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What Causes Dark Loose Stools After Having Antibiotics?

Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2014

Question: I just took 5 days of Cippro and flagyl for some GI symptoms as in possible IBS or diverticulosis....and a sinus infection. I had a moderately high WBC lab test, but clear urinalysis....The antibiotics were too strong, gave me dark loose stools, ( about 3 x in morning after coffee....which made me feel a bit dehydrated. The doctor wants me to now take 5 days of myoxfloxvin antibiotic instead....as she feels my diarrhea was caused by loose stools. I don't know if I agree to take more drugs, and want to just try rice, probiotics and bananas, water , teas for a bit to heal diarrhea....what do you think? My fever has subsided...how about pepto Bismol too....instead of antibiotic again...

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

It is less likely that the loose stools was caused by cipro and flagyl.
Moreover you do not require antibiotics for an uncomplicated diveritulosis or IBS.

Yes you can try BRAT diet ( Banana, Rice, Apple sauce, Toast), probiotics and tea.
Pepto Bismol is also a good option.
Take enough fluids to remain well hydrated.

But if you still have sinus infection you may require a course of antibiotics about which you can discuss with your doctor.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (6 hours later)

My doctor suspects I have C neg bacteria since diarrhea worsened with the two previous antibiotics. She did not test me...and put me on moxifloxacin HCL 400....but I can't bring myself to start it. I just take tums for indigestion....what do you think?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get a stool test done

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I would advice you to get a stool analysis done.
I would like to have a look at the stool test report before I can comment on why you have these symptoms.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (9 hours later)

Ok....I will ask for a stool test. They are no longer so dark....and may have been so due to antibiotics....I also experience feelings of bloat and gas after lunch....is this related to diverticulosis? It is unpleasant and I wonder what to do for this symptom....Can I take aspirin for lower abdomen discomfort? I am no longer on antibiotics....

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Diverticulosis usually remains asymptomatic. But it can cause bloating.
You can take high fiber diet, fiber supplements and antispasmodics for relief.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (6 hours later)

Ok....but how do I know if I have IBS or diverticulosis.....my doctor thinks it is the latter because it all began with constipation....and then after antibiotics....became loose. Is the indigestion I have a symptom of both....bloat, gas, gurgle in tummy?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (36 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
There is no specific diagnostic test for IBS.
But as you doctor has said, diverticulosis occurs with constipation. Colonoscopy, CT scan and barium enema are some of the modalities by which diverticulosis can be confirmed.

Sometimes the symptoms of both of the conditions overlap. There is also a theory that diverticula is a late consequence of IBS.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if i can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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