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What Causes Diarrhea?
Question: Diarrhea for about 1 month. I evacuate at least 6x/day. First couple of hours in morning cause the most distress. I am thinking that my medications may be the problem since my dietary habits are fairly stable. I am not sure whether to take over the counter medicine or to go to my doctor. Thanks for whatever thoughts you have to offer. Susan Wright
Brief Answer:
Pravastatin's side effect...
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I have gone through your query and I understand your concerns.
First of all you need rehydration that is easily made by ORS(oral rehydration solution) and by drinking a lot of liquids.
Well, I saw medications that you are taking and I can say that the medication that is causing diarrhea is Pravastatin 40mg.
Pravastatin is a medicine that lowers cholesterol, trygliceride, low density lipoprotein levels and raise high density lipoprotein level.
But, this medicine has gastro-intensinal effects including abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea(that you are experiencing).
You should continue taking medicines that you are currently taking, because these medicines have good effects and minimized side effects.
But you should consult your cardiologist, to discuss about Pravastatin, because this medicines is causing diarrhea.
You also need the following tests in order to find if diarrhea is caused by other factors:
1. Liver function test, to check liver function, because Pravastatin can cause mild injury to the liver.
2. Stool culture.
3. Complete blood count.
4. Urine test.
Ask me for anything unclear.
All the best.
Dr. Behar
Pravastatin's side effect...
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I have gone through your query and I understand your concerns.
First of all you need rehydration that is easily made by ORS(oral rehydration solution) and by drinking a lot of liquids.
Well, I saw medications that you are taking and I can say that the medication that is causing diarrhea is Pravastatin 40mg.
Pravastatin is a medicine that lowers cholesterol, trygliceride, low density lipoprotein levels and raise high density lipoprotein level.
But, this medicine has gastro-intensinal effects including abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea(that you are experiencing).
You should continue taking medicines that you are currently taking, because these medicines have good effects and minimized side effects.
But you should consult your cardiologist, to discuss about Pravastatin, because this medicines is causing diarrhea.
You also need the following tests in order to find if diarrhea is caused by other factors:
1. Liver function test, to check liver function, because Pravastatin can cause mild injury to the liver.
2. Stool culture.
3. Complete blood count.
4. Urine test.
Ask me for anything unclear.
All the best.
Dr. Behar
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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