Clindamycin side effects

[mrose2]

I had some oral surgery about 3 weeks ago. I was prescribed Erythromycin and following that Clindamycin.  Approximately a week after I stopped the medication I had a sudden and severe onset of diarrhea.  I waited several days and when it didn't stop I saw a family M.D.  He ordered a stool culture and some additional tests on the stool all which came out negative.  Initially he thought it was a result of the antibiotics however with the negative lab results he no longer believes this is the problem and wants me to get a colonoscopy.  I have a hard time believing there isn't a relationship between the two even in the absence of positive lab results.  I have no other symptoms like blood, fever, etc.  I am improving  but very slowly and it has been about 2 weeks now since the onset.  Is it possible to get a false negative on the stool tests?  How long does something like this generally last and can it get better with a bland diet and probiotics or does it require more aggressive therapy?  


This discussion is related to pseudo membraneous colitis due to Clindamycin.

[ggreg]

Erythromycin is notorious for goofing up the digestion.  All in the world that has happened to you is, antibiotics kill all the bacteria, the "good" and bad, both.  You need the "good" bacteria in your digestive system, to help break down waste.  So, to restore good bacteria and thus better digestion, you need acidophilus, which is the probiotics you mentioned, and you can buy it either as acidophilus milk or "Activia" yogurt, in the grocery store.  The yogurt works better, follow the instructions on the carton.  Consume the acidophilus for a week or two, and you should feel a lot better very soon.  

By the way, the stool sample does not indicate whether or not antibiotics caused your problem.  The stool and blood samples only tells whether you have an active infection or parasite infestation.  It does not tell if you have indigestion...that is obvious you had indigestion.  I'm telling you that when you take antibiotics, a lot of times it will goof up your digestive tract, and consuming acidophilus should restore regular digestion.  A colonoscopy is a routine exam these days and it's okay to have one, but as far as your digestion goes, the probiotics should help you feel better within a week.

[mrose2]

Thank you very much.  For the time being I'll just keep doing the probiotics and reevaluate in a week or so.  Appreciate the feed back.