Metronidazole: an alternate therapy for antibiotic-associated colitis.

Abstract

The results of treatment of 13 consecutive cases of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis with oral metronidazole are described. The diagnosis was made by typical sigmoidoscopic appearance with a confirming characteristic colonic biopsy specimen and/or stools positive for Clostridium difficile cytotoxin. All patients responded with the disappearance of diarrhea between 1 and 5 days. Two patients experienced relapse when the therapy was discontinued. Our experience with metronidazole shows that it is an effective treatment for antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis. The response to metronidazole treatment compares favorably with that usually obtained with vancomycin.

• Authors: R D Cherry, D Portnoy, M Jabbari, D S Daly, D G Kinnear, C A Goresky
• Journal: Gastroenterology (Gastroenterology) Vol. 82 Issue 5 Pt 1 Pg. 849-51 (May 1982) ISSN: 0016-5085 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7060906 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Metronidazole
• Vancomycin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (adverse effects)
• Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Metronidazole (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Vancomycin (therapeutic use)