Tularemia Treatment: What Works and How to Recover
If you’ve been diagnosed with tularemia, the first thing you’ll want to know is how to beat it quickly and safely. Tularemia isn’t common, but when it hits, antibiotics are the main weapon. Below we break down which meds doctors trust, what side effects to watch for, and how to support your body while the infection clears.
First‑Line Antibiotics
The go‑to drugs for tularemia are streptomycin and gentamicin—both given by injection. They target the bacteria directly and usually clear symptoms in 10–14 days. If you can’t get an injectable, oral options like doxycycline or ciprofloxacin work well too, though they may require a slightly longer course.
Typical dosing looks like this: streptomycin 1 mg/kg twice daily, gentamicin 5 mg/kg once daily, doxycycline 100 mg twice a day, or ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily. Your doctor will adjust based on age, kidney function, and how severe your case is.
Side effects are usually mild—think nausea or a sore arm from the injection—but keep an eye out for rash, dizziness, or any sudden hearing changes, especially with aminoglycosides (streptomycin/gentamicin). If anything feels off, call your prescriber right away.
Managing Symptoms & Follow‑Up
Antibiotics do most of the heavy lifting, but you still need supportive care. Stay hydrated, rest plenty, and keep any wound clean with mild soap and a sterile bandage. Fever reducers like acetaminophen can help with aches, but avoid NSAIDs if your doctor says so.
Follow‑up labs are key. Your clinician will likely order blood tests after the first week to confirm the infection is shrinking. If you still have fever or new symptoms after finishing antibiotics, a repeat culture may be needed.
Don’t skip the final doctor's visit even if you feel better. Tularemia can linger in tissues, and a short check‑up ensures it’s fully gone. Also, discuss any preventive steps—like using tick repellent or avoiding handling wild rabbits—so you stay clear of future bites.
Bottom line: start the right antibiotic fast, stick to the full course, keep hydrated, and monitor your recovery with your doctor. With those steps, most people bounce back without lasting issues.
