If there is an appreciable delay in getting to a hospital, then tetracycline should be taken. The adult dose is 250 mg four times daily. It is not recommended for children aged eight years or under, nor for pregnant women, because tetracycline stains the developing teeth of fetuses and children. An alternative drug is Ampicillin. While antibiotics might kill the bacteria, it is the toxin produced by the bacteria which causes the massive fluid loss.
Fluid replacement is by far the most important aspect of treatment.
In the hospital, antibiotics such as Furoxone, tetracycline, Cipro, or Bactrim will shorten the duration of illness and are important adjuncts to hydration therapy. Prevention Travelers to cholera infected areas should follow the standard food and water precautions of eating only thoroughly cooked food, peeling their own fruit, and drinking either boiled water, bottled carbonated water, or bottled carbonated soft drinks. Other safe beverages include tea and coffee made with boiled water and carbonated, bottled beverages with no ice. Avoid undercooked or raw fish or shellfish, including ceviche. Avoid all salads.