How Can Diverticulitis Be Treated Despite Being On Cipro And Flagyl?

Posted on Sun, 18 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 18 Mar 2018 Answered on

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently completed a 10 days diverticulitis treatmnet with Cipro and flagyl, but it is starting up againwhat should I do

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Investigation is required

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

How was diverticulitis diagnosed? Was it a clinical diagnosis only or you did a CT-scan as well?

Most cases of diverticulitis resolve completely after 10 days of Ciprofloxacin 500mg bid and metronidazole 500mg tid.

If the symptoms recur (fever, diarrhea, pain) then a CT-scan is necessary to exclude the formation of an abscess or alternative diagnoses. Lab tests may provide additional help.

A complete blood count (to check for white blood cell count elevation) and C-reactive protein are useful tools to monitor disease activity.

A high CRP and high WBC count indicate ongoing infection and would require continuation of treatment and new assessment both clinical and radiological.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar