Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Why Does C. Difficile Associated Diarrhea Recur Despite Taking Medication?
I developed a cdiff infection during the beginning of June from Clindamycin, I did not start treatment until July 03. My first course of treatment was a 7 day cycle of 500mg metronidazole twice a day. About a week after finishing treatment the infection started to come back so I went back to my doctor who then prescribed the same medication only this time at three times a day for another 7 days. While talking to the pharmacist she had suggested to move the cycle to 10 days and I agreed. My question is if I should continue to see my regular family doctor or maybe see a specialist? I think this may be over my doctors head as all he really told me was that he was writing a prescription and to go to the hospital if I have any stomach pains. I am a 25 year old male.
Tue, 30 Aug 2016
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea. C difficile infections can sometimes cause serious bowel problems, but they can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics. C difficile mostly affects people:
1. On broad-spectrum antibiotics/multiple antibiotics at a time
2. Hospitalized patients
3. Over 65 years old
4. Have cancer or kidney disease
5. Weak immune system such as diabetic, on chemotherapy/steroid
6. Surgery of digestive system
Metronidazole is the most effective treatment of C difficile infection.
Advice
1. Continue with suggestions of your family doctor
2. Metronidazole 500 mg every 8 hours per oral for 10 days
3. Take high protein diet such as eggs, meat, pulses, fruits and vegetable to boost immunity
4. Take food rich in probiotics such as yogurt, high-quality dark chocolate, and green pickle
5. Avoid antibiotics which are known to cause C difficile infections such as clindamycin, ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and amoxicillin
6. Take antibiotics after cultute & sensitivity report
7. Do not use multiple antibiotics at a time or for longer period
Thanks
1. On broad-spectrum antibiotics/multiple antibiotics at a time
2. Hospitalized patients
3. Over 65 years old
4. Have cancer or kidney disease
5. Weak immune system such as diabetic, on chemotherapy/steroid
6. Surgery of digestive system
Metronidazole is the most effective treatment of C difficile infection.
Advice
1. Continue with suggestions of your family doctor
2. Metronidazole 500 mg every 8 hours per oral for 10 days
3. Take high protein diet such as eggs, meat, pulses, fruits and vegetable to boost immunity
4. Take food rich in probiotics such as yogurt, high-quality dark chocolate, and green pickle
5. Avoid antibiotics which are known to cause C difficile infections such as clindamycin, ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and amoxicillin
6. Take antibiotics after cultute & sensitivity report
7. Do not use multiple antibiotics at a time or for longer period
Thanks
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....