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How Should Constipation Be Managed While On Antibiotics?
Posted on
Thu, 12 Jul 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 12 Jul 2018
Answered on
Mon, 25 Jul 2022
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi again Dr. XXXXXXX
A little follow up with the EPEC infection.
Updates: Blood tests for gluten is negative.
Cholesterol (Danish results but think you can understand them)
Kolesterol;P - 3,3 mmol/l
Kolesterol LDL;P 1,9
Kolesterol HDL;P 1,3
Triglycerid;P 0,70
Thyrotropin;P 2,8 (thyroid is normal)
I have been prescribed Ciprofloxacin 500 mg 2 times a day for 5 days by my doctor to see if that fixes it.
Symptoms: I am still experiencing bloating/cramps especially in the center/right belly button. This can last for hours and can dissappear out of nowhere. I started taking probiotics again to help with the antibiotics.
My stools are still not perfect, but now im on day 3 of antibiotics and the last 2 days my stools are more formed, still softer than normal but they hold a shape and come out in 2-3 pieces. I feel though that I have a hard time finishing in the toilet, like slightly constipation symptoms, I have to strain to relieve myself and it feels like a little is still back inside. I go to the toilet 2 times a day.
I miss 2 days on the antibiotics, what would you advice me to do forward from here? And any idea if there could be something else causing these symptoms even though I am 3 days in on the antibiotics?
A little follow up with the EPEC infection.
Updates: Blood tests for gluten is negative.
Cholesterol (Danish results but think you can understand them)
Kolesterol;P - 3,3 mmol/l
Kolesterol LDL;P 1,9
Kolesterol HDL;P 1,3
Triglycerid;P 0,70
Thyrotropin;P 2,8 (thyroid is normal)
I have been prescribed Ciprofloxacin 500 mg 2 times a day for 5 days by my doctor to see if that fixes it.
Symptoms: I am still experiencing bloating/cramps especially in the center/right belly button. This can last for hours and can dissappear out of nowhere. I started taking probiotics again to help with the antibiotics.
My stools are still not perfect, but now im on day 3 of antibiotics and the last 2 days my stools are more formed, still softer than normal but they hold a shape and come out in 2-3 pieces. I feel though that I have a hard time finishing in the toilet, like slightly constipation symptoms, I have to strain to relieve myself and it feels like a little is still back inside. I go to the toilet 2 times a day.
I miss 2 days on the antibiotics, what would you advice me to do forward from here? And any idea if there could be something else causing these symptoms even though I am 3 days in on the antibiotics?
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I don't think ciprofloxacin is the appropriate drug. Ecoli is basically a gram negative bacterias and many of their strains are now resistant to ciprofloxacin better is to take a combination of 3rd generation cephalosporin(Cefixime 200 and ofloxacin 200mg) this would provide complete coverage and most of the strains are sensitive to cefixime.
Along with it take a course of probiotic like VSL#3 for 7 days.
For bloating and belching take omeprazole 40 mg twice daily(both of them are over the counter).
For well formed stools add natural fiber like psyllium husk in your regimen for a week. Take 10 gram with 200ml of greek yoghurt.
Take prune juice.
Eat light vegetarian food for few days.
You would be fine in a week.
Regards
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I don't think ciprofloxacin is the appropriate drug. Ecoli is basically a gram negative bacterias and many of their strains are now resistant to ciprofloxacin better is to take a combination of 3rd generation cephalosporin(Cefixime 200 and ofloxacin 200mg) this would provide complete coverage and most of the strains are sensitive to cefixime.
Along with it take a course of probiotic like VSL#3 for 7 days.
For bloating and belching take omeprazole 40 mg twice daily(both of them are over the counter).
For well formed stools add natural fiber like psyllium husk in your regimen for a week. Take 10 gram with 200ml of greek yoghurt.
Take prune juice.
Eat light vegetarian food for few days.
You would be fine in a week.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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