Q. I have watery diarrhea 20 times a day. What is a good medicine?
Dear doctor,
For four days, I have very watery diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. Vomiting only twice. Yesterday, I was prescribed Levofloxacin 500 mg for four days. Now, after 24 hours of taking the first pill, there is no improvement. Diarrhea is 20 times a day very watery. I take electrolytes and lots of liquids. The blood test showed a bacterial infection. Stool test was normal. So my questions are: When usually antibiotics start working? Is Levofloxacin a good medicine for this kind of diarrhea?
Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abelrahman Abouibrahim
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
From what you mentioned, most likely you have acute gastroenteritis.
Ciprofloxacin is a very good antibiotic for gastroenteritis. You have to complete a four-day course at least. It may take few days before you see a good result.
I suggest:
- Continue taking plenty of fluids.
- Measure your blood pressure. If low, IV fluid may be required.
- Continue Ciprofloxacin.
- Add Flagyl 500 mg (Metronidazole) tablet every eight hours for five days as anti-protozoal.
- In case there is vomiting, an injection of Ondansetron 8 mg (Zofran) will be sufficient.
Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent.
I hope I answered all your questions. For further advice please contact me at once.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician
Hello doctor,
Many thanks for your fast reply. I was prescribed Levofloxacin 500 mg yesterday. One a day for four days. Is this the same as Ciprofloxacin?
Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abelrahman Abouibrahim
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thanks for your kind feedback.
Yes, it is the same group of antibiotics. It has equal effect.
Please keep me updated on your condition.
Also, add Imodium (Loperamide) 4 mg after each diarrhea (not to exceed three tablets). It is anti-diarrheal.
Wish you get well soon.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician
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