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Diarrhea side effect

Posted by machelp @machelp, Dec 28, 2024

I recently began daily antibiotic treatment for MAC which I have had for 2 years. Started 3 oral antibiotics (azithromycin 12/16, ethambutol 12/17, rifampin 12/24). Began aricayce treatment using nebulizer 12/19. For the past week, I have had diarrhea which has gotten progressively worse each day. Any suggestions?

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mariegrace | @mariegrace | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @machelp "Isn't the peptobismal you take an OTC medication? If so, maybe I could try it without..." + (show)
@machelp

Isn't the peptobismal you take an OTC medication? If so, maybe I could try it without a prescription to see if it helps with the diarrhea.

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Careful with peptobismal, it contains aspirin

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blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @fdixon63 "mechelp. Many of us know what you're going through. I have a long list of antibiotics..." + (show)
@fdixon63

mechelp. Many of us know what you're going through. I have a long list of antibiotics that cause this awful situation. When I was first diagnosed I was seeing a local pulmonogist and he put me on the big 3. I was told to take all three on an empty stomach. I'm thin anyway and lost 15 pounds. I asked if we could alter the schedule, meds, etc. His comment was, either take it this way or not at all. Later on he said, "I don't think I can help you." There was no referral or any advice. This man had never given me one piece of literature on my diseases (Pseudomonas too) or about using nebbing for airway clearance. I left his office with my head down, not knowing what to do. Then I found this forum and through it I found a doctor 3 1/2 hrs away that gave me hope. He even said I probably should not even been put on medication. WOW!! My advice is to keep posting your questions and this forum of kind people with be happy to help. After almost six years I'm still learning. God bless you. Faye

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In a sense he helped you escape him by saying ""I don't think I can help you." There was no referral or any advice." Glad you searched and found one who has given you hope.
Barbara

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1 reply
fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "In a sense he helped you escape him by saying ""I don't think I can help..." + (show)
@blm1007blm1007

In a sense he helped you escape him by saying ""I don't think I can help you." There was no referral or any advice." Glad you searched and found one who has given you hope.
Barbara

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blm1007. It takes real "guts" sometimes to deal with our illness and treatments. It amazes me how many different medications and combination of meds that are used. It's hard to believe how the doctors make the decision on treatments. The good news is how the medical community and research facilities are working on treatments and hopefully cures.

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fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @suzyqueue "My doctors have me taking 2 Imodium every morning" + (show)
@suzyqueue

My doctors have me taking 2 Imodium every morning

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Hi suzyqueue. I like your doctors approach. How long have you been doing that and does it work? Faye

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ralphcmtrust | @ralphcmtrust | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @machelp "Isn't the peptobismal you take an OTC medication? If so, maybe I could try it without..." + (show)
@machelp

Isn't the peptobismal you take an OTC medication? If so, maybe I could try it without a prescription to see if it helps with the diarrhea.

Jump to this post

My Dr said that peptobisma it OK for trial as long as it not for continueos. As I no longer need to use it since the elimitation of swallowing any mucus or phleg.

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Kristi H. | @ldylouis | Dec 29, 2024

I don't have an issue with the 3 I take from Mac, but I do with the other antibiotics I have been using for the secondary infection. I have a severe rash, but I put up with it because it was the last stay-at-home antibiotic there was, and I wanted it to work. It seems to have done the trick. I also take anti-diarrhea medication (Costco has it behind the pharmacy counter for $0.99 a 24-count box, and you can get three at a time). It has helped. I finished 2 days ago now. I had already started having fewer issues in the last few days, but it does come back. If you are missing your gallbladder, as I am, and miss a meal or two, it can make it worse or even cause diarrhea without the influence of antibiotics. That is what has happened to me. I know I am better because my appetite is back for the first time in months. This is keeping me from forgetting to eat all day.

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debtapar | @debtapar | Apr 19 6:29pm

I'm a little scared I have diarrhea from antibiotic for over a week now. It started 3 days in and took it for 7 days it's now 5 days after I finished the treatment and I'm still not having a regular BM. Has anyone gone thru this.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 19 8:37pm
In reply to @debtapar "I'm a little scared I have diarrhea from antibiotic for over a week now. It started..." + (show)
@debtapar

I'm a little scared I have diarrhea from antibiotic for over a week now. It started 3 days in and took it for 7 days it's now 5 days after I finished the treatment and I'm still not having a regular BM. Has anyone gone thru this.

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This sometimes happens. Sometimes it is helpful to take a probiotic to restore the good bacteria in your gut.
However if stools are still watery, frequent or appear to have blood in them, call your doctor or go to Urgent Care.

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