What medication is commonly used to treat Clostridium difficile infections?

Metronidazole is widely recognized as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). It works by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, interfering with the DNA of the bacteria, which effectively helps to eradicate the infection. Metronidazole is particularly effective against anaerobic organisms including Clostridium species, making it suitable for targeting CDI.

In cases where the infection is more severe or if there has been a recurrence of CDI, vancomycin may also be employed as a treatment option. However, metronidazole remains the recommended initial therapy for uncomplicated cases, which contributes to its classification as a widely accepted choice for this specific infection.

Ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, while effective against various bacterial infections, are not standard treatments for Clostridium difficile. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic primarily used for urinary tract infections and respiratory infections, and azithromycin, a macrolide, is usually used for respiratory infections, skin infections, and more, but lacks the necessary effectiveness against the anaerobic bacteria responsible for CDI.