Beyond Pain Relief: Is Opioids Use Safe in Clostridium difficile Infection?

Abstract

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common condition in hospitalized patients. In the USA, there has been an alarming rise in the use of opioids for analgesia during hospitalization. Due to their antiperistalsis effect, opioids can increase absorption of bacterial toxins. Our study aimed to highlight any correlation between opioids use in CDI and morbidity, mortality, and duration of hospitalization.