Antibiotic-associated colitis; Colitis - pseudomembranous; Necrotizing colitis

The antibiotic or other medicine causing the condition should be stopped. Metronidazole is usually used to treat the disorder, but vancomycin or rifaximin may also be used.

Electrolyte solutions or fluids given through a vein may be needed to treat dehydration due to diarrhea. In rare cases, surgery is needed to treat infections that get worse or do not respond to antibiotics.

If there are no complications, the outlook is generally good. However, up to 20% of infections may return, requiring additional treatment.

• Dehydration with electrolyte imbalance
• Perforation of (hole through) the colon
• Toxic megacolon

Call your health care provider if the following symptoms occur:

• Bloody stools after taking antibiotics
• Five or more episodes of diarrhea per day for more than 1-2 days
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration (dry skin, dry mouth, glassy appearance of the eyes, sunken soft spots on top of head in infants, rapid pulse, confusion, excessive tiredness)

Images

Digestive system organs

Previous Section

Pseudomembranous colitis Symptoms

Next Section

Pseudomembranous colitis Prevention

Review Date: 04/12/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)