bowels

[shell839]

last thursday I had taken a zelnorm because i had not had a bowel movement in about a week. since I have not stopped using the bathroom, all day and throughout the night, if i eat or drink anything I have to run to the bathroom within minutes and I have pains and bloatiness in my stomache. this has never happened before when I take the medication. I am afraid to leave the house and I have lost 5 lbs. any suggestions?

[patient915]

Please ignore my first comment.  So from your information I see you are living in the US.  Zelnorm was removed from the marked in the US because of dangerous side effects.  It can cause severe diarrhea and ischemia of the bowel.  You need to see your doctor immediately.  This could be very serious and what you describe was why it was removed from the market.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  I assume you have a history of constipation if you have taken zelnorm before.  What is your GI history?  I would recommend eating a BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast and making sure to stay hydrated until this passes.