What is the first line treatment for Clostridium difficile infection?

The first line treatment for Clostridium difficile infection is vancomycin. This antibiotic is specifically indicated for C. difficile because it is effective against the strains of bacteria that cause this specific infection. Vancomycin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in the bacteria, leading to their death, and it has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate of C. difficile infections compared to other treatments.

Metronidazole was previously used as a first-line treatment, especially for mild to moderate cases, but more recent guidelines recommend vancomycin for all severities of C. difficile infection due to its greater efficacy and safety profile. Ciprofloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam are not effective against C. difficile; ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that targets other types of bacteria, while piperacillin-tazobactam is a combination antibiotic primarily used for broad-spectrum coverage of non-C. difficile infections. Thus, vancomycin remains the preferred treatment choice for this condition.