Which of the following drugs is known to potentially cause C. difficile infection?

Clindamycin is known to potentially cause Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection due to its impact on the gut microbiota. This antibiotic is a lincosamide that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines. When broad-spectrum antibiotics, including clindamycin, kill off a significant proportion of the normal gut flora, it can create an opportunity for the overgrowth of C. difficile, a bacterium that can lead to severe gastrointestinal complications.

The risk of C. difficile infection increases because this organism can produce toxins that cause colitis and diarrhea. Clindamycin's potent effects on bacteria, particularly anaerobes in the intestines, highlight its association with this specific risk, making it crucial for healthcare providers to consider when prescribing this medication.

In contrast, other drugs in the question, such as gentamicin, ibuprofen, and azithromycin, do not have the same strong association with C. difficile infections as clindamycin. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that primarily targets aerobic gram-negative bacteria and doesn't significantly disrupt the gut flora balance. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that does not have antimicrobial properties and does not