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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Diarrhea, Bloating And Constant Gas After Taking Amoxicillin?

I began a 10 treatment on amoxicillin and after taking the first pill I developed diarrhea, bloating, contant gas, stomach noises day and night, and cramping. The symptoms subsided with the use of probiotics and yogurt but never went away. It has been 7 days since I took my last amoxicillin pill and I'm still having diarrhea off and on. Gas noises and cramping has subsided considerably but are not completely gone. I am still bloated and making frequent stops to the restroom. The diarrhea is extremely watery and deep bright yellow in color.
Tue, 30 Jan 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello and welcome,

The diarrhea you are experiencing is antibiotic associated diarrhea. Antibiotic associated diarrhea may occur either in the early antibiotic therapy or up to several weeks after the end of the treatment with antibiotics. Amoxicillin is the most common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea. Amoxicillin causes dis-balance in the flora of the gut by killing normal bacteria and letting to increase pathogenic bacteria in the gut.
From your symptoms I assume your diarrhea is mild (3 to 5 bowel movements per day) and uncomplicated. For now try to drink plenty of fluids (OTC oral rehydration) to replace water and electrolytes that you lost with the diarrhea. Temporarily limit milk products, high-fiber foods (fruits, sprouts, peas) and wheat flour. Your bowel movements should gradually return to normal. If you do not experience improvement with these measures or experience severe diarrhea (more than 5 stools per day) with high volume, fever, abdominal pain you should contact your health care provider. You may need investigation for Clostridium difficile (pathogenic bacteria) and may get treatment with metronidazole.

I hope the above information will be helpful for you. Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know.

Thank you,
Malik Amonov MD
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What Causes Diarrhea, Bloating And Constant Gas After Taking Amoxicillin?

Hello and welcome, The diarrhea you are experiencing is antibiotic associated diarrhea. Antibiotic associated diarrhea may occur either in the early antibiotic therapy or up to several weeks after the end of the treatment with antibiotics. Amoxicillin is the most common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea. Amoxicillin causes dis-balance in the flora of the gut by killing normal bacteria and letting to increase pathogenic bacteria in the gut. From your symptoms I assume your diarrhea is mild (3 to 5 bowel movements per day) and uncomplicated. For now try to drink plenty of fluids (OTC oral rehydration) to replace water and electrolytes that you lost with the diarrhea. Temporarily limit milk products, high-fiber foods (fruits, sprouts, peas) and wheat flour. Your bowel movements should gradually return to normal. If you do not experience improvement with these measures or experience severe diarrhea (more than 5 stools per day) with high volume, fever, abdominal pain you should contact your health care provider. You may need investigation for Clostridium difficile (pathogenic bacteria) and may get treatment with metronidazole. I hope the above information will be helpful for you. Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know. Thank you, Malik Amonov MD