TMBRA - Rider Board

[Anonymous]

I'm finishing a prescription of Augmentin(500mg tablets 3x a day) for strep(sp?) throat.

The strep has cleared up and I'm finishing the meds per my doctors instructions.

I feel really weak, though, and I don't have much spring in my legs.

Any correlation?

Thanks, Doc!

[The Bike Doc]

Chris:

Augmentin, as well asmany other antibiotics, can cause diarrhea and a loss of electrolytes including bicarbonate, potasium, sodium and chloride in the stools. If the blood levels of these electrolytes get low, then you can experience weakness in your muscles. Additionally, the infection that the antibiotics are treating may cause general weakness. Drink plenty of fluids, eat foods high in potasium such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, bananas, figs and dairy products. Have daily servings of active culture yogurt to replace the beneficial bacteria that are killed in your intestinal tract by the antibiotics. Finally, go easier until you are fully recovered from your infection.

Thanks,
_________________
Paul K. Nolan, MD
AKA: The Bike Doc

[Anonymous]

Thank you, sir.