Title: Treating and Preventing C. difficile Infections | Effective Health Care Program
Headings: Treating and Preventing C. difficile Infections
Treating and Preventing C. difficile Infections
Table of Contents
Is This Information Right for Me?
What will this summary tell me?
What is the source of this information?
Understanding Your Condition
What is a C. difficile infection?
What increases the risk of CDI?
Can CDI come back after treatment?
Understanding Your Options
How is CDI treated?
Antibiotics
What did researchers find about antibiotics for CDI?
Findings about antibiotics for CDI
What are possible side effects of antibiotics to treat CDI?
Possible side effects of antibiotics to treat CDI
Probiotics
What did researchers find about probiotics?
Findings About Probiotics
What are possible side effects of probiotics?
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
What did researchers find about FMT?
What are possible side effects of FMT?
What can I do to help prevent CDI?
Making a Decision
What should I think about when deciding on treatment for my CDI?
Ask your health care professional
Source

Content: Possible side effects of antibiotics to treat CDI
Antibiotic
Possible Side Effects
Metronidazole (Flagyl®)
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Pain in the belly
Constipation
Metallic taste in the mouth
Warning: Metronidazole (Flagyl®) may cause nerve damage and seizures, although these are rare. Vancomycin (Vancocin ®)
Nausea
Pain in the belly
Low potassium in the blood
Fidaxomicin (Dificid ®)
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain in the belly
Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
Bleeding in the stomach
Probiotics
To help keep your CDI from coming back, your health care professional may suggest that you take probiotics along with the antibiotic to treat your CDI. Probiotics are healthy bacteria and other microscopic organisms that are normally found in your body. Probiotics are taken as dietary supplements. They come in some foods, such as yogurt, kefir (a drink made from fermented milk), soy drinks, buttermilk, some soft cheeses, and enriched milk. Probiotics also come as a pill you can take by mouth. Note: The FDA approves the quality and safety of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines. But dietary supplements such as probiotics do not need FDA approval.