Efficacy of Metronidazole Versus Metronidazole and Rifampin in CDAD Treatment

Clostridium difficile infection contributes to both community and hospital acquired morbidity and mortality. Metronidazole alone is usually considered the drug of choice, however, frequent relapses occur at a rate of 10-40%. The purpose of this study is to address the use of a combined drug regimen treatment (Metronidazole and Rifampin) for the treatment of CDAD. These drugs used together have been successful. Objectives are to determine the time (days) to resolution of symptoms in each treatment arm; to measure clinical relapse rates; and to assess adverse reactions related to treatment.