What Causes Frequent Bowel Movements After Taking Flagyl?

Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2015

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

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Just finished Flagyl for c diff issue caused by taking antibiotic Clindimyicin. Diarrhea has stopped but I continue to have frequent bowl movements. Also, feel a little tenderness in my lower stomach area. How long should it take to "recover" from the latest antibiotic? And is having frequent movements normal after taking Flagyl?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can last a few days after dose completion, probiotic may help

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Yes, the frequent bowel movements can occur with the flagyl, it is one of the possible side effects of this medication .
This is a common side effects.

The abdominal pain would be related to the diarrhea from your infection and the present frequent bowel movements with the flagyl.
Abdominal pain can also occur in 1 to 10% of persons using flagyl so it may be contributing to your discomfort in this way as well.

The symptoms should resolve within 3 to 5 days of completing the flagyl, in some persons shortly before this.
Using a probiotic, either on its own or in yogurts with probiotics, may help.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar