Anyone have diarrhea after antibiotics?

Posted by cekkk @cekkk, May 10 8:33pm

So prior to a prostate biop the doctor prescribed two antibiotics to begin the day before the procedure. Within days I began with the diarrhea. It's now approximately a month later and the condition persists. Somewhat improved but not manageable. I started an otc prebiotic a week or so ago but not a big fan of otc products. It's becoming an adventure just to leave the bathroom. Suggestions puleez!

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I too have had diarrhea from various antibiotics. Which are you taking, or had taken?
So far, I have had Ceftin, Septrin and Augmentin 500/125 mg. The longest duration was with Augmentin, approx 14 days with two in the hospital I.V. Augmentin, is very strong, I believe it's nickname is "Guerillacillin!" It kills EVERYTHING.

Here's what I do now and it works very well, not only against diarrhea, but the other side effects, gastric disturbances, anxiety, ad nauseum.

I never use prebiotics. My money was better spent on the refrigerated probiotics, a little more expensive, but they work, extremely well (30-60 capsules). You get what you pay for. I took these two hours before taking the antibiotics and two hours after, for each dose of the antibiotic. The thing to be mindful of is something called Clostrum Difficile. Usually accompanied by a fever, indicates antibiotic resistance and sever dehydration results.

I had the HoLEP laser prostate enucleation through my urethra. So, although diarrhea would be welcomed in this case for the strain of a bowel movement, I prefer more fiber. Between my 1st and second dose of antibiotic, I drink a fine powdered bulk-forming laxative, i.e. Metamucil, psyllium fiber. It sounds counter-intuitive with diarrhea, however the psyllium ties all the loose stool together in bulk so I can eliminate a solid.

Yogurt. I eat two small cups of yogurt, flavored and preferably without sugar, but with sugar works too. With the yogurt I eat two mini croissants and then I take the antibiotic. Voilá!
This is what has worked for me and I recommend this for anyone who is sensitive to antibiotics, yet needs them, pre or post procedure.

Also, the thing about having short or prolonged diarrhea, aside from C. Difficile that I mentioned, is electrolyte imbalance from severe dehydration, hard on the kidneys. I recommend Pedialyte clear, on the rocks, with a low acidic juice like apple. No caffeine, it's a diuretic and may provoke anxiety as a common but rare side effect of some antibiotics.

I hope this is helpful. I hope your biopsy results come back negative and you have a favorable outcome.

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Ciprofloxacin, 500mg, and another that Was described as rarely prescribed as less dangerous antibiotics are available. That was a bit unnerving. Biopsy showed cancer cells in two samples. I have another test in June to determine if they are aggressive or not.

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@cekkk

Ciprofloxacin, 500mg, and another that Was described as rarely prescribed as less dangerous antibiotics are available. That was a bit unnerving. Biopsy showed cancer cells in two samples. I have another test in June to determine if they are aggressive or not.

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Will they give you an MRI with contrast? These cells are either cells or tumors. I'm not really keen on knowing about prostate cancer, yet. MRI's can pinpoint tumor growth location and further determine if it has spread beyond the prostate capsule into surrounding areas, the zone between the prostate and sphincter, lymph nodes, etc. In some ways you are lucky the biopsy caught a sample, they sometimes miss. Still, if you can, I would insist on an MRI before they start creating a treatment plan.

As far as Cipro goes, it's a fluoroquinalone that is effective, but it has a lot of side effects that go beyond undesirable. Be careful in the next weeks after taking it if you are using a gym, or doing some other weight-bearing activity, even running. FDA has a warning out about Cipro's affect on tendons and ligaments, weakening and tearing. See extract: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-advises-restricting-fluoroquinolone-antibiotic-use-certain

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Antibiotics will kill good bacteria in small intestines and cause food digestion issues and loose bowels.

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@bobweller

Antibiotics will kill good bacteria in small intestines and cause food digestion issues and loose bowels.

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I've taken the occasional antibiotic several times over many years. Never had a problem that I recall. And certainly not one that's persisted this long.

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@delmar418

Will they give you an MRI with contrast? These cells are either cells or tumors. I'm not really keen on knowing about prostate cancer, yet. MRI's can pinpoint tumor growth location and further determine if it has spread beyond the prostate capsule into surrounding areas, the zone between the prostate and sphincter, lymph nodes, etc. In some ways you are lucky the biopsy caught a sample, they sometimes miss. Still, if you can, I would insist on an MRI before they start creating a treatment plan.

As far as Cipro goes, it's a fluoroquinalone that is effective, but it has a lot of side effects that go beyond undesirable. Be careful in the next weeks after taking it if you are using a gym, or doing some other weight-bearing activity, even running. FDA has a warning out about Cipro's affect on tendons and ligaments, weakening and tearing. See extract: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-advises-restricting-fluoroquinolone-antibiotic-use-certain

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MRI is scheduled. As for the drug, I fit just about all the dangers, kidneys, etc.

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@cekkk

MRI is scheduled. As for the drug, I fit just about all the dangers, kidneys, etc.

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Good job, MRI. You'll be glad. The gadolinium contrast dye, there are different kinds of grades, some less harmful (although, many are) to the kidneys. I toggle between stage 1 & 2, or eGFR 69 to 75, depending on hydration and other factors. If you feel apprehensive, I encourage you to express it, as many men here are heroes for me and I received a lot of reassurance. Keep us informed.

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@delmar418

Good job, MRI. You'll be glad. The gadolinium contrast dye, there are different kinds of grades, some less harmful (although, many are) to the kidneys. I toggle between stage 1 & 2, or eGFR 69 to 75, depending on hydration and other factors. If you feel apprehensive, I encourage you to express it, as many men here are heroes for me and I received a lot of reassurance. Keep us informed.

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The gadolinium contrast dye for MRI that they used on me was called ProHance.

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Right now as I type this, I am developing an itchy rash (uticaria) three days after my last dose of Augmentin. It's not quite as bad as when I took clindamycin years ago. These antibiotics do better I.V. than by mouth.
According to the product insert, this is common after stopping treatment. Effects linger and I want some UV exposure, but I don't dare for a week or more.

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