Antibiotic associated diarrhoea

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Created by
Megan Vann

Cards (6)

  • Antibiotic associated diarrhoea = development of watery loose stools while taking antibiotics or up to 2 months after the end of treatment
  • Penicillin's, macrolides (clarithromycin), cephalosporins (cefdinir) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) are most commonly involved
  • 20-30% of cases are caused by Clostridium Difficile
  • CDI complications can be severe and include:
    • Pseuomembranous colitis
    • Toxic megacolon
    • Perforation
    • Sepsis
  • A stool sample should be sent as soon as CDI is suspected
  • Treatment for CDI:
    1. Vancomycin 125mg QDS 10 days for first episode of C.Diff
    2. Fidaxomicin 200mg BD 10 days
    3. Life threatening infection = add IV metronidazole to PO vancomycin