated, Giardia will eventually lead to more acute symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration.
If you or your child experience a bout of diarrhea lasting more than a day or two, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have more severe parasite symptoms, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic with antiparasitic effect to kill the parasite. Giardia medications include: Metronidazole (Flagyl®). Tinidazole (Tindamax®).