Diverticulitis

Uncomplicated diverticulitis

No antibiotic treatment, if systemically well

If systemically unwell, immunocompromised or significant comorbidity

Co-trimoxazole
Co-trimoxazole 80mg/400mg tablets

960mg every 12 hours for 5 days

Co-trimoxazole 160mg/800mg tablets

960mg every 12 hours for 5 days

Metronidazole
Metronidazole 400mg tablets

400mg every 8 hours for 5 days

Metronidazole 200mg/5ml oral suspension

400mg every 8 hours for 5 days

Prescribing Notes:

  • Current guidelines advising the use of antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis are not evidence based. In the majority of patients with mild diverticulitis, antibiotics are not required.

History Notes

06/10/2022

Update to prescribing note.

15/12/2021

East Region Formulary content agreed.