CDI

Q: Metronidazole and vancomycin, which are the mainstay of treatment of C. difficile infection (CDI) can itself cause the C. difficile infection? (select one)

A) True
B) False


Answer: A

Any antibiotic can cause CDI, including metronidazole and vancomycin. The most notorious antibiotics to cause CDI include quinolones, clindamycin, penicillins, and cephalosporins. Risk get enhanced in proportion when multiple antibiotics are used. Also, the risk of CDI is proportional to the duration of antibiotic use.

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#pharmacology


References: 

1.  Kelly CP, Pothoulakis C, LaMont JT. Clostridium difficile colitis. N Engl J Med 1994; 330:257.

2. Stevens V, Dumyati G, Fine LS, et al. Cumulative antibiotic exposures over time and the risk of Clostridium difficile infection. Clin Infect Dis 2011; 53:42.