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Does Xifaxan Cause Nausea And Diarrhea?
Question: I have a history of sever kypokelemia (my potassium levels usually hover between 2.3 and 3.0). My doctor just prescribed me xifaxan to treat my hypo-motility. However, two doses have caused me to go into a small attack of diarrhea and nausea. I took some clididum and zophran to calm down the nausea and stop the diarrhea. It wasn't much diarrhea, but my hands and legs are tingling and I am wondering if I need to go to the ER for potassium IV. Of course - I would really rather not, as it causes stress for my whole family.
I have taken about 40 mEqs of potassium orally in the last few hours, as well as ~80 mEqs of magnesium. My concern is that if my paralysis is going too quickly, will I even be able to absorb the potassium? Should I have already felt a decrease in symptoms after 2 hours of taking potassium? Is an IV ER visit tonight necessary?
I have taken about 40 mEqs of potassium orally in the last few hours, as well as ~80 mEqs of magnesium. My concern is that if my paralysis is going too quickly, will I even be able to absorb the potassium? Should I have already felt a decrease in symptoms after 2 hours of taking potassium? Is an IV ER visit tonight necessary?
Brief Answer:
Need to have bloods checked in ED.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the information you have given I can see that your usual potassium levels are significantly below the normal range. Therefore, you do not have a margin of safety before you are likely to experience the problems of low potassium.
The specific problems I would be concerned about are muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
Your tingling is a worrying symptom. Therefore, I think it would be in your own best interests to have your bloods checked. I suggest ou go to the ED for assessment.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Need to have bloods checked in ED.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the information you have given I can see that your usual potassium levels are significantly below the normal range. Therefore, you do not have a margin of safety before you are likely to experience the problems of low potassium.
The specific problems I would be concerned about are muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
Your tingling is a worrying symptom. Therefore, I think it would be in your own best interests to have your bloods checked. I suggest ou go to the ED for assessment.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
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