Lost flora and electrolytes? Immodium???? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

wendypicnic · 10-02-2003, 10:26 AM

Can anyone advise?
Due to a liquid diet, and antibiotics, I have lost flora and electrolytes.
I am off the antibiotic, and just living on pedialyte, gatorade, yogurt and acidophilus...and just got on prescription Pepcid AC as I had too much stomach acid and no food....which made me nauseous and burpy...and I shall be starting Mylanta as well. Soon I will start on liquid Ensure when the nausea departs. Today, tho',I am only drinking water due to the nausea.

I have chills, no fever, and write to ask what would be better to slow down my overactive bowel...immodium or kaopectate? I tried rice last night per my MD, but first thing this AM, I was running to the bathroom with "burning" loose BMs, formed but loose and small. I feel at my worst just before I have to go....and I feel better at the end of the day, but just awful in the morning.
Is kaopectate or immodium the answer for antibiotic induced bowel problems? My MD said to take immodium, but I never have before.....only kaopectate
??
Thanks
Wendy

Harry · 10-02-2003, 10:59 AM

Wendy,
I have used both I think Imodium would work. You have to slow it down. AS you know it dangerous to let your electrolytes get too low.

wendypicnic · 10-02-2003, 01:43 PM

Thanks Harry,
My problem now is despite Pepcid AC and Mylanta, I am nauseaous and don't want to put anything in my mouth.

I suspect I am nauseoues from heartburn, from not eating much, but don't know what to do to make the nausea go away and the MD is puzzled as well.....
Thanks Ann

mlgable · 10-02-2003, 11:45 PM

If you are having that bad of problems I would wonder why the doc doesn't test your for C-diff. If things are running through you like that you should get checked for c-diff and then the doc should prescribe something for the stools depending on the test results. Also some antacids can have the side effect of loose stools but I can't remember which ones so be sure that Mylanta isn't one of the ones that can make your stools loose.

Sarah68 · 10-03-2003, 03:26 AM

I would say that if you have this type of diarrhea, it has probably been induced a lot by the antibiotics. It would actually be better for you to take something such as Diaorylyte. This is a preparation that contains all the electrolytes that you lose with diarrhea.

I think you need to continue to take the Acidophilis to help your gut flora to rebalance.

Also, if you want to try a natural alternative then I would suggest that you try and HOMEOPATHIC remedy ARSENICUM ALBUM. This fits very well with the diarrhea picture that you describe and also the fact that you have burning pain. It should be effective within about three doses. You can get this from a healthfood store.

As mlgable said, it is also possible that you do have something like C Diff. which would be as a result of the antibiotics and it sometimes known as antibiotic induced colitis. This is not the same as ordinary UC, but is due to the antibiotics wiping out all your good gut flora, that you need to replace.

Good luck