Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis may include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps, pain or tenderness
• Fever
• Pus or mucus in your stool
• Nausea
• Dehydration

Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis can begin as soon as one to two days after you start taking an antibiotic, or as long as several months or longer after you finish taking the antibiotic.

When to see a doctor

If you are currently taking or have recently taken antibiotics and you develop diarrhea, contact your doctor, even if the diarrhea is relatively mild. Also, see your doctor anytime you have severe diarrhea, with a fever, painful abdominal cramps, or blood or pus in your stool.