— Guidelines call for selective use in uncomplicated cases, but that's not happening at the VA
June 22, 2026
• 2 min read
Guidelines have shifted away from supporting routine antibiotics for uncomplicated diverticulitis, but concerns remain about overuse.This study found that from 2015 to 2025, clinicians at VA facilities prescribed antibiotics over 95% of the time for cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis.Fluoroquinolone-based regimens were prescribed most often (46%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate regimens (43%).
Despite guidelines discouraging antibiotics in many uncomplicated diverticulitis cases, nearly everyone got one in a retrospective cohort study across Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.
