Treating diarrhoea caused during an antibiotic course

Do not stop the antibiotic or take an anti-diarrhoeal medicine without guidance. The right plan depends on why the antibiotic was prescribed, the severity of the diarrhoea, other medicines, and whether testing suggests bowel inflammation caused by altered gut bacteria.

Antibiotics can disturb the normal community of bacteria in the bowel. This may produce loose stools and cramping during treatment or after the course ends. Not every episode is caused by the medicine; the original illness, contaminated food, or another infection may be responsible.

More concerning bowel inflammation can cause repeated watery diarrhoea, abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, poor appetite, or blood and mucus. Recent healthcare contact, previous antibiotic exposure, older age, and serious underlying illness are details a clinician uses when deciding whether a stool test is needed.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink regularly and eat small, simple meals as tolerated. Monitor urine output, stool frequency, blood or mucus, temperature, and abdominal pain. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food.

Contact the prescriber if diarrhoea continues, interferes with drinking, or worsens. They may continue the same antibiotic, replace it, stop it, or arrange testing depending on the infection being treated. Avoid leftover antibiotics and do not share the current prescription. Ask before using loperamide or probiotics because neither is suitable for every situation.

Obtain urgent medical care for bloody or black stool, a swollen or severely painful abdomen, repeated vomiting, high fever with worsening illness, confusion, fainting, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. Children, frail older adults, and people with weakened immunity can dehydrate more quickly and merit earlier assessment.

Tell the clinician about antibiotic use even if diarrhoea starts after the course has finished. Seek emergency help for collapse, marked drowsiness, breathing difficulty, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as tongue swelling and widespread hives.

Confirm whether to take the next antibiotic dose, whether a stool test is needed, and which fluids or foods suit your medical conditions. Ask which symptom changes would alter the plan and whether anyone in your household needs extra hygiene precautions.