Is A Clostridium Difficile Infection Post Intake Of Z-Pak A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Tue, 26 Jan 2016

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

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 Answered on

Thu, 3 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Just finished a z-pack for resperatory infection.lungs are much better but I think I have triggered a c-dif event. Had it once before and was caused by antibiotics. I waited for a week to get help and it really took its toll on me. My new symptoms just started today and are acute and I'm already getting week. Shlould I wait it out and take probiotics (already Started this morning) or should I get help now? Don't want to panic but don't want to wait and do more damage

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it depends

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the answer obviously depends on your condition. The colitis caused by Clostridium difficile may be of variable severity. High fever, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea are usually signs of more severe colitis. Diarrhea without blood or fever is usually a self-limited situation. Taking probiotics won't cause any harm so you can take them regardless of the severity.

Regarding treatment with either metronidazole or vancomycin though I would suggest visiting your doctor for clinical assessment and perhaps lab testing. If your condition seems to be more serious then immediate treatment is essential.

Kind Regards!

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