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Treatment of Clostridium difficile diarrhea

Article Abstract:

The bacteria Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis which are characterized by inflammation of the colon and formation of a membrane on the mucosa of the colon. C. difficile diarrhea results from the use of antibiotics such as clindamycin, ampicillin, and cephalosporins. Various methods of detecting C. difficile are described, including culturing or growing the microorganism from tissue or fecal specimens. C. difficile diarrhea improves when the antibiotics are withdrawn, although serious forms of the disease may be treated with vancomycin or metronidazole given by mouth or intravenously. Patients treated with vancomycin or metronidazole become afebrile, or recover from fever, within 24 to 48 hours, and the diarrhea resolves within five to seven days. The symptoms of the disease recur in 5 to 55 percent of patients within three to ten days after discontinuing treatment. Recurrence of the disease may be treated by additional courses of vancomycin or metronidazole. Cholestyramine, an agent that binds substances has been used to clear C. difficile from the intestine. Clostridium difficile diarrhea is controlled initially by withdrawal of antibiotic therapy, but more serious forms of the disease can be treated with vancomycin or metronidazole. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Vancomycin, Clostridium infections, Metronidazole

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Alosetron (Lotronex) for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved alosetron for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Sold under the trade name Lotronex, it is a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor. It decreases intestinal secretions, spasms, and pain. Several clinical trials showed that it was more effective than a placebo, or inactive substance, especially for diarrhea. However, it does have side effects, the most common one being constipation. There is no evidence that it is more effective than other treatments for irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome, Lotronex (Medication)

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Topical tacrolimus for treatment of atopic dermatitis

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved 0.03% and 0.1% formulations of the immunosuppressant drug tacrolimus for treating atopic dermatitis. Sold by Fujisawa under the trade name Protopic, it is an alternative to topical corticosteroids.

Japan, Product introduction, Tacrolimus, Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Protopic (Medication)

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