Prevpac and diarhhea

On July 11 I had severe bloating , mild nausea and mild reflux and I was put on Aciphex by my primary. I took it for 4 weeks and reported that the symptoms have not improved and then underwent upper endoscopy up to the duodenum. The upper endoscopy showed mild antral gastritis and the biopsy samples came back positive for h pylori and I was put on prevpac. I have been taking prevpac for (prevacid, Amox and clarithromycin - 4 tabs twice daily. I missed one dose in the last 10 days due to diarhhea. However the last 3 days the diarhhea was severe i.e 4 times daily after eating and watery with mild squeezing pain on the colon region.There was no blood in stools. I also had mild piles. I stopped 2 doses yesterday night and today morning. Apart from 1 stools I did not have any stool passage today. However my stomach feels bloated and I have mild chills.

Should I continue and finish the course since I have to do it for 3days only . Also waht can alleviate the symptoms.

Regards

MC

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot comment on treatment decisions without examination.

The side effects from the antibiotics may be responsible for the diarrhea.  You may want to discuss an alternative regimen if the symptoms continue.

If the diarrhea continues, a lower endoscopy can rule out more serious diseases that can lead to this - such as inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.

If the H Pylori has been appropriate treated, but the symptoms remain, imaging the abdomen can be considered with an ultrasound or CT scan.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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