A patient with a skin infection is prescribed cephalexin (an antibiotic) 500 mg orally q 12 hours.The patient complains that the last time he took this medication,he had frequent episodes of loose stools.Which recommendation should the nurse make to the patient?

A) Stop taking the drug immediately if diarrhea develops.
B) Take an antidiarrheal agent, such as diphenoxylate.
C) Consume yogurt daily while taking the antibiotic.
D) Increase your intake of fiber until the diarrhea stops.

Antibiotics such as cephalexin,given to combat infection,decrease the normal flora in the colon that cause diarrhea.The patient should avoid highly spiced,high-fat foods and large quantities of raw fruits,which tend to cause even more diarrhea.Yogurt is recommended daily,for as long as the antibiotic is being taken.Diarrhea is a common adverse effect of antibiotics; therefore,stopping the drug is not necessary or advisable.The patient should not be encouraged to take an antidiarrheal agent at this time.Increasing the intake of fiber combats constipation,not diarrhea.