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Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea after norfloxacin
E D Ehrenpreis1, M W Lievens, R M Craig
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract:
Although theoretically the spectrum of antimicrobial quinolone antibiotics are at low risk of producing Clostridium difficile overgrowth and diarrhea, a patient developed this clinical problem while receiving norfloxacin. We review the antimicrobial activity of the quinolone antibiotics, with respect to their predisposition for producing C. difficile-induced diarrhea.
Insights
Although quinolone antibiotics are considered low risk, a patient developed Clostridium difficile diarrhea while taking norfloxacin. This case highlights the potential for quinolone antibiotics to cause C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Quinolone antibiotics are broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
- Clostridium difficile is an opportunistic pathogen causing diarrhea.
- Quinolones are theoretically low risk for C. difficile overgrowth.
Observation:
- A patient developed C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
- The patient was receiving norfloxacin, a quinolone antibiotic.
Findings:
- This case challenges the assumption of low risk for quinolones.
- Norfloxacin may predispose patients to C. difficile-induced diarrhea.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider C. difficile risk with all antibiotics, including quinolones.
- Further research is needed on the specific mechanisms of quinolone-induced C. difficile diarrhea.