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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2001

Despite the media's presentation and the demand for an antibiotic called Cipro, other more common and less expensive drugs can treat anthrax.

Trusty old penicillin can be used to threat the rare and sometimes deadly bacterium and disease, said doctors. Other drugs such as doxycycline, tetracycline, erythromycin and chloramphenicol can also be used.

With regards to older drugs like penicillin and doxycycline, however, the government does not know if any of the strains of anthrax involved in the letters are resistant. But at the same time, the government does not recommend taking Cipro for the deadly inhaled anthrax.

Because of the Cipro demand, health experts are sounding warnings about its proper use and overuse. The German company that makes it is increasing production.

Get the Story:
Cipro Is Not the Only Pill That Fights Anthrax (The Washington Post 10/17)
Cipro Isn't the Only Drug That Can Be Prescribed, Anthrax Experts Say (The New York Times 10/17)
Production of Cipro Is Being Tripled, German Company Says (The New York Times 10/17)
Graphic: Fighting Infection (The New York Times 10/17)
Graphic: Finding the Presence of Anthrax (The New York Times 10/17)
Graphic: Tracking the Origin of Anthrax (The New York Times 10/17)
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Relevant Links:
Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, Department of Defense - http://www.anthrax.osd.mil

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New York City hit with anthrax scare (10/12)