Empirical antibiotic therapy for complicated diverticulitis

For the treatment of adults with diverticulitis who have sepsis or septic shock, see Sepsis and septic shock from a biliary or gastrointestinal tract source. For definitions of sepsis and septic shock, see Identifying sepsis or septic shock.

Empirical regimens for complicated diverticulitis in adults without sepsis or septic shock are included in this topic; see:

The empirical regimens in this topic may not be appropriate for patients with risk factors for infection with multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales. These patients may also develop infection with other resistant pathogens (eg vancomycin-resistant enterococci) and Candida species. Seek expert advice to guide antimicrobial choice.

Adjustments to empirical therapy may be required for patients undergoing surgery.

The rationale for antibiotic choice for intra-abdominal infections, including complicated diverticulitis, is described here.