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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Taking Xifaxan And Discontinuing Probiotic Supplements Cause Adverse Side Effects?

I have been experiencing diarrhea and gas for 2 weeks and my doctor prescribed xifaxin. All of my stool sample lab work came back negative. I am concerned about the side effects of this drug since I have adhesions in the lower part of my large intestine and lower part of my small intestine that have made the intestines only 8 mm wide in those locations. I currently take a probiotic every day to ensure bowel movements and also take digestive enzymes and need to eat ground meat and puree all food with fiber such as cooked green vegetables. I was told that I need to stop the probiotic while I am taking xifaxin. I am concerned that I will throw off my whole regimen that has worked for 1 1/2 years since bowel obstructions that caused me to be hospitalized.
Wed, 8 Aug 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The doctor have given you Xifaxan for a bacterial infection. I suggest you to do a stool test before you start the treatment, to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Does Taking Xifaxan And Discontinuing Probiotic Supplements Cause Adverse Side Effects?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The doctor have given you Xifaxan for a bacterial infection. I suggest you to do a stool test before you start the treatment, to confirm the diagnosis. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.