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Treatment for diverticulitis focuses on treating infections and reducing pain caused by diverticulitis attack.Antibiotics are needed for treating bacterial infections,
while the pain is alleviated with the help of pain relief drugs.
Medications to treat diverticulitis
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is widely used for treating bacterial infection that triggers diverticulitis. It belongs to a class of antibiotic drugs known as fluoroquinolones. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. The duration of the treatment and the dosage of the drug depend upon the severity of the infection. Just as in the case of any other antibiotic, continue taking the drug, as prescribed by your physician, even after the symptoms of diverticulitis subside.
Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with calcium rich products. Calcium impairs absorption of the drug. Ciprofloxacin may increase heartbeat and anxiety, conditions that can be avoided by limiting intake of caffeinated drinks and food such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and chocolate. Possible side effects of ciprofloxacin include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, vaginal itching and increase in urge to urinate.
Metronidazole
Bacteria and certain parasitic infections that trigger diverticulitis can be treated with metronidazole. It is taken orally, usually twice or thrice daily, for up to ten days or as directed by the physician. Avoid alcohol while taking this drug. People suffering from Crohn’s disease, liver, blood or kidney problem should take this drug with caution. Metronidazole may increase sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. It may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, appetite loss, tongue or mouth irritation, dry mouth, dark colored urine and tingling or numbness of hands and feet.
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
Diverticulitis may be treated with antibiotic medications that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. This antibiotic drug is available in the form of tablets and liquids. To minimize the risk of certain side effects of the drug, people on sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination medication should drink several extra glasses of water.
Usually bacterial infections are treated with medications containing 160 mg of trimethoprim and 800 mg of sulfamethoxazole twice a day. However, the exact dosage may vary according to age, body weight, severity of infection and condition of health. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination drugs may cause gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, fever and loss of appetite.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin, an antibiotic drug used for treating diverticulitis, belongs to a class of drugs known as lincomycin antibiotics. Available in the form of capsules and solution, it is taken orally, usually three to four times a day. Although, the symptoms of the disease improve within a few days after taking this drug, you should continue taking the drug as prescribed by your physician. Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, white patches in the mouth and vaginal itching or irritation are possible side effects of clindamycin.
Acetaminophen or Paracetamol
Moderate to severe pain, which diverticulitis patients experience during the attack, is usually treated with pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol.
If the pain does not respond to over-the-counter drugs, your physician may recommend prescription drugs for reducing the pain.
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