What Is C. diff?
7. Treatment and Management
Patients who are already on antibiotics should stop taking their medication once possible. Treatment generally involves the use of antibiotics that are specific for C. diff so it stops it from growing. Examples of antibiotics that may be prescribed are fidaxomicin and vancomycin. Patients with complications such as toxic megacolon or organ failure may require surgery to remove the diseased part.
Patients should be monitored for relapse especially if they are above 65 years old, have underlying medical issues, or are currently taking another type of antibiotic for a different infection. Other treatment options include fecal microbiota transplant to help restore healthy intestinal bacteria through the placement of another individual’s stool via a colonoscope and supplementation of probiotics.
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