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What Causes Diarrhea After Taking Antibiotics?
Hello, I`ve been under treatment for an anal fissure and during this time was also treated with antibiotics for a foot infection. After I started taking antibiotics, I had a very thorough diarrhea, which cleared up about a day, but has recurred twice in the last two weeks. I thought it might have been due to using Normacol Plus and sometimes an painkiller (mefenamic acid). I had diarrhea yesterday afternoon after taking a tablet of mefenamic which turned yellow and now is browner but with a number of black specs. I haven`t had any particular pain with the diarrhea. What could be causing this?
Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Hello,
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea by upsetting the gut flora. Usually it clears up in a few days after the antibiotic is discontinued. If it persists it may be due to the overgrowth of a pathogenic organism. Mefenamic acid is an anti-inflammatory drug which can hurt the delicate lining of the stomach and produce erosion. The black color in the stool may be due to a little oozing of blood. You should stop the mefenamic acid tablet and take antacid / proton pump inhibitor to heal the erosion. If the black color persists you should see a doctor without delay.
If you have further queries, I am available to answer them.
Dr. Noble Zachariah, Kuwait.
If this answer has helped you, please indicate the same to guide others who might have a similar query. Thanks
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea by upsetting the gut flora. Usually it clears up in a few days after the antibiotic is discontinued. If it persists it may be due to the overgrowth of a pathogenic organism. Mefenamic acid is an anti-inflammatory drug which can hurt the delicate lining of the stomach and produce erosion. The black color in the stool may be due to a little oozing of blood. You should stop the mefenamic acid tablet and take antacid / proton pump inhibitor to heal the erosion. If the black color persists you should see a doctor without delay.
If you have further queries, I am available to answer them.
Dr. Noble Zachariah, Kuwait.
If this answer has helped you, please indicate the same to guide others who might have a similar query. Thanks
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