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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Metronidazole Recommended For A Person Suffering From Diverticulitis?

My doctor prescribed medication, METRONIDAZOLE ...I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A BONIFID PILL FOR ME. WHAT IS THIS MED SUPPOSED TO DO? I HAVE DIVERTICULITIS (SP)? AND KIDNEEY STONE POTENTIAL. I CANT FIND IT ON A LIST OF MEDS. Please tell me what this pill is supposed to accomplish for me? Thanks very much. Alice Gilbert
Mon, 6 Jul 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Alice,
Hi and Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the role of Metronidazole in the treatment of diverticulitis.
Because the colon harbors many bacterial species, antibiotic should target a broad range of bacteria, including Bacteroides and other anaerobic bacteria that grow best without oxygen, as well as E. coli and other aerobic (oxygen-requiring) gram-negative rods.

Metronidazole alone or along with Ciprofloxacin is/are given to kill almost all the bacteria responsible for the acute diverticulitis.
Antibiotic treatment should be given for 7 to 10 days.

Metronidzole can be given safely in patients who are prone to have kidney stones.

Hope this answers your query.
wishing you a very good health.
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Why Is Metronidazole Recommended For A Person Suffering From Diverticulitis?

Dear Alice, Hi and Welcome to HCM. I appreciate your concern for the role of Metronidazole in the treatment of diverticulitis. Because the colon harbors many bacterial species, antibiotic should target a broad range of bacteria, including Bacteroides and other anaerobic bacteria that grow best without oxygen, as well as E. coli and other aerobic (oxygen-requiring) gram-negative rods. Metronidazole alone or along with Ciprofloxacin is/are given to kill almost all the bacteria responsible for the acute diverticulitis. Antibiotic treatment should be given for 7 to 10 days. Metronidzole can be given safely in patients who are prone to have kidney stones. Hope this answers your query. wishing you a very good health.