Clinical Challenges Associated with Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use During Cardiac Hospitalisation: A Case Report

Piperacillin–tazobactam is a widely used broad-spectrum antibiotic, but it is often linked to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea due to disruption of normal gut flora. We present the case of a 60-year-old man admitted with recent-onset angina and minor coronary artery disease with moderate left ventricular dysfunction. During his hospital stay, he developed a fever and was started on intravenous piperacillin–tazobactam for suspected sepsis. Soon after, he experienced multiple episodes of acute diarrhoea without clinical or laboratory evidence of infection. Piperacillin–tazobactam–induced diarrhoea was diagnosed. Probiotic therapy with Saccharomyces bouvardia and freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria, along with supportive care, was initiated while antibiotic treatment continued. The patient’s diarrhoea and fever gradually resolved, he underwent coronary angiography, and was discharged in stable condition. This case highlights the need for early recognition and management of antibioticassociated diarrhoea to improve patient outcomes.