GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTION WITH CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE
Clostridium difficile is a common bacterial infection normally seen in hospital settings but is now increasingly found in communities. . Highly dangerous strains of C. difficile can lead to severe inflammation and death if left untreated.
C. difficile is normally found as part of the gut flora. Prolonged use of antibiotics or long stays in hospitals can decrease levels of healthy good bacteria and allowing other bacteria such as C. difficile to grow. As the levels of C. difficile increases, the bacteria release toxins that can cause bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Symptoms can also include, worsening abdominal pain and a characteristic foul stool odour.
Diagnosis is usually conducted through a stool culture test and toxin assay which detects the presence of the bacteria in the stool and determines whether toxins are being produced.
The standard course of treatment for C. difficile infections are courses of metronidazole although success rates can vary due to the bacteria’s protection mechanisms. The treatment currently offered here are courses of oral vancomycin.
For information regarding order of these drugs, please refer to our contact page.
For more information about your treatment options please contact your Health professional.
GASTROPARESIS AND RELATED SYMPTOMS
Gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying is a condition arising from partial paralysis of the stomach that results in food remaining in the stomach for a longer period of time than normal. Gastroparesis may be transient or chronic and can be due to an acute illness or abnormal eating patterns such as bulimia or anorexia.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, a feeling of fullness, reflux and upper abdominal pain.
Gastroparesis is diagnosed using a combination of tests which includes manometry and x-rays. Gastroparesis is usually treated with doses of metoclopramide, erythromycin or changes in diet with limited degrees of success.
Cisapride (prepulsid) appeared to have greater clinical efficacy on gastroparesis, however due to the nature and severity of its potential side effects, availability of this medication is strictly restricted. This pharmacy sources a closely related product that demonstrates similar clinical efficacy in the improvement of gastroparesis whilst minimising the possibility of quite severe side effects.
For information regarding order of these drugs, please refer to our contact page.
For more information about your treatment options please contact your Health professional.