Which antibiotic treatment is used for C. difficile infection?

Oral metronidazole is the recommended antibiotic for treating Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, especially in mild to moderate cases. Metronidazole works by inhibiting DNA synthesis in the bacteria, effectively stopping their growth. The oral form is preferred since it allows for effective concentrations to reach the site of infection within the gastrointestinal tract.

This choice aligns with established guidelines for the treatment of C. difficile infections, as it has shown efficacy in resolving the infection and reducing symptoms. While other treatment options exist, such as oral vancomycin for more severe cases, metronidazole is often used as a first-line treatment due to its effectiveness and safety profile.

In contrast, other options listed are not appropriate for treating C. difficile. For instance, intravenous ceftriaxone and intramuscular clindamycin are not effective treatments for C. difficile; in fact, clindamycin can actually increase the risk of developing this infection. Oral levofloxacin is also not typically used for C. difficile infections, as fluoroquinolones have shown to be less effective compared to metronidazole and vancomycin.