Infections
Medicines for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection
A bowel infection causing diarrhoea, often after antibiotics disturb the gut's normal bacteria — treated with specific antibiotics and prevented by careful antibiotic use and hygiene.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection?
Clostridioides difficile (often called C. diff) is a type of bacteria that can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea, ranging from mild to severe.
- How it is treated: Treatment usually involves stopping the antibiotic that triggered it where possible, and giving a specific antibiotic that targets C.
- Self-care: Using antibiotics only when genuinely needed and as prescribed, thorough handwashing with soap and water (especially in hospitals), and staying well hydrated during illness all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP for diarrhoea that develops during or after a course of antibiotics, especially if watery, persistent, or with tummy pain and fever.
What it is
Clostridioides difficile (often called C. diff) is a type of bacteria that can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea, ranging from mild to severe. It commonly occurs after a course of antibiotics, because antibiotics can disturb the normal balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing C. diff to multiply and release toxins that inflame the bowel. It particularly affects older people, those in hospital, and people who have had antibiotics or acid-reducing medicines. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea (sometimes with mucus or blood), tummy pain and cramping, fever and feeling unwell; severe cases can cause serious bowel inflammation. It spreads easily through spores, so it is an important cause of hospital-associated infection. It is diagnosed by testing a stool sample.
How it is treated
Treatment usually involves stopping the antibiotic that triggered it where possible, and giving a specific antibiotic that targets C. diff, along with fluids to prevent dehydration. Most people recover, though the infection can sometimes come back and need further treatment; for recurrent cases, other options including a faecal microbiota transplant (restoring healthy gut bacteria) may be used. Preventing spread is very important, especially in hospitals: thorough handwashing with soap and water (alcohol gels are less effective against the spores), isolating affected patients, and careful cleaning. Preventing infection in the first place relies heavily on using antibiotics only when needed and appropriately (antibiotic stewardship).
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Using antibiotics only when genuinely needed and as prescribed, thorough handwashing with soap and water (especially in hospitals), and staying well hydrated during illness all help. Reporting persistent diarrhoea after antibiotics allows prompt treatment.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP for diarrhoea that develops during or after a course of antibiotics, especially if watery, persistent, or with tummy pain and fever. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: frequently asked questions
Why do antibiotics cause C. diff infection?
Antibiotics can disturb the normal balance of gut bacteria, allowing C. diff to multiply and release toxins that inflame the bowel and cause diarrhoea. This is why antibiotics are used carefully and only when needed.
How is C. diff prevented from spreading?
Through thorough handwashing with soap and water (alcohol gels are less effective against the spores), isolating affected patients in hospital, careful cleaning, and appropriate use of antibiotics.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — C. difficile
- UKHSA — Clostridioides difficile guidance
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