Diarrhea From Antibiotics: How to Treat & Why It Happens

The most effective strategy to fight diarrhea caused by antibiotics is taking probiotics. These supplements are easily found at pharmacies and contain "good" bacteria that help regulate your intestinal function.

However, it is also important to adjust your diet during treatment. You should avoid raw foods, heavy meals that are difficult to digest, and strong spices.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a common side effect resulting from an imbalance in your gut flora. Medications like azithromycin, amoxicillin, or cephalexin can disrupt this balance and cause your stool to become more liquid.

How to treat

Other tips that can help reduce this antibiotic side effect include:

• Take probiotics, such as those containing Saccharomyces boulardii or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, to balance your intestinal flora.

• Drink homemade electrolyte solutions, coconut water, and sugar-free fruit juices.

• Eat easy-to-digest soups and broths.

• Avoid fiber-rich foods, such as fruit skins, wheat bran, oatmeal, and dairy products.

• Avoid carbohydrate-rich foods that are prepared with wheat flour.

• Eat yogurt with probiotics or kefir because they help replenish beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they can worsen diarrhea.

If a sensitive stomach accompanies the diarrhea, it is advisable to follow a light, easy-to-digest diet. Options like chicken soup or mashed potatoes with a boiled egg can help prevent bloating and indigestion.

Why do antibiotics cause diarrhea?

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea happens because the medication can eliminate many good bacteria in the intestine, causing an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota (flora).

Furthermore, this imbalance can favor the growth of a harmful bacterium called Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). This can cause a condition known as pseudomembranous colitis.

When does antibiotic-associated diarrhea start?

Typically, diarrhea starts on the second day of antibiotic use and stops once you discontinue the medication.

However, it may take about 3 days after stopping the antibiotic for your digestion to fully recover.

Warning signs to see a doctor

It is recommended to see a doctor in the following situations:

• Diarrhea is very severe and frequent, making work or school impossible.

• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C).

• Stool contains blood or mucus.

• Signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, and parched lips.

• Inability to keep liquids down and frequent vomiting.

• Intense abdominal pain.

In these situations, you should go to the doctor or the emergency room. Be sure to describe your symptoms, when they started, and the medications you are taking or have taken recently, as these symptoms can appear even after stopping the antibiotic.