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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea In A Patient With Acute Gastroenteritis?
Question: Acute enteritis. prescribed: Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole. been taking for 3 days and the diarrhea has not completely stopped and I am wondering how long until I get relief. What is the cause and duration. Thank you,
Brief Answer:
Probably either different stain of Acute GE or antibiotic resistant
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Acute gastroenteritis is caused by the consumption of contaminated food or drink usually about 2-6 hours prior to the appearance of the first symptom.
Usually the effect of the antibiotics is seen within a few hours or a day, but it can take about 48-72 hours in some individuals to show a difference. If it has been more than 3 days and you have taken the sufficient adult doses (500 mg of metronidazole to be taken twice a day, and 500 mg of ciprofloxacin to be taken twice a day), then you should have noticed an improvement by now.
If you have not, either you could be resistant to one of the antibiotics or the diagnosis may be incorrect. I would recommend a revisit to your doctor or the initiation of other antibiotics, some of the options include:
+Ofloxacin 200 mg to be taken twice a day for 7-10 days
+Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
But I would be more comfortable if you would revisit your doctor and he/she would decide what changes to make to your treatment regimen.
Best wishes.
Probably either different stain of Acute GE or antibiotic resistant
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Acute gastroenteritis is caused by the consumption of contaminated food or drink usually about 2-6 hours prior to the appearance of the first symptom.
Usually the effect of the antibiotics is seen within a few hours or a day, but it can take about 48-72 hours in some individuals to show a difference. If it has been more than 3 days and you have taken the sufficient adult doses (500 mg of metronidazole to be taken twice a day, and 500 mg of ciprofloxacin to be taken twice a day), then you should have noticed an improvement by now.
If you have not, either you could be resistant to one of the antibiotics or the diagnosis may be incorrect. I would recommend a revisit to your doctor or the initiation of other antibiotics, some of the options include:
+Ofloxacin 200 mg to be taken twice a day for 7-10 days
+Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
But I would be more comfortable if you would revisit your doctor and he/she would decide what changes to make to your treatment regimen.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
May I also include that the blood work showed to my knowledge an elevation in the wbc: 12.8 and the eoc:3.9 If that may help. I am feeling somewhat better but not completely and that is my reason for concern. Thank You for any help you may provide.
Brief Answer:
Elevation in WBC confirms the presence of the infection (enteritis)
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Yes the elevation in WBC levels indicates the presence of an infection which you most certainly have.
If you have experienced an improvement either continue the same antibiotics or speak to your doctor about making changes to your current regimen ma'am, I am sure you will experience an improvement.
Also, I hope you have also included probiotics, antacids and ORS (oral rehydration solutions) in your treatment regimen along with plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration and also replenish all the lost electrolytes.
Please do not hesitate to write back to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Elevation in WBC confirms the presence of the infection (enteritis)
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Yes the elevation in WBC levels indicates the presence of an infection which you most certainly have.
If you have experienced an improvement either continue the same antibiotics or speak to your doctor about making changes to your current regimen ma'am, I am sure you will experience an improvement.
Also, I hope you have also included probiotics, antacids and ORS (oral rehydration solutions) in your treatment regimen along with plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration and also replenish all the lost electrolytes.
Please do not hesitate to write back to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank You Sir, I will.
Brief Answer:
The pleasure was all mine
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome ma'am.
I am always here to help, so do not ever hesitate to contact me for any further clarifications.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Dr. Shoaib Khan.
The pleasure was all mine
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome ma'am.
I am always here to help, so do not ever hesitate to contact me for any further clarifications.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Dr. Shoaib Khan.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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