Even brief exposure to any single antibiotic can cause C difficile colitis. A prolonged antibiotic course or the use of 2 or more antibiotics increases the risk of disease. Moreover, antibiotics traditionally used to treat C difficile, vancomycin and metronidazole, have also been shown to cause disease.

How do you prevent C. diff when taking antibiotics?

Use of certain antibiotics, such as clindamycin and fluoroquinolones, is also linked to C. difficile infections. The best way to avoid infection with C. difficile is to take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor and never share the medication with others.

Why do antibiotics increase risk of C. diff?

Nearly any antibiotic is capable of disrupting the normal gut microflora, which can allow for C difficile to flourish and produce toxin. Surprisingly, even single doses of antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis have been associated with an increased risk of C difficile infection.