Macrobid

[cake918]

Reoccurrence question.
I am 4 years out from cdiff infection that was treated successfully with 2 rounds of vanco. I have taken zpack (with vanco chaser) and 2 rounds of Macrobid since that time for UTI and strep throat. I recently took Macrobid for 4 days, side effects of nausea and GI upset the entire time. I am 5 days post last Macrobid pill and am having some D, about three times in the AM and stomach discomfort. First, if I’ve tolerated an antibiotic in the past what is the chance it’s caused a reoccurrence of cdiff? Second, how likely is Macrobid to cause cdiff? I’m reading research articles that it affects the microbiome minimally. Could antibiotic induced D last for a few weeks post antibiotic? I suffer from IBSD and have had flares since cdiff but my fear is heightened as I just took an antibiotic. Thanks in advance for advice/info.

[Lissaucd]

Hi there! I’m not sure about how long D can last from an antibiotic. BUT, if I eat something that doesn’t agree with me, the D can last a couple days and I still can have loose stool for days after! I posted not too long ago about eating tofu and let me tell you, my stool was loose for awhile! Also, when I took probiotics and I decided to stop bc I thought it was causing a lot of my problems (which I was right, I can’t tolerate probiotics!) the specialist told me it takes 10 days at least to get out of my system! So, I would stay positive! You have taken antibiotics in the past with no problem. Your stomach may just need some some time to get back to normal!

[beth22]

Macrobid is supposed to be a low offender. How long ago did you take the Zpak?

[cake918]

Beth, zpack was 3 years ago. I’m afraid to stop probiotics since I was just on antibiotic. Thoughts on quitting them? Is there enough research that state’s they keep cdiff at bay? I’m really gassy/crampy. Hoping D isn’t bad today. Stress is through the roof as i have travel and bury my grandfather tomorrow.

[beth22]

Pepto Bismol helped me in small amounts. It kind of kept things normal and my GI had told me to take it. I just take a small amount of probiotic out of the capsule and put it on applesauce and eat it. It works for me, but it would be better to find one that agrees with you. I had to try several before I found one that did and I also found that I could not take as much of it when I got off vanco as I did while on it. I assume it is because the vanco killed off some of it. The Pepto might help you get through the funeral days, but check with your doctor to make sure it is okay for you to take. Everyone is different. That is what my GI recommended for me.

[cake918]

Thank you Beth. With Macrobid being a low offender and I didn’t take the full course, thoughts on cdiff being back? Stools x3 today were formed x2 with mushy x1 but did have undigested food (sorry). I know the three day rule so I’m trying to survive it. Got to love post cdiff anxiety even 4 years out and having survived other antibiotics. Wish I was one of those people that could just go on with my life. :(

[beth22]

The odds are in your favor for the c diff not coming back, but anything is possible. I did test positive after having IV antibiotics during a hospital stay, but it did not happen until about 6 weeks later and my antibiotics were strong ones. I just took the Pepto when needed and I did not have to treat the c diff and eventually I tested negative. My symptoms were mild though. If you get full blown c diff, you will know right away. Your body will hopefully take care of itself while you replenish your good flora.

[cake918]

Beth: have you heard of anyone getting cdiff from Macrobid? I’m still having stomach issues, some D only in the AM. Thoughts? How much Pepto we’re you taking? Trying to limit all medications. I want to take immodium so bad but know I should not.

[beth22]

I have not heard of anyone who got c diff from Macrobid, but any antibiotic can cause it. I took only a teaspoon or less with my meals. 3 teaspoons make a tablespoon, which is not that much. It helped take the edge off the symptoms. When I had full D, then I took more, but it subsided and I cut back. My Gi told me that I could take it at that dose for a long time. Apparently they give it for some types of colitis to patients for several weeks. I stopped when I didn't need it anymore and then just took it once in a while as needed.

[cake918]

So I tested negative for cdiff last week. Still having issues with BMs in the AM. Should I trust the test?