Diverticulitis is defined as a condition consisting of inflammation of gastrointestinal diverticula, which are outpouchings through the muscle layers of the intestinal wall. The diverticula can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but most commonly occur in the distal colon. Patients with diverticulitis typically develop left lower abdominal pain along with a change in bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and bloating. According to the Mayo Clinic, the treatment of diverticulitis depends on disease severity, but usually consists of antibiotics and bowel rest or a restricted diet.
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin, also known as Cipro, is an oral antibiotic in the quinolone drug class. Cipro acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA production and prevents bacterial replication. According to Drugs.com, Cipro is effective against e. coli, Campylobacter, and Streptococcal and Staphylococcal species, which are the common organisms that cause diverticulitis.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole, also known as Flagyl, is an oral or intravenous antibiotic medication that physicians often use together with a second medication, such as Cipro, to treat diverticulitis. Flagyl acts by preventing protein production in the bacterial cells. According to the book "Surgery" by Josef Fischer, physicians add Flagyl to other antibiotics for diverticulitis due to its effectiveness against a specific bacterial class called anaerobes, which are common in diverticulitis.
Zosyn
Zosyn is a combination antibiotic that consists of piperacillin and tazobactam. According to Drugs.com, Zosyn is an intravenous antibiotic that inhibits bacterial growth and can be effective against a broad range of bacteria. Physicians use Zosyn for more severe cases of diverticulitis that require hospitalization.
Unasyn
Unasyn is a combination antibiotic consisting of ampicillin and sulbactam. It acts by breaking down the bacterial cell wall. Physicians prescribe Unasyn to patients with severe cases of diverticulitis, as the drug must be administered intravenously. According to Drugs.com, Unasyn is effective against the common gastrointestinal microorganisms that can cause diverticulitis.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Diverticulitis
- Drugs.com: Cipro
- "Surgery"; Josef Fischer; 2008
- Drugs.com: Zosyn
- Drugs.com: Unasyn
