Can taking stomach medication cause diarrhea and bloody stools?

Taking stomach medications may cause diarrhea and hematochezia, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, acid suppressants, and antiplatelet drugs. It is recommended to use them under the guidance of a doctor to avoid self-medication blindly, which may exacerbate discomfort. Here are some specific cases:

1. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

For example, ibuprofen capsules, inherently have side effects that irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Long-term use of such drugs may lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hematochezia. Symptoms generally ease gradually after discontinuation of the medication, so there is no need for excessive concern.

2. Antibiotics:

For instance, amoxicillin capsules, long-term use of which may disrupt the intestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea. If the patient already has hematochezia, taking amoxicillin capsules may exacerbate this symptom. In such cases, immediate discontinuation of the medication is necessary, and treatment with medications such as metronidazole tablets should be prescribed by a doctor.

3. Acid Suppressants:

For example, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, inherently have a certain degree of irritation. Long-term or excessive use can stimulate the gastric mucosa due to excessive gastric acid secretion, leading to diarrhea. If the patient already has hematochezia, taking acid suppressants may exacerbate this symptom. At this point, timely discontinuation of the medication and prescribed treatment with omeprazole enteric-coated capsules or similar medications are necessary.

4. Antiplatelet Drugs:

For instance, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, long-term use of which may damage the digestive tract mucosa, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hematochezia. If the patient has a history of gastric ulcers or gastric bleeding, this may exacerbate the symptoms. Timely discontinuation of the medication and prescribed treatment with medications such as cimetidine tablets are required.

In addition to the above situations, taking stomach medications may also cause liver damage, coagulation disorders, etc. All medications have certain side effects. It is recommended that patients take medications on time and in the prescribed dosage under the guidance of a doctor. If the above discomfort occurs after self-medication, patients should promptly visit the Gastroenterology Department of a hospital for blood routine tests, stool routine tests, etc.