Diverticulitisis either uncomplicated or complicated.
In cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis, it may go away within a week without treatment.
If it progresses or worsens, medication becomes necessary to address the symptoms and treat the condition.
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The class of medication that treats more severe cases of diverticulitis isantibiotics.
In many cases, this will require the use of combination antibiotics.
The two most common regimens aremetronidazolewithfluoroquinoloneoramoxicillin-clavulanate.
Other possible antibiotics include:
This article discusses possible treatment options for people with varying severities of diverticulitis.
In roughly 95% of people with this pop in of diverticulitis, it clears up within seven days.
The other 5% will need medical intervention.
Antibiotics may cause harm if used inappropriately, so they are reserved for treating infection cases.
This is to ensure that they do not develop complications and that their medical provider can monitor inflammation.
With Infection: Antibiotics
When an infection develops, antibiotics will be necessary to treat diverticulitis.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is recommended for pain management.
Antispasmodics reduce spasms in the large intestines that can contribute to pain.
Acetaminophen blocks the communication pathways that send pain signals to the brain.
They include:
NSAIDs
Takingnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)can help with both pain and inflammation.
Because diverticulitis can present with both, many people may reach for NSAIDs to heal from the condition.
However, NSAIDs can increase the risk ofdiverticulitis complications.
These are serious and can become life-threatening.
Diverticular bleeding can also occur as a result of NSAID use.
However, people with diverticulitis should not take them because they can increase the risk of colon perforation.
Opioids
Opioidsare pain relievers that reduce the brain’s feelings of pain while increasing feelings of pleasure.
They are rarely prescribed and are reserved for only the most severe cases because they arehighly addictive.
Home Remedies
Diet and lifestyle changes are at the forefront ofhome remedies for diverticulitis.
They will help determine your specific case’s severity and whether you need medication.
Summary
The most common medications for treating diverticulitis are antibiotics.
That said, not all people with the condition will need to take medication at all.
During that time, they can take medications to help with pain, such as acetaminophen and antispasmodics.
In cases of complicated diverticulitis, medication is necessary to treat infection or complications.
In more severe cases, people must stay at the hospital during treatment.
Medications that can increase the risk of complications in people with diverticulitis include NSAIDs, opioids, and corticosteroids.
These should be avoided.
InformedHealth.org.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis: treating acute diverticulitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.
MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
