Treatment

The standard treatment for anthrax is an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), doxycycline (Vibramycin) or levofloxacin. Which single antibiotic or combination of antibiotics, and the length of treatment, will be most effective for you depends on how you were infected with anthrax, your age, your overall health and other factors. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible.

Since the 2001 attacks in the United States, researchers have developed antitoxin therapies — raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab — for inhalation anthrax. Instead of going after the bacteria that causes the disease, these medications help eliminate the toxins caused by the infection. Anthrax immunoglobulin also may be used to neutralize the toxins. These medications are given in addition to antibiotics and are available to doctors through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some cases of injection anthrax have been successfully treated with surgical removal of infected tissue.

Although some cases of anthrax respond to antibiotics, advanced inhalation anthrax may not. By the later stages of the disease, the bacteria have often produced more toxins than drugs can eliminate.

Along with antibiotics, people with anthrax may be treated with intensive supportive care including ventilators, fluids and medicines to tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure (vasopressors).