Managing C. Difficile Infection: Treatment Options

C. difficile infection treatment involves the use of specific antibiotics or medications to manage and resolve infections caused by the Clostridium difficile bacteria.
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Treatment
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Prescribed by healthcare providers in hospitals or clinics
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

C. Difficile Infection Treatment FAQ


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How is C diff treated?

Alternatively, treatment with the antibiotics metronidazole and fidaxomicin are also commonly used for infection with C. diff. All of these antibiotics are given orally, via pills that you can swallow, so the medication can pass through the digestive system and reach the colon.

How do you treat a C difficile infection that comes back?

Treatment for C. difficile infection that comes back might include the following: Antibiotics. Treatment for repeat infections may involve one or more courses of an antibiotic. The antibiotic is often different from the one used at first. Antibiotic therapy works less well each time the infection comes back. Antibody-based therapy.

What medical conditions can reduce your defenses against C diff infection?

Medical conditions that may reduce your defenses against C. diff infection include: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, wear down the integrity of your intestines over time. They degrade the mucosa in your intestinal lining, which affects your gut immunity.

What are the treatment options for C difficile infection?

Antibiotics are the main treatment for C. difficile infection. Commonly used antibiotics include: Vancomycin (Firvanq Kit). Fidaxomicin (Dificid). Metronidazole (Flagyl) may be used with vancomycin to treat serious C. difficile infection. Surgery to remove the diseased part of the colon may be needed if there's: Severe pain. Organ failure.

Do I need special care if I have a Clostridium difficile infection?

People who have had Clostridium dificile infection in hospital do not need special care when they return home, but should continue good hand hygiene. You may be discharged before your course of antibiotics is finished. It is important to finish the whole course.

How to prevent spread of Clostridium difficile?

Careful use of antibiotics and good hygiene can help to prevent spread What is Clostridium difficile? Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is bacteria which is present naturally in the bowel of many healthy children under 2 years and is the most common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhoea in adults.

C. Difficile Infection Treatment References

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