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What Does Abdominal Cramps After Taking Antibiotics Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2015
Question: In the last month I have taken 2 courses of z packs for an infected tooth. I just finished my second round last Friday. Now today I have some heavy painful cramping and feel like I have to have a bowel movement however no feces comes out, only bloody mucus. Should I just pick up a probiotic or do I need to be seen by a medical professional?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you'd better be checked by your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

although abnormal bowel movements may follow antibiotic exposure - and they usually normalize after withdrawing the antibiotic - I would suggest visiting your doctor for assessment for the following reasons:
- antibiotic related diarrhea may indeed cause movements with blood and mucus but diarrhea is expected, which seems to be different than your current situation
- blood and mucus may also be caused by other conditions like tumors.

I believe that the antibiotic is the cause of your symptoms but I can't be certain. Data from the clinical examination and history may help to distinguish the cause.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Does Abdominal Cramps After Taking Antibiotics Indicate?

Brief Answer: you'd better be checked by your doctor Detailed Answer: Hello, although abnormal bowel movements may follow antibiotic exposure - and they usually normalize after withdrawing the antibiotic - I would suggest visiting your doctor for assessment for the following reasons: - antibiotic related diarrhea may indeed cause movements with blood and mucus but diarrhea is expected, which seems to be different than your current situation - blood and mucus may also be caused by other conditions like tumors. I believe that the antibiotic is the cause of your symptoms but I can't be certain. Data from the clinical examination and history may help to distinguish the cause. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!