What Is The Cause Of Loose Stools?

Posted on Tue, 11 Feb 2014

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

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 Answered on

Wed, 5 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Taking cefdinir 300mg.. I am on day 8. Have small amounts of loose stools every time I use the bathroom. Also very dark. Has no Oder. 2nd day had major diarrhea, took Imodium. Been with the small amounts like7, 8 times a day.should I finish my dose.?

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Rule out C diff colitis Detailed Answer: Dear patient thanks for the query. I think you should avoid using Imodium and have a stool sample checked for C difficile toxin, which is a common cause of persistent diarrhea after the use of antibiotics. If you have only 1 day left of therapy, complete but do have your stool checked since many times C diff requires specific treatment. hope that helps yours truly Dr Brenes Salazar Mayo Clinic MN

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

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (7 minutes later)

What is the treatment for c-dif. Should I continue with the dicyclomine?What is the treatment for c-diff. Should I continue taking my dicyclomine

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Dicyclomine not a problem Detailed Answer: The dicyclomine is not a problem to keep on taking, but the anti-diarrheals like Immodium may be if there is an active infection, since they can promote accumulation of toxins if this is an infectious diarrhea. Metronidazole or oral vancomycin are the treatments for C. difficile Best regards, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

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