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How long should antibiotic-related intestinal side effects last once the medicine is done?

By March 11, 2018 - 2:53pm
 
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antibiotic-related intestinal side effects

Okay, I'll try to make this post as "non-TMI" as possible. I had my first-ever sinus infection a few weeks ago, and the PA at my doctor's office prescribed Omnicef for me for 10 days. It did a great job at knocking out the cooties and making me feel better, but it's also wreaked havoc on my intestinal system. About halfway into the 10 days I started getting diarrhea, sometimes as much as 8 times a day. Fun stuff, huh?

I figured the trots would improve when the Omnicef was done, but they kept going. About 5 days after finishing the Omnicef I asked the pharmacist how long I could expect the diarrhea side effects and she so obviously guessed when she said "oh I'm not sure, but I'd say about a week or so, I would think" Don't you love it when they make stuff up on the spot?

So now it's been 9 days since I've had my last Omnicef pill and I'm still having mild symptoms. Not "oh man, get me to the bathroom NOW" symptoms, but things just aren't 100% yet. I've bought some strong acidophilus and am taking it 3 times a day and am trying to eat more good-quality plain yogurt. TMI alert--there is just a lot of mucousy reddish brown stuff coming out and it's creeping me out. I read that Omnicef can cause reddish poos due to the way it interacts with iron in your diet, but would this still be the cause a week-plus after finishing the dose?

Does anyone know how long antibiotics essentially stay in your system, and how long I have to put up with this? It's getting better overall but it seems like this might be a medicine I want to avoid in the future. At what point do I call the doctor for a follow-up? thanks to everyone and I hope I didn't gross anyone out too badly.

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Anonymous (reply to TiffanysAngel777)

Hello. Yes to your question had anyone had stomach problems after an antibiotic. My daughter had an antibiotic for the first time in her life at the age of 6 for an ear infection and since she's had that antibiotic she has had stomach pain every, single, day! I can't believe it. I keep hoping and praying it will go away one day soon. Antibiotics are awful.

January 14, 2018 - 1:17am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I know augmentin (amox-something) can cause liver problems and read it can present as stomach pain and nausea in kids.

June 13, 2018 - 6:32pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

hello, i as well am having stomach issues due to antibiotics. its horrible.. does she feel tired as well? cause i do

May 1, 2018 - 7:37am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Just finished a prescription of Doxy Cyclone, for a cyst I had cleaned out. I have been feeling nausea and some vomiting since I stopped. Whenever I eat, I feel like I will puke. How long will this last? It's been 3 days now. I start feeling ill shortly after breakfast & then until I go to sleep at night. Then once I eat breakfast the next day, I feel it again. Help!

October 13, 2017 - 12:02pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello,

Sadly, the effects can last for some days after the medication is done. If you are still feeling ill, give your doctor a call just to ease your mind. Try sipping ginger ale and ginger tea on and off during the day if you can. This can help.

Helena

October 5, 2018 - 1:48pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Was on two simultaneous antibiotics for six weeks. All food, most liquids caused nausea even with probiotics After completion 10 days, still unable to eat most foods, have lost 15 lbs, very exhausted, although cellulitis symptoms are gone. How long does this last?

August 19, 2017 - 7:29pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I was on Penicillin for 7 days after having a tooth pulled. Finished taking the med about 2 weeks ago. Have had loose stools and diarrhea since taking the penicillin. They tell me this is normal with antibiotics. Feeling very tired and weak also and that isn't me! Hopefully, my system will return to normal. I was just given the penicillin as a safeguard against infection.

August 5, 2017 - 5:18pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Hi there, I've had the same symptoms as you after taking penicillin for 5daus. I'm now 3 or so weeks and have loose stools. Did you get cured?

May 24, 2018 - 4:56am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

yeah when i had after affects digestively after antibiotics, i tried many ways to resolve it, but the quickest solution was a professionally self prepared enema lol. glad to know im not the only one who suffered after, i thought i was just weird since it didn't affect friends the same. so i guess the only other alternative i would of done otherwise to fix it is to up the fiber n water intake. preferrably a bulking fiber (take carefully and as prescribed)

June 29, 2017 - 1:22pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I am going through the same pain. Over a month ago Dr gave me Cipro 500 mg for 3 days and then a one day 4 pills Azithromycin for a possible C-Diff.
Well the test came back negative both times but I started experiencing severe diarrhea. I have been on BRAT diet and added some chicken brest but still can't normalize my stomach. I have a sensitive stomach to begin. Also lost a lot of weight.

I have been taking probiotics in the last 2 weeks but still having issues with diarrhea. Exactly when I think it is finally over it keeps coming back.

Did any of you have bloating stomch or gas when taking probiotics?

I am currently taking Florastor.

June 18, 2017 - 9:56am
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