A Case of Relapsed Pseudomembranous Colitis Following Administation of Rifampicin Alone

Keimyung Medical Journal 2007;26(1):66-72.

Rifampicin 단독 투약후 재발한 위막성 대장염 1례

황홍석; 엄성현; 김철연; 윤지환; 김영성; 곽동협

Abstract

Although pseudomembranous colitis is associated with antibiotics in almost all cases; the development of pseudomembranous colitis during treatment with antitubercular agents has been rarely reported. We could diagnose a case of pseudomembranous colitis in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis during antituberculosis therapy; which was successfully controlled by discontinuation of antitubercular agents along with the administration of metronidazole. Thereafter; we experienced a relapse of pseudomembranous colitis following administration of rifampicin alone without any other antitubercular agents in the same patient. When we consider the high prevalence rate of tuberculosis and also frequent prescription of the antitubercular agents in Korea; it would be reasonable to consider the pseudomembranous colitis associated with rifampicin in patients with prolonged diarrhea during antituberculous medication.

Key Words: Clostridium difficile, Pseudomembranous colitis, Rifampicin