Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Dark stool

September 17, 2018 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Hans-Peter Schmidt

Hello,
I had an endoscopy on Wednesday and a colonoscopy on Friday.
Heliobacter and lactose intolerance were diagnosed.
I had been experiencing diarrhea for almost 8 months before. Medication... now
Clarithromycin HEC + Amoxicillin 1000 + Pantoprazole Pensa 40mg
Now my question is...
My stool is quite thin and very dark. My lower abdomen doesn't really hurt, but I feel uncomfortable. Is the color related to the medication or should I be concerned?
And how long does it usually take after dietary changes for the symptoms to improve?
I would appreciate a quick response.

Hans-Peter Schmidt

A lactose intolerance cannot be diagnosed through endoscopic examinations, but rather through special breath tests.

You mention that your stool is dark. As long as it is not black, it is likely harmless and may be attributed to medication or food. Black stool would indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The diarrhea is also likely a result of taking antibiotics. We do not believe a dietary change is necessary at this time, please discuss this with your primary care physician.