Pseudomembranous Colitis Treatments

Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammation of the colon that can occur after taking antibiotics. This condition is also called C. difficile colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis. Because pseudomembranous colitis can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, nausea and fever, proper treatment is important. This condition can be treated by stopping the antibiotic that caused the inflammation or with drugs such as metronidazole, vancomycin or rifaximin.

Stopping Antibiotic Treatment

• Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis may be treated by stopping the antibiotic that caused the inflammation of the colon. In some cases, stopping the antibiotic may be enough to treat the condition without drugs. However, more severe cases of pseudomembranous colitis need to be treated with an antibiotic that is not associated with the illness.

Metronidazole

• Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat conditions related to C. difficile bacteria. Metronidazole is sold under the brand name Flagyl and can be administered orally or intravenously. If you use metronidazole for pseudomembranous colitis, watch for side effects such as nausea, headache and vomiting. Metronidazole toxicity can cause seizures, rash, fever and fainting. Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole. Mixing this drug with alcohol can cause a severe reaction. Do not take this drug during the first trimester of pregnancy, because metronidazole poses a risk for the development of birth defects.

Vancomycin

• While metronidazole is the drug of choice for treating pseudomembranous colitis and other C. difficile disorders, physicians at the Mayo Clinic found evidence that vancomycin can treat the condition more quickly and prevent it from recurring better than other drugs. Because vancomycin can only be taken orally, it can only be prescribed if you are able to eat and keep foods down. Otherwise, you may be put on intravenous metronidazole. Vancomycin can cause an upset stomach. If this side effect does not go away, contact your doctor. This drug can also cause more serious side effects such as sore throat, hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, itching, fainting, dizziness or blurred vision. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these side effects.

Rifaximin

• Rifaximin is an antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing in the intestine, and it can be used to treat pseudomembranous colitis in cases where metronidazole and vancomycin are contraindicated. This drug comes in tablet form and is usually taken three times per day. Even if your symptoms improve shortly after you begin taking rifaximin, keep taking the drug until the prescription has been finished. If you do not finish the treatment, pseudomembranous colitis may return. Serious side effects associated with rifaximin include hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, fever, sore throat, chills, and swelling of the face and throat. If you experience any of these side effects, seek immediate medical attention. Rifaximin may also cause vomiting. If vomiting is severe or persistent, contact your doctor to discuss alternative treatment options.