"Can taking anti-inflammatory medication cause diarrhea and bloody stool?"

Possible Causes of Diarrhea and Hematochezia Induced by Anti-inflammatory Medication

Diarrhea and hematochezia (blood in stool) caused by taking anti-inflammatory medication may stem from factors such as drug irritation, drug allergy, gastrointestinal diseases, coagulation disorders, and others. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly, consider other symptoms present, undergo relevant tests to identify the specific cause, and undergo reasonable treatment under medical guidance. The following are potential explanations:

1. Drug Irritation

Anti-inflammatory drugs can be highly irritant, stimulating the gastrointestinal mucosa and leading to diarrhea. Once the mucosa is damaged, capillaries may rupture and bleed, mixing with feces and exiting the body, resulting in bloody stools or traces of blood in stool. Discontinuing the medication and switching to another under medical guidance may be recommended.

2. Drug Allergy

Patients with allergic constitutions may be allergic to components in anti-inflammatory drugs. Upon encountering these allergens, the body produces antibodies that react with the drug components, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and hematochezia. Antihistamines like Loratadine and Levocetirizine can be prescribed under medical guidance to manage allergic reactions.

3. Gastrointestinal Diseases

If a patient already suffers from gastrointestinal conditions like gastric or duodenal ulcers, taking anti-inflammatory medication may exacerbate these conditions, placing additional strain on the gastrointestinal system. This can lead to worsened symptoms, including bleeding from the gastrointestinal mucosa that mixes with the drug and exits the body through feces. In such cases, medications like Omeprazole and Pantoprazole may be prescribed to address the underlying issues.

4. Coagulation Disorders

Patients with coagulation disorders may experience worsening of their condition after taking anti-inflammatory drugs, leading to mucosal bleeding that exits the body with feces. For these patients, treatments like Vitamin K1 Injection and Tranexamic Acid Injection may be prescribed under medical guidance.

Apart from the above, conditions like leukemia can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding, accompanied by symptoms like fever and fatigue. Patients are advised to maintain a bland diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods.