Rifampicin-associated pseudomembranous colitis

J Gastroenterol. 2000;35(4):299-303. doi: 10.1007/s005350050350.

Abstract

We report a case of pseudomembranous colitis that developed in a patient with liver cirrhosis during anti-tuberculosis therapy with rifampicin and isoniazid. The association between rifampicin and pseudomembranous colitis has been controversial; this report, however, supports the association. Colonoscopy performed 3 days after the onset of the pseudomembranous colitis revealed only reddish patches and a few aphthoid lesions, but 4 days later pseudomembranes were apparent. The pseudomembranous colitis was successfully controlled by discontinuation of the anti-tuberculosis agents, along with the administration of lactic acid bacteria, without vancomycin or metronidazole. Possible predisposing factors for the development of pseudomembranous colitis in this patient are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibiotics, Antitubercular / adverse effects*
  • Antibiotics, Antitubercular / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / chemically induced*
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / diagnosis
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Rifampin / adverse effects*
  • Rifampin / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antitubercular
  • Rifampin