Upset Stomach and Diarrhea due to Amoxicillin

Dear Ask The Doctor: I took three pills of amoxicillin per day for five days, I skipped the last three pills and threw the bottle out because the pills made me feel worse in a whole different way, which I will get into... to treat a sinus infection as prescribed by a doctor at my local walk in clinic. The amoxicillin killed the good and bad bacteria in my system and I felt weaker day by day. For the first several hours of the day I have an awful gurgling stomach and diarrhea. I feel very hungry every morning and can usually only consume half a banana or a few saltine crackers. If I sleep for a few hours around lunchtime I feel better after waking up. But I have a job I have to return to soon and I can not live like this. I started taking a supplement called Bio K three days ago. You take one small bottle once a day and it replenishes and balances the flora in your intestines. The mornings are still unbearable for me and I don't know what else to do.

Dear Carly: I am sorry about what you've had to go through. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of your ears, bladder and lungs (pneumonia). While it is very effective in controlling the infection, side effects of the drug include headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and vaginal itching or discharge. In some cases, it may even lead to oral thrush. Many of these symptoms may make you feel worse than before, but it is extremely important that you complete the recommended dose as advised by your doctor, failing to do so may make the bactreia resistant to the drug. I hope this helps, take care.