What Is The Dosage Of Flagyl For C.difficile Infection?

Posted on Wed, 28 Sep 2016

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

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 Answered on

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : At 77years old ,will I need more than two weeks of flagella to be safe.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
probably not

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It sort of depends upon what infection you are taking the flagyl for. If it is for diverticulitis then what is usually recommended is 7-10 days of flagyl and cipro.
If it is for another condition the average course may be shorter or longer.
Just because you are 77 does not mean that you need a longer course of antibiotics.
It also depends upon how severe the condition is. If you are hospitalized then the antibiotic course may be longer.
Please let me know what you are being treated for if it is not diverticulitis. Also let me know if you have other questions
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

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

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (20 hours later)

Flagyl for c-diff

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
okay thanks

Detailed Answer:
The recommendation for Clostridium Difficile treatment is flagyl 500mg three times a day for 10 to 14 days. It is not dependent upon age.
If this fails then the next antibiotic to be used is vancomycin, but flagyl is the first drug that is recommended.
You can feel confident that 14 days is a long enough course of treatment.
I hope you are better soon.
Dr. Robinson

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