Abdominal pain can have many causes, including inflamed pouches in the intestines called diverticula. These pouches may occur as a person ages, but they also may develop because of a diet low in fiber. Once these pouches become infected, other symptoms occur, such as a fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms indicate that a doctor needs to become involved to stop the infection from spreading to other areas of the body.
Ciprofloxacin
This antibiotic, used for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria in the body, belongs to a group of medications named fluoroquinolones, Drugs.com reports. Ciprofloxacin treats a variety of bacterial infections by preventing growth and reproduction. The most common and serious side effect of ciprofloxacin, diarrhea, requires immediate consultation with a physician, MayoClinic.com recommends. Other common side effects such as nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, headaches and dizziness classify as non-serious and doctors expect them to end without medical help, Drugs.com indicates. If these problems feel severe or do not stop, Drugs.com recommends asking the physician about them.
Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim
This antibiotic combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim therapeutically destroys sensitive bacteria. Diverticulitis sufferers may take it as a pill or suspension. MayoClinic.com reports no associated serious common side effects exist for this antibiotic combination. Common and non-serious side effects of this medication include flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an appetite loss.
Metronidazole
This antibiotic fights and destroys bacteria in the body by entering the cell’s components of the bacteria. This particular antibiotic treats many types of infections including diverticulitis, and doctors may administer it as an injection, pill, capsule or suspension.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin, another antibiotic, also can help fight the bacterial infection of diverticulitis. This antibiotic may induce several serious common side effects that need immediate aid from a medical practitioner. For example, the person using it may experience severe cramps and pain in the stomach or abdomen, and tenderness in the abdomen may occur. Severe diarrhea can occur that may contain blood. MayoClinic.com reports these problems may surface in the weeks following cessation of the use of clindamycin.
