Pharmacology · Antimicrobials (Cell Wall Inhibitors, Protein Synthesis Inhibitors, Fluoroquinolones)

Among the following antibiotics, which one is most strongly associated with Clostridioides difficile colitis?

  • A Aztreonam
  • B Clindamycin
  • C Gentamicin
  • D Rifampicin
Correct answer: B. Clindamycin

Explanation

Clindamycin has the highest relative risk of C. difficile infection among antibiotics because it suppresses obligate anaerobic gut flora most profoundly and persistently, allowing spore germination and toxin elaboration. Broad-spectrum cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones follow as next in frequency. Aminoglycosides are almost never implicated because they are poorly absorbed orally, and aztreonam and rifampicin carry substantially lower risk than clindamycin.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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