Overview
Antibiotics can work wonders in fighting infections, but let’s be honest; dealing with the dreaded side effect of diarrhea can feel like a frustrating trade-off. You can get rid of antibiotics-associated diarrhea by consulting your doctor. In most cases, it occurs as one of the most common side effects of antibiotics; in other cases, it’s because of clostridium difficile that outgrows the beneficial bacteria in the gut, causing diarrhea. It is important not to stop antibiotics when experiencing diarrhea and to consult a doctor for the right alternative and recommendations for lifestyle modifications.
Stopping antibiotics without completing the course can lead to antibiotic resistance development. Read till the end of this blog to understand the causes of diarrhea and how you can treat that!
How to get rid of antibiotic diarrhea?
Diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatment is not new. It is usually one of the common side effects of antibiotics. In short, if we classify, the diarrhea in the stomach can be caused by:
- Antibiotics (as a side effect)
- Growth or presence of Clostridium difficile bacterium.
You can get rid of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in several ways. Some of these are:
1. Treatment of diarrhea during antibiotics
Only the right antibiotics can treat a bacterial infection. Nausea and diarrhea are some of antibiotics’ most prominent and common side effects. One way or another, you can not avoid this diarrhea, but treat it symptomatically by taking some home remedies.
Once you complete the course of antibiotics, diarrhea will go away in several days without further treatment. Some of the widely recommended treatment options to get rid of diarrhea when taking antibiotics can be :
- Probiotics (after discussing it with your doctor).
- Hydration (oral rehydration solutions).
- Eat a bland diet (BRAT: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast).
- Stopping non-essential antibiotics (that can be changed after discussing with your doctor).
- Antidiarrheals like Loperamide after proper consultation.
- Eat yogurt or fermented foods (with live cultures).
- Zinc supplementation (as needed).
2. Treatment of diarrhea after Antibiotics
After the course of antibiotics is completed, diarrhea symptoms may improve in some days. It usually goes away on its own without any external medication aid. If it persists, you must talk to your doctor about the right medications, including antidiarrheals, for effective treatment.
To get the symptomatic relief, you should keep yourself hydrated and take the needful probiotics to improve the diarrhea symptoms.
3. Treatment of diarrhea in case of C.difficile bacterium
When you take antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider to treat an infection, the medication kills bacteria, which, unfortunately, includes harmful and beneficial bacteria. Due to the reduced number of beneficial bacteria that avoid bacteria like C.difficile, it fails and outgrows in number.
These bacteria affect the colon’s lining in GIT and cause diarrhea. If C. difficile grows, your healthcare provider will prescribe medications for effective treatment. Some of the most prescribed medications for treating C.difficile are:
- Metronidazole
- Vancomycin (oral) tablets
- Fidaxomicin
- Supportive care (rehydration, electrolyte management)
- Probiotics
- Discontinuation of the offending antibiotic or not prescribing it again
It can be a side effect of the antibiotics you are taking.
What is the best probiotic for diarrhea caused by antibiotics?
While different probiotics can best serve different individuals depending on their unique medical conditions, some of the most recommended probiotic options are:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii have been studied more and declared the best and most effective probiotics for treating C. Difficile bacterium. They are considered best because they help restore the natural gut flora disrupted by antibiotics and eventually treat diarrhea.
Is it safe to take Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea caused by amoxicillin?
You can generally take Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea caused by amoxicillin, as there are no known significant interactions between the two medications. Pepto-Bismol is commonly used to relieve symptoms of diarrhea, and many people find it effective in managing this side effect of antibiotics like amoxicillin. But keep the following things in consideration before taking pepto-bismol:
- If your diarrhea is caused by Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), Pepto-Bismol will not be effective and may mask symptoms associated with this infection.
- Use Pepto-Bismol for no more than two days. If diarrhea persists longer than that, or if you experience severe symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider
. - Ensure you are not allergic to Pepto-Bismol, as it contains subsalicylate, which is similar to aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin, you should avoid Pepto-Bismol and consult your doctor for alternative medications.
What should I eat if I have diarrhea from antibiotics?
If the diarrhea is induced by antibiotics, changing the diet can help relieve and improve the symptoms:
Fluid loss is common during antibiotics, and maintaining good hydration and fluid consumption can help replace the fluid loss.
Low-fiber foods should be avoided. They are generally recommended in healthy individuals, but consuming fiber-rich food can worsen the condition. However, they can serve as the best diet option during constipation.
Protein sources like poultry, lean meats, and fish can also serve as good food options for diarrhea.
Consulting healthcare professionals for the best diet and medical recommendations can help treat patients promptly and effectively.
When should I consult a doctor?
Antibiotic-related diarrhea will not last more than several days after completion of the antibiotics course. If it persists, it indicates a medical complication like Clostridium difficile or other gastro-related problems, and consultation becomes mandatory. Get connected with an online doctor for a quick consultation and get a well-tailored prescription for your medical needs.
FAQs about the antibiotic diarrhea
For babies, the same protocols, changes in diet, and probiotics are recommended, but it is important to get a well-tailored recommendation from your doctor to outweigh any risks. Your pediatrician can help you guide best for your baby in case of diarrhea due to antibiotics.
Rather than stopping your antibiotics, getting a medical consultation should be prioritized. Your doctor can diagnose the problem causing the diarrhea and prescribe you the best alternative as per your medical consultation. One way or another, stopping antibiotics is not the right choice, as it will lead to antibiotic resistance development.
