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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Azithromycin Cause Diarrhea And Abdominal Cramps?

I just started taking azithromycin today and have had dirreah twice, and also have noticed my upper arms feel hot...but only my right one is hot to the touch. I also noticed a small cramping sensation in my lower abdomen. Should I continue taking the meds?
Mon, 28 Sep 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi
I can understand your concern.

You seem to have developed antibiotic (Azithromycin) associated diarrhea occurs when antibacterial medications (antibiotics) upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract.

This is due to imbalance between various intestinal flora (bacteria).
Many of these bacteria are beneficial, performing essential functions.

But some of them can be potentially dangerous. These harmful bacteria are usually kept in check by beneficial bacteria unless the delicate balance between the two is disturbed by antibiotics, diseases or other factors.

Antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria while harmful bacteria are not killed they produce toxins that can cause damage to the lining of the intestines hence causing cramps and diarrhea.

I would advise you the following:
1. Take plenty of oral fluids
2. Avoid hot and spicy foods and high fiber containing foods, & take soft easy to digest foods.
3. Take Probiotics like Bifilac capsule (which contains useful bacteria like lactobacilli) which restores the balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria thus reducing the stool frequency.

If you get severe cramps, fever and bloody diarrhea consult your treating doctor.

Hope this answers your query.
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Can Azithromycin Cause Diarrhea And Abdominal Cramps?

Hi I can understand your concern. You seem to have developed antibiotic (Azithromycin) associated diarrhea occurs when antibacterial medications (antibiotics) upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract. This is due to imbalance between various intestinal flora (bacteria). Many of these bacteria are beneficial, performing essential functions. But some of them can be potentially dangerous. These harmful bacteria are usually kept in check by beneficial bacteria unless the delicate balance between the two is disturbed by antibiotics, diseases or other factors. Antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria while harmful bacteria are not killed they produce toxins that can cause damage to the lining of the intestines hence causing cramps and diarrhea. I would advise you the following: 1. Take plenty of oral fluids 2. Avoid hot and spicy foods and high fiber containing foods, & take soft easy to digest foods. 3. Take Probiotics like Bifilac capsule (which contains useful bacteria like lactobacilli) which restores the balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria thus reducing the stool frequency. If you get severe cramps, fever and bloody diarrhea consult your treating doctor. Hope this answers your query.