Suggest Treatment For Persistent Diarrhea While On Flagyl

Posted on Sun, 14 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 Answered on

Thu, 1 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had c dif for six weeks before getting a confirmed dx. was given flagyl for four days and switched to vanco for 14 days. the diarrhea is gone but my stools are still very soft, semiformed and i cannot seem to get them to firm up. tried a type of brat diet, not sure what else to do. am attempting to get to a gi dr asap but in the meantime, i am very uncomfortable. any suggestions as to what may be going on and how i can improve the situation? i do no drive so finding and getting to a dr may take me some time and in the meantime, what can i do??

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probiotic will help

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

Clostridium difficile is sometime difficult to treat . As you have no other symptoms like blood in stools, absence of abdominal pain , absence of fever are very reassuring signs.

Prolonged use of antibiotics like flagyl can cause the stools to be soft / liquid in consistency ( antibiotic induced diarrhea ).

I would suggest you the following

1. Stop antibiotic if you have taken for more than 14 days

2. Oral probiotics will be helpful

3. Increase intake of fibre in diet: Consuming fresh citrus fruit like orange will be helpful

4. Intake of natural probiotic like Yoghurt will help

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you

take care

best regards
Dr Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (5 hours later)

I have been off the antibiotics for over two weeks, no blood in stools and only mild abdominal cramping (just before a BM). I have been eating yogurt and taking oral probiotics, but maybe not the correct type or not enough of them? any suggestions on how much yogurt, oral probiotics and/or suggestions on types would be helpful. Also what type of fiber, vegetables, beans, etc. Thank you for all your help and suggestions. Sorry, but i also for got to mention above that there is a lot of mucus mixed in with the stool, it that makes any difference. Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probiotic contains Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

Stopping the antibiotics will definitely be helpful. Probiotic containing Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Acidophilus will be helpful. Do not worry about the mucous mixed with stools, in the absence of blood and absence of fever there is no cause for concern.
I would suggest you the following to increase the fibre

1. 2 plates of green vegetable salad

2. 1 serving of citrus fruit like orange

3. Two serving of yoghurt and buttermilk will be helpful

Take Care

Best Regards
Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng