Antibiotics and Diarrhea

Have you ever taken antibiotics for an infection, only to end up with severe diarrhea? It may not have been a bug or something you ate; it could have been a result of an adverse effect of an antibiotic.

The good news is that, in most cases, diarrhea will clear up when the course of antibiotics is over and a regular diet is resumed. If it doesn't, your doctor may be able to prescribe treatment to get the bacteria in the digestive tract back in harmony.​

Normally the large intestine maintains a delicate balance with the billions of bacteria that live inside it. Most of these are the "good bacteria" and they both aid in digestion and fight off the "bad bacteria" (the intestine has some of those, as well).

Antibiotics work by killing off bacteria but cannot distinguish between "good" and "bad" bacteria. If the natural balance of the gut flora is disturbed, the "bad" bacteria can sometimes predominate and trigger loose stools and diarrhea.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is more common when:

• More than one antibiotic is prescribed
• An antibiotic is used for an extended period of time
• An antibiotic is taken at a higher dose
• A powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic is used

Occasionally, even a mild, narrow-spectrum antibiotic can cause bowel changes.

Clostridium Difficile

One of the more common "bad" bacteria is called Clostridium difficile. While it is typically controlled by beneficial bacterial flora, antibiotics can sometimes strip the body of those protections. If this happens, C difficile can begin to multiply and produce a toxic substance that causes diarrhea.

This is a serious condition and can result in a range of possible problems including C difficile-associated diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis (PMC), and a life-threatening emergency known as toxic megacolon.

Generally speaking, antibiotic-associated diarrhea will improve once the course of antibiotics is completed. Sometimes it may be necessary to switch to another antibiotic if the symptoms are intolerable.

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water (around eight to ten 8-ounce glasses per day) with an occasional sports drink to maintain electrolyte levels. Chicken and beef broth help to replace sodium, while fruit juice and soda pop help replace lost potassium.

Because the diarrhea is actually clearing the body of the infection, doctors do not usually prescribe antidiarrheal medications unless there is no other choice.

If a C difficile infection is confirmed, the antibiotics metronidazole and vancomycin may be prescribed to kill the bacteria and restore the normal digestive flora.

Prevention efforts would be needed to avoid the spread of infection. This includes good hand-washing practices and the disinfecting of any surface or object that may have been accidentally contaminated with stool.

Studies have shown that replacing the good bacteria in the gut can also be helpful in treating diarrhea. Lactobacillus is a bacteria that is found in some yogurt and in acidophilus milk. Always look for yogurts with live active Lactobacillus cultures. Lactobacillus can also be taken in a pill form.

Ask your doctor which probiotic may be helpful in replenishing bacteria in the gut after taking antibiotics.

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when prescribed a course of antibiotics. Set up reminders on your cell phone so that you don't miss a dose. If you do, take the dose immediately but do not double-dose to catch up. Doing so may increase the risk of diarrhea and other drug side effect.

Most importantly, always finish the entire course even if you feel better.

A Word From Verywell

There is no doubt that antibiotics do so much good by clearing infections that used to end people's lives. However, antibiotics need to be used responsibly and with care.

In some cases, doctors will recommend that probiotics be added to your diet while taking antibiotics. Hand-washing can prevent further spread of infection, especially among those who are ill or in hospital.

Severe diarrhea should never be ignored or self-treated with anti-diarrheal drugs. Doing so can make the underlying infection more difficult to treat and may result in constipation, which can be no less distressing.