Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Ways To Manage The Side Effects Of Nitrofurantoin
My nana is 85 years old and was diagnosed with a UTI. She was given nitrofurantoin and is having the following side effects; headache, nausea, diarrhea, blood in mucus, blood shot eye and sore lower abdomen. She has stopped taking the medication and we cannot get her doctors office on the phone. They will be open tomorrow at 1pm but I don t feel safe waiting that long.
Mon, 4 Nov 2019
Hi,
The diarrhea can be drug related or can also be infective. At this moment the first step to stop the offending drug. If symptoms improve with drug removal, it will confirm the drug related side effects. Keep good hydration and oral rehydration salts replacement for lost water and electrolytes. Usually it's not bloody diarrhea if drug related directly but possibility of C difficile infection should be ruled out. Serology or stool test may be needed. Probiotics sachet should also be started. OTC analgesics like acetaminophen alongwith anti spasmodic like Drotaverine can be helpful for symptomatic relief.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
The diarrhea can be drug related or can also be infective. At this moment the first step to stop the offending drug. If symptoms improve with drug removal, it will confirm the drug related side effects. Keep good hydration and oral rehydration salts replacement for lost water and electrolytes. Usually it's not bloody diarrhea if drug related directly but possibility of C difficile infection should be ruled out. Serology or stool test may be needed. Probiotics sachet should also be started. OTC analgesics like acetaminophen alongwith anti spasmodic like Drotaverine can be helpful for symptomatic relief.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....