Closely monitor the patient’s clinical symptoms. Look for improvements in diarrhea frequency, consistency, and severity. Expect a reduction in abdominal cramping and fever.
Regularly assess complete blood counts (CBC) to monitor for potential side effects, such as neutropenia. Frequency depends on the patient’s condition and the treating physician’s judgement, but generally, testing is done before treatment initiation, during treatment, and after treatment completion.
Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) regularly, especially ALT and AST levels, as IV Flagyl can cause hepatotoxicity. Frequency should follow the same guidelines as CBC monitoring.
Observe for signs of neurological effects including dizziness, ataxia, or seizures, reporting any such symptoms immediately. These side effects are infrequent but require prompt attention.
Adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication if side effects occur. Close collaboration with the prescribing physician is crucial during this process. Always carefully review the patient’s medication history for potential drug interactions.
| CBC | Before, during, and after treatment | Monitor for neutropenia |
| LFTs (ALT, AST) | Before, during, and after treatment | Monitor for hepatotoxicity |
| Clinical Symptoms | Daily | Assess diarrhea improvement |
If symptoms don’t improve or worsen after 72 hours of IV Flagyl therapy, re-evaluate the diagnosis and consider alternative treatments. Culture results, if available, should inform this decision.
Once symptoms resolve, continue to monitor the patient for recurrence. This is especially true for patients with severe or recurrent C. difficile infection.
