Treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis with cholestyramine resin

Abstract

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is an infrequent but serious complication of oral and intravenous antibiotic therapy. Twelve patients with antibiotic-associated PMC, documented by sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy, were treated with cholestyramine resin. The mean time from the institution of therapy to cessation of diarrhea was 2.1 days. The response interval bore no relationship to the time symptoms were present prior to therapy. Complete resolution of sigmoidoscopic and histologic evidence of PMC usually accompanied or followed cessation of diarrhea. Obstipation was reported in 5 of 12 patients as a side effect of cholestyramine treatment. Therapy should be continued for up to five days after cessation of diarrhea to prevent recurrence of active PMC. Cholestyramine resin is shown to be an effective treatment for antibiotic-associated PMC.