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    J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005 Feb;20(2):182-6.

    Pseudomembranous colitis in children.

    Brook I.

    Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, 4431 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA. ib6@georgetown.edu

    This review presents the microbiology, management and prevention of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) in children. PMC is commonly associated with prior antibiotic exposure and hospitalization. It is caused almost exclusively by toxins produced by Clostridium difficile. The clinical spectrum of this disease may range from a mild, non-specific diarrhea to severe colitis with toxic megacolon, perforation, and death. PMC may affect all age groups, although a lower incidence has been noted in children. Ampicillin, amoxicillin, the second- and third-generation cephalosporins and clindamycin are the drugs most frequently associated with development of PMC, although nearly all antimicrobials have been implicated as causes of diarrhea and colitis. Discontinuation of antibiotics and supportive therapy usually lead to resolution of this disorder. Administration of oral vancomycin or other therapeutic regimens may be needed.

    PMID: 15683418 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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    Patient drug information

    • Vancomycin (Vancocin®)

      Vancomycin is used to treat colitis (inflammation of the intestine caused by certain bacteria) that may occur after antibiotic treatment. Vancomycin is in a class of medications called glycopeptide antibiotics. It works ...

    • Amoxicillin (Amoxil®, Amoxil® Pediatric Drops, Trimox®, ...)

      Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; gonorrhea; and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other m...

    • Clindamycin (Cleocin®)

      Clindamycin is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, including infections of the lungs, skin, blood, female reproductive organs, and internal organs. Clindamycin is in a class of medications called lincomy...

    • » See all 4 drug reports ...