Final answer:
A patient with C. difficile infection can be treated with a single 2 grams oral dose of metronidazole. If metronidazole is not suitable due to age, pregnancy, or allergy, vancomycin may be used. Supportive care is also an integral part of treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metronidazole Treatment for C. difficile Infection
The treatment of a patient with an infection caused by Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) often begins with the cessation of any antibiotics previously being administered to avoid exacerbating the condition. Once C. difficile has been confirmed, metronidazole is generally the preferred antibiotic for treatment. A single dose therapy of metronidazole would involve administering 2 grams of the medication orally. If metronidazole is ineffective or if the patient has certain conditions that contraindicate its use, such as being under the age of 10 years, pregnant, or allergic, alternative antibiotics like vancomycin may be employed. Additionally, supportive care such as fluid and electrolyte replacement is crucial during treatment.
For other infections, metronidazole may also be prescribed in different formulations and dosages, such as topical or oral treatments for infections other than C. difficile, or as part of combination therapy with other drugs for conditions like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.