What Causes Mucus And Blood In Stool While On Zantac?

Posted on Wed, 19 Oct 2016

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

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I recently started taking somac 40mg for a reflux issue and this caused diarrhea along with excessive mucus in stool. I stopped taking these tablets after a week and then 4 days later I broke out in hives and to treat the hives I was taking Zantac which has made the mucus in the stool bad again with also some blood. Could this be SIBO caused from ppi medication and if so can this be treated and fixed or will I forever have it now?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infectious colitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

SIBO is unlikely as bleeding is not a common symptom of SIBO. It usually presents with abdominal bloating and diarrhea.

Your symptoms could be due to acute infectious colitis. Since it occurred after taking PPI, C diff infectious may be considered which can be confirmed with stool analysis. A course of metronidazole and probiotics would provide relief.

Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (13 hours later)

Thankyou. I saw a soecialist today and he advised thatbhe thinks it is colitis and has put me in for a colonoscopy to check however that is 4 weeks away. Anything i can use for relief in the meantime. Will probiotics help for now?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Metronidazole/Probiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, as mentioned in my previous post, you can take probiotics and metronidazole for relief.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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