Pseudomembranous colitis

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Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Antibiotic associated colitis; Colitis - pseudomembranous; Necrotizing colitis

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

Rehydration with electrolyte solutions or intravenous therapy may be needed to replace fluids lost with diarrhea. In rare cases, surgery is required to treat infections that worsen or do not respond to antibiotics.

If there are no complications, the outlook is generally good, although up to 20% of infections may recur and need additional treatment.

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

Call your health care provider if you or someone else has:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Bloody stools after taking antibiotics
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration (dry skin, dry mouth, glassy appearance of the eyes, sunken fontanelles in infants, rapid pulse, confusion, excessive tiredness)
• Other troubling symptoms

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.