Home page
Welcome page
Introduction to the site from Dr Doug jenkinson
Symptoms (and sounds)
Treatment
Who catches it
How do you catch it and pass it on
Laboratory diagnosis
Complications
A printout for your doctor
Prevention/immunization
Email Dr Doug Jenkinson
Send a comment
The Keyworth study
Statistics
Who is Dr Doug Jenkinson?
Testimonials

It is generally agreed that the best antibiotic to kill Bordetella pertussis, the causative organism, is erythromycin.  If it is given while the disease is incubating, it is believed it can stop it developing.  This can be a vital protection for unimmunized infants who have possibly been exposed.  If it is given when symptoms have started it seems to have no effect on the course of the illness.    It will, however, kill the bugs and stop the victim passing it on to others.  Otherwise patients can remain infectious for three weeks or even more.  After 5 days on the antibiotic it is considered to be safe to allow the patient to mix with others again.  It is normal practice to use a seven day course of the antibiotic, but some authorities recommend two weeks and others 10 days. There is evidence that a 14 day course is most effective. The main drawback of erythromycin is that it causes nausea in some people. Some forms (such as erythromycin succinate appear not to be as bad with this side effect).  Taking it at the same time as food may help

Azithromycin for 7 days is an alternative antibiotic (it is related to erythromycin).  Clarithromycin is also related to erythromycin and is also effective.  Other antibiotics can be effective but are less desirable because of possible side effects.  These include tetracycline, chloromycetin, and co-trimoxazole

If complications such as ear infections or pneumonia occur then these need to be treated with the antibiotics appropriate to these conditions.