HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Omnicef For Bronchitis, Diarrhoea, Cramping,

I finished a round of Omnicef for bronchitis . On day 6 of the antibiotic my bowel movements changed to diarrhea - then just back to very soft with increased frequency and cramping. I went to doctor, they said just normal flora out of whack. Did CBC - white blood count normal. Also turned in stool sample (haventheard on that. Now I have blood (scant amount) when I go. Cramping is better but still having a lot of mucous in stool. What should I do now? Not sure if blood is from going so much.
Fri, 11 May 2012
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello there,



I think you might be having Antibiotic associated diarrhoea. Your doctor is right. Normally , we have a lot of good bacteria in our intestines that keep a check on the growth of harmful bacteria. But what some antibiotics does is that it destroys the good bacteria that are actually helpful to us. With the good bacteria dead, it is easier for the bad bacteria to rule, producing toxins and making the person sick. That could be the reason for your diarrhoea and cramping and blood in the stool.

It is very important to get that result on the stool sample as it could tell us which bacteria is actually causing the problem and it can be treated accordingly. Some cases of antibiotic associated diarrhoea are self limiting. It resolves on its own , once the antibiotics are stopped, or with home remedies. Some cases lead to complications like pseudo membranous colitis etc.

Visit your doctor with the stool sample report.

In the meantime, rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of fluids like water, tender coconut water, bland soups etc. Instead of eating large meals, have frequent small meals.Eg, instead of eating 3 large meals a day, have 5-6 small meals a day. Avoid tea, coffee,soda, soft drinks, alcohol etc. Avoid deep fried, fatty food, high fibre food,spicy food.

Hope this helps. Get well soon :)
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Kimberly Martin's  Response
Hello Tracy. Any antibiotic changes the normal bacterial flora of the GI tract which causes the diarrhea. I recommend yogurt with live cultures (usually acidophillus or lactobacillus) or a generic over the counter lactobacillus or acidophillus capsules. This will help to re-populate the GI tract with the appropriate bacteria. As the bacteria is re-introduced the bowel movements will return to normal.

Omnicef has a very common side effect and most pediatricians warn parents of this effect. The omnicef interacts with iron in the body and causes red bowel movements.

Be well, Dr. Kimberly
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Stool test


Loading Online Doctors....
Omnicef For Bronchitis, Diarrhoea, Cramping,

Hello there, I think you might be having Antibiotic associated diarrhoea. Your doctor is right. Normally , we have a lot of good bacteria in our intestines that keep a check on the growth of harmful bacteria. But what some antibiotics does is that it destroys the good bacteria that are actually helpful to us. With the good bacteria dead, it is easier for the bad bacteria to rule, producing toxins and making the person sick. That could be the reason for your diarrhoea and cramping and blood in the stool. It is very important to get that result on the stool sample as it could tell us which bacteria is actually causing the problem and it can be treated accordingly. Some cases of antibiotic associated diarrhoea are self limiting. It resolves on its own , once the antibiotics are stopped, or with home remedies. Some cases lead to complications like pseudo membranous colitis etc. Visit your doctor with the stool sample report. In the meantime, rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of fluids like water, tender coconut water, bland soups etc. Instead of eating large meals, have frequent small meals.Eg, instead of eating 3 large meals a day, have 5-6 small meals a day. Avoid tea, coffee,soda, soft drinks, alcohol etc. Avoid deep fried, fatty food, high fibre food,spicy food. Hope this helps. Get well soon :)