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Cephalosporin-associated pseudomembranous colitis
JAMA
|August 23, 1976
Abstract:
Diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis appeared in a patient receiving antibiotic therapy with cephalosporin derivatives only. There was a prompt remission following treatment with cholestyramine resin.
Insights
Cephalosporin antibiotics can cause diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Cholestyramine resin effectively treated these antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication of antimicrobial therapy.
- Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a severe form of AAD, often linked to Clostridioides difficile infection.
- Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics with a known risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing treatment with cephalosporin derivatives developed diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis.
- The patient's symptoms were directly associated with the cephalosporin therapy.
Findings:
- The administration of cholestyramine resin led to a rapid and complete remission of the patient's diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis.
- This suggests cholestyramine resin can be an effective treatment for cephalosporin-induced PMC.
Implications:
- Cholestyramine resin may represent a valuable therapeutic option for managing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis.
- Further research into the mechanism of action and efficacy of cholestyramine in this context is warranted.
- This case highlights the importance of considering specific antibiotic agents, like cephalosporins, as potential causes of severe gastrointestinal distress.