AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007.
Author of many scientific papers.
Education/Credentials BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert
Awards and Honors The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.
Past/Present Clients See my profile in the pharmacy section.
I had a bad infection of a tooth and had it removed by an oral surgeon on 1-27-09. He prescribed Penicillin VK 500 mg, 2 daily for about 10 days. This drug caused my digestive system to go haywire and my bowel movements were also affected. I had a lot of discomfort in my abdomen and colon too. At first it was diarrhea, which I expected, then my bowel movements became very slow moving and not solid whatsoever. I would spend at least 30 minutes with each one; I still do which concerns me.
I expected some of these complications but as the abdomen discomfort dissipated, the colon problems continued, even to this day 3-26-09. When I eat small meals my stomach gets somewhat bloated followed by very loose and VERY slow bowel movements. I could easily stay on the toilet for an hour waiting.
I'd give one of my paired organs for a solid bowel movement that didn't have me on the toilet for 30 minutes each time, waiting and waiting and waiting with some colon discomfort.
Why are these side-effects still occurring? I realize some antibiotics conflict with the body's (colon) bacteria but shouldn't I be back to normal by now? I'm male, age 50, on no medication presently and in good health.
Thanks.
Steve
Answer Dear Steve
Sometimes antibiotics cause wheat are called, superinfections, of the gut and this could be the case here. All it means that the penicillin killed of some of your normal gut bacteria and allowed others to grow unhindered. This may not definitely be the case and you would be advised to have further investigation by your doctor. A stool sample sent to the laboratory could confirm this. If this is not the case further investigations may be necessary.
I am sorry I cannot be more conclusive, but even your doctor who has first hand experience would need these tests to come to a conclusion.
