Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think your diarrhea may be caused by a medicine?
See significance of medicines if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Did your diarrhea start after an increase in a dose of medicine or after taking a new medicine?
Note:
- Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine if you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.
- If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.
Yes Did your diarrhea start after starting treatment with an antibiotic?
Yes Did your diarrhea start within 2 weeks of stopping treatment with an antibiotic?
Yes Do you think your diarrhea may be caused by a medicine you take regularly, such as lithium or digoxin?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 28, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
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