Fulminant colitis If fulminant or toxic colitis is suspected, the patient should Stop all antidiarrheal drugs Take nothing by mouth and have inserted a long intestinal tube attached to intermittent suction Receive aggressive IV fluid and electrolyte therapy with 0.9% sodium chloride, and potassium chloride and blood as needed Receive high-dose IV corticosteroids or cyclosporine Receive antibiotics (eg, metronidazole 500 mg IV every 8 hours and ciprofloxacin 500 mg IV every 12 hours) Perhaps receive infliximab Having the patient roll over in bed from the supine to prone position every 2 to 3 hours may help redistribute colonic gas and prevent progressive distention.