Diarrhea while taking antibiotics what to do. Causes of diarrhea while taking antibacterial drugs

An antibiotic is a drug designed to slow down the growth of microbial flora. The drug has a bactericidal effect, which determines the ability to create conditions where the existence of microbial cells is impossible. The bactericidal effect is the reason why antibiotics are used in the treatment of these diseases:

gastrointestinal tract;
skin;
urinary organs;
ENT organs;
respiratory organs.

Antibiotics are effective in treating infectious diseases. However, like many medications, antibiotics have side effects (ranging from mild nausea to kidney and liver failure). The most unpleasant secondary effect when taking antibiotics is that the drugs cause...

Because of their effectiveness, antibiotics are often used to treat various diseases. More and more people began to self-medicate using the drug. If you use a medicine too often, its effectiveness decreases, the human body gets used to it and stops responding to the active substance. When using the drug independently, it is often used incorrectly, which provokes the appearance of side effects after antibiotics.

A common side effect when using antibiotics is antibiotic-associated diarrhea, the occurrence of which is caused by the regular use of penicillins, cephalosporins, or a number of drugs at the same time. There are other reasons for the occurrence of loose stools after taking this drug.

The first reason why diarrhea may begin is intestinal dysbiosis (disorder). The occurrence is due to the use of antibiotics of the aminoglycoside and tetracycline groups.

The human body contains bacteria that arise when taking antibiotics when the microflora changes. The antimicrobial drug destroys the necessary bacteria responsible for the functioning of the stomach (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli) along with harmful bacteria (pathogenic flora). Due to the imbalance of harmful microorganisms, there are predominantly more beneficial ones. The urge to defecate occurs due to stimulation of the smooth muscles of the intestine.

Laxative effect of the drug

If the diarrhea started due to antibiotics, a drug that has a laxative effect may have been used. This minor effect lasts a couple of days. This side effect is typical for drugs that enhance intestinal motility, for example, the group of macrolides.

Pseudomembranous ulcerative colitis

One of the reasons for the appearance of diarrhea from taking antibiotics is considered. The appearance is due to prolonged use of the drug or taking one type of antibiotic. The pathogenic microorganism Clostridium difficile causes harm to the body; it is difficult for the human body to get rid of the microbe. The microorganism Clostridium difficile is resistant to antimicrobial drugs.

Pseudomembranous ulcerative colitis is usually considered a separate disease; it is characterized by the following symptoms:

copious, loose stools;
bowel movements up to 30 times a day (discharge greenish in color, putrid odor);
increased body temperature;
weakness of the body, dizziness;
stomach hurts;
migraines;
vomit.

If the described symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a medical facility. Ignoring the disease will lead to the development of complications and dehydration of the body.

Treatment of diarrhea

The appearance of diarrhea is observed at the beginning of antibiotic use and throughout treatment. To treat diarrhea, medication and folk methods are used. For recovery, an integrated approach is used, including the use of restorative drugs and a specially designed dietary regimen.

Diarrhea associated with antibiotic use should be treated promptly and in a timely manner. When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately visit a doctor. The most dangerous thing in such a situation is to treat yourself. Such actions are accompanied by complications in the form of side effects.

First aid

First of all, in case of diarrhea caused by antibiotics, it is necessary to interrupt the use of the medicine. The method of treatment is influenced by the age of the patient. Depending on the age category, treatment differs:

Pharmacy medicines

Medicines are prescribed by the attending doctor. An independent course of treatment can harm a person, causing complications. Prescribed drugs that normalize intestinal function due to the beneficial microflora they contain. The products prevent diarrhea and restore intestinal microflora. The doctor decides which medication to prescribe. The doctor is based on the presenting symptoms, diseases, and condition of the patient. The most effective medications:

Loperamide. Prescribed for severe diarrhea. It is fast-acting. Available in the form of tablets, capsules and drops. It is allowed to be taken by children over 4 years of age and by women during pregnancy.
Bifidumbacterin. A similar remedy, but the effect occurs after 2-3 applications. Suitable for treating children.
Linux. One of the most popular treatments for diarrhea. It is distinguished by its effectiveness and safety. Effective from the first day of use.
Imodium. A quick remedy to cure diarrhea, it helps within an hour after use. Available in tablets. It has contraindications: children under 6 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, individual intolerance to the components.

Traditional medicines

The following foods should be excluded from your daily diet:
fiber;
semi-finished products;
margarine;
sausages;
canned food;
all kinds of sweets.

The diet is followed until signs of the disease completely disappear.
Rules for taking antibiotics
Most often, people feel worse when they use medications incorrectly. For this reason, you should remember the rules of application:
take into account the doctor’s recommendations;
read the instructions, follow the recommendations;
use the appropriate dosage (frequent use causes side effects);
When taking medications (especially after injections), it is advisable to reduce physical and psychological stress (avoid stress, intense physical activity).

To prevent loose stools, adults take probiotics.
Follow the rules for taking antibiotics and remember: the sooner you start treatment, the sooner your recovery will come. Be healthy!

If a person visits the toilet to have bowel movements more than three times, then we can talk about diarrhea. It can occur in various pathological processes occurring not only in the gastrointestinal tract.

With a serious illness, a person cannot move far from the toilet, since the urge occurs quickly and 20-30 times a day. But antibiotics for diarrhea are prescribed in exceptional cases, and only when the infection is acute.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is not a separate disease, it is just a symptom that makes it clear that a pathological process is occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. During diarrhea, the stool becomes watery because the digestive process is accelerated due to increased intestinal motility, which is necessary for the rapid elimination of the toxin.

Can the symptom be dangerous or does it only cause inconvenience? The intestines do not absorb substances and water necessary for the body, which can cause dehydration or damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Loose stools in humans occur as a result of:

development of a bacterial infection (not only bacteria can cause disorders, but also the toxins they produce);
viral infections (enteroviruses, caliciviruses, rotaviruses);
disturbances in intestinal function due to the activity of helminths (worms);
inflammatory process occurring in the large or small intestine;
gastrointestinal pathologies (lactase deficiency, lack of enzymes and bile, malabsorption);
poisoning;
dysbiosis (change in the ratio of beneficial and pathogenic microflora);
allergic reaction;
overeating;
eating excessively fatty foods.

Taking antibacterial agents for diarrhea is not always justified

Antibiotics are prescribed only if diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, for example, cholera, salmonellosis, dysentery. The drug is necessary to destroy pathogenic microflora that develops in the gastrointestinal tract.

When poisoned by stale foods, toxins penetrate the gastrointestinal tract, which the body tries to eliminate through vomiting and diarrhea. In such a case, an antibiotic is not required. Sorbents are prescribed (Smecta, activated carbon), which bind toxins and remove them out, this helps stop diarrhea.

For viral diseases, antibiotics are useless because they are unable to somehow influence the life cycle of the virus. To cure diarrhea you will need to take antiviral drugs. The helminth located in the intestines, during its life processes, releases toxins that lead to intoxication or damage to the integrity of the intestinal wall. Treatment is required with anthelmintic drugs and is carried out for a long time in order to destroy not only adults, but also larvae.

It is forbidden to take antibacterial drugs for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, that is, stool disorders caused by drug therapy. Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill not only pathogenic flora, but also beneficial ones.

Therefore, against the background of long-term use of antibiotics, the intestinal microflora changes, which provokes the appearance of diarrhea. This condition goes away after the intestines are colonized with beneficial bacteria. This process can be accelerated by taking probiotics and eating a lot of fermented milk products.

Signs of a bacterial infection

According to statistics, most people experience diarrhea as a result of a bacterial infection. It can enter the body with contaminated water, unwashed food, or as a result of failure to comply with basic hygiene.

The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic if the patient exhibits the following symptoms:

copious discharge;
loose stools with green speckles or green mucus;
a lot of mucus is produced;
there is bleeding.

Bacterial diarrhea is also often accompanied by vomiting, increased body temperature, and a painful urge to defecate (tenesmus)

If you notice that bloody diarrhea has begun, you should urgently seek medical help. This symptom is very alarming; it may indicate the development of a tumor in the intestines, hemorrhoids, or Crohn's disease.

When is an antibiotic needed for diarrhea?

The following diseases require taking an antibiotic for diarrhea.

Dysentery

The causative agent is Shegella, the toxins of which affect the large intestine. Infection occurs through contact, household, water and nutritional routes. The disease is manifested by abdominal pain, dysentery, hyperthermia, and lethargy.

With an average degree of progression, the frequency of stools can reach 20 times a day, and while there is content in the intestines, feces with mucus, pus and blood come out, then only mucus and blood come out. The acute stage can last from 4 to 30 days.

Salmonellosis

Poor hygiene can lead to salmonella infection. The bacterium multiplies in the colon and produces a toxin that disrupts vascular tone, leads to fluid loss and causes damage to the nervous system. A distinctive sign of the disease is frequent watery stools. If the infection is mild and there is no blood in the stool, antibiotics are not prescribed.

Typhoid fever

The bacilli affect the intestinal mucosa and disrupt its peristalsis. Bacteria circulating in the bloodstream are partially killed, which leads to the release of endotoxin (if there is a lot of it, the patient may experience infectious-toxic shock).

Symptoms of the disease are pale skin, loss of appetite, headache, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, hyperthermia, and a rash. In especially severe cases, hallucinations, delirium, and lethargy are possible.

Cholera

The disease is epidemiological in nature. Infection occurs through contaminated water and food; flies are also carriers of infection. In a mild form of the disease, cholera toxin can cause one-time vomiting and diarrhea, severe thirst, and weakness. In severe cases, bowel movements occur more than 20 times a day, there is no abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, muscle cramps appear, and the patient cannot quench his thirst. Death can occur within 2 days.

Escherichiosis

The pathogenic bacillus affects the small intestine, while a pronounced intoxication syndrome may be absent. The patient feels weak, the temperature is normal or slightly elevated, the abdominal pain is cramping, the stool is loose, profuse, and then becomes stool-free and watery. Why diarrhea occurred and how to treat it should be determined by a doctor. The patient is assigned to have blood and stool tested. If diarrhea has an unclear etiology, then symptomatic therapy is carried out.

If you have diarrhea, do not try to diagnose it yourself; this should be done by a doctor, based on the results of laboratory tests.

What antibiotic to take for bacterial diarrhea

The choice of antibiotic depends on the cause of the bowel disorder. The goal of antibiotic therapy is to destroy pathogenic microflora and restore functionality to the intestines. The treatment regimen may also include sulfonamide, antiseptic drugs, agents for normalizing intestinal microflora, probiotics, peristalsis and secretion inhibitors, antidiarrheal, astringent and enveloping drugs.

The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for severe diarrhea in adults:

Levomycetin. This is a broad-spectrum drug, meaning it can suppress infections caused by several bacteria. Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, pathogens of intestinal infections. The drug disrupts the process of protein synthesis in the microbial cell, making it impossible to reproduce. Prescribed if other antibacterial drugs are ineffective (referred to as reserve), since it has a long list of contraindications and side effects. You need to take tablets 2-3 times a day. Course duration is 7 days.
Amoxicillin. The drug is effective in fighting intestinal infections. It belongs to the group of penicillin antibiotics, which means it is the safest and, like all antibiotics of this series, is destroyed by beta-lactamases. Prevents the reproduction and causes lysis of gram-positive and gram-negative cocci and several gram-negative rods. Stable in an acidic environment, 1–2 hours after administration it accumulates in therapeutic doses in the intestinal mucosa. Take 2 capsules 3-4 times a day.
Metronidazole. Refers to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Suppresses the synthesis of nucleic acids, which leads to the death of the bacterium. Effective against protozoa, obligate anaerobic and some gram-positive bacteria. In combination with amoscicillin it has a synergistic effect. You need to drink 2 tablets per day.
Ciprofloxacin. A potent antibiotic. Effective in the development of infection in the gastrointestinal tract caused by enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli. The drug can enhance or inhibit the effects of many drugs. Take 1-2 tablets for 5 days.

After taking antibiotics, you need to restore the intestinal microflora

The doctor will determine which antibiotics are best to take, based not only on the symptoms of the disease, but also taking into account the state of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract and previous antibiotic therapy. Treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis or in a hospital setting, provided that the patient is indicated for injections.

First aid for diarrhea

Before consulting a doctor and making an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to adhere to the following recommendations. You need to drink a lot of fluid. Since diarrhea dramatically disrupts the water-salt balance, it needs to be normalized. Saline solution, salted water or chamomile decoction will help.

You can take Regidron or Oralit (drugs to restore electrolyte balance).

You should drink sorbents (coal, Enterosgel, Smecta). They will help remove harmful substances from the body. Refrain from eating in the first 4-6 hours, then follow a diet that excludes green tea, coffee, fruit juices, dairy and flour products, pork and everything spicy.

It is recommended to use jelly, a decoction of raspberry leaves, bird cherry, chamomile, fermented milk products, water porridge, and soups. During long-term use of antibiotics, you need to support your digestive system. Firstly, do not overload it, and secondly, take lactobacilli, which are contained in medications and fermented milk products.

If diarrhea does not go away for a long time (more than three days), then you need to consult a doctor. How long therapy will last depends on the cause of diarrhea and the severity of the disease. A five-day course may be sufficient, or you may need to take antibacterial drugs for ten days after bowel movements are restored.

Diarrhea after antibiotics occurs due to a significant decrease in the number of microbes that affect the optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result of the imbalance, individual strains are formed. In most cases, the pathological condition develops as a result of taking titramycin and erythromycin substances. Diarrheal manifestations last in most cases 3-7 days.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (ICD code K52.9) is a dangerous disease that is accompanied by stool upset after consuming antibacterial agents. The disease is characterized by dyspeptic symptoms. A high level of flatulence is combined with sharp abdominal pain, body weakness and feverish symptoms. Diagnosis of pathology is carried out by analyzing stool and endoscopic examination of the absorption organ.

AAD has loose stools that last more than 2 days. The pathology is characterized by a self-limiting form and prolonged colitis. The disease occurs after a long or too short course of recovery. Antibiotics eliminate pathogenic microorganisms and healthy intestinal microflora. With invasive methods of examining the absorptive organ (colonoscopy), no pathological changes will be detected. Drugs that cause diarrhea include:

"Lincomycin" 20% is an antibacterial agent with a systemic spectrum of use, eliminates the process of protein synthesis;
“Clindamycin” 30% is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that is used to eliminate infectious and inflammatory diseases;
"Amoxiclav" 10-20%, "Cefixime" and "Ampicillin", the course should be taken after the appointment.

Causes of diarrhea after taking antibiotics

Antibacterial drugs effectively neutralize viral diseases in the human body. Along with this, drugs can provoke the development of diarrhea or diarrhea. This phenomenon is common. Systematic use of antibiotics in the form of capsules and tablets is fraught with complications in the functioning of the intestines. The microflora of the suction organ changes. Strains of bacteria form long-lasting bouts of diarrhea. Before taking medications, you should carefully study the instructions. It wouldn't hurt to have a preliminary consultation with your doctor.

The main causes of dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract:

The antibiotic was used by older people. A mature body has more difficulty processing active substances, assimilating their derivatives. Chemical reactions become slower and less efficient.
Diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system of acute and chronic types. With weakened immunity, the risk of developing dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract is high.
Somatic diseases. Of particular danger are diseases of the circulatory system and respiratory disorders. Diarrhea can be aggravated by skin burns and genetic pathologies.
Excessive dosage of medication. In some cases, people increase the concentration of the substance in order to maximize the healing effect. As a result, patients achieve the opposite effect.
Violation of the therapeutic regimen. Medicines should be taken at the same time. With systematic and precise treatment, maximum benefit is achieved.
Individual intolerance to active components. In some cases, the human body is capable of producing allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes. Treatment of complications is carried out by professional dermatologists and gastroenterologists.

If diarrhea occurs on the first day, you should respond without delay. When the bowel movement reaches a liquid state, do not panic. The first step is to visit an experienced doctor's office. The best option is a modern specialized medical clinic. The specialist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the body and select the optimal recovery plan after the infection.

Diarrhea after prescribed antibiotics is common. Over time, the intestinal microflora recovers on its own. There are several options for high-quality therapeutic effects.

Strict diet + proper drinking regimen

Normalization of stool and intestinal motility is carried out with the help of light liquid porridges. First of all, this applies to semolina and buckwheat. Next, steamed omelettes and rice-based soups are perfect. Among the drinks, fresh fruit jelly is prepared. The berries have a high-quality astringent effect. The daily menu should include baked apples and boiled eggs. An alternative to bread is homemade crackers. Consumption of fiber products and lactic acid products is not allowed. Such dishes intensify attacks of diarrhea and further irritate the intestines.

Traditional medicine

Experienced herbalists use special infusions and decoctions to restore bowel movements. Plant components have a sorbing, astringent effect. An effective remedy for normalizing stool is an infusion of St. John's wort (yellow-green color), yarrow, mint and nettle. The healing elixir is drunk throughout the day in small doses.

The priority in nutrition should be natural yogurt. A balanced drinking regimen plays a key role in the recovery of a person with loose stools. During the period of diarrhea, doctors recommend that patients drink up to 3 liters of purified liquid per day. For this, water, unsweetened compote, a weak rosehip decoction and fresh juice are suitable. The drinks will heal step by step and provide antimicrobial results.

Recipe for effective decoctions and mixtures:

rice drink - boil 125 g of rice in 1 liter of water, strain the grains and drink 150 g every 180 minutes;
concentrated infusion of oak bark - you will need 200 g of crushed tree bark and 200 g of dry calamus leaves, pour 250 boiling water, leave for 40 minutes, drink 100 ml every 8 hours before meals;
pomegranate peel 1 tsp. + 250 ml of water - the composition is boiled in a container over low heat for no more than 5 minutes, consume 20 minutes before meals in the amount of 200 ml;
plantain (1 tbsp) + lingonberry leaf (1 tbsp) + black rowan, mint, eucalyptus (2 tsp in total), pour the ingredients into 1 liter of boiling water and leave in the teapot for 2-3 minutes (drink week 30 ml every 2.5 hours).

How to stop diarrhea after antibiotics

The diet speeds up the recovery of the human body after diarrhea. However, to maximize the effect, it is recommended to use medications. As a result, comprehensive treatment will have a positive effect. Drug therapy is based on the following groups of drugs.

Substance class	Pharmacological action	Name of substances
Antibacterial agents	The compounds are actively used to combat pseudomembranous colitis. The active ingredients destroy bacteria of the Difficile type (a dangerous pathogen). Antibiotic therapy affects the condition of the liver.	The medicine "Enterofuril", "Metronidazole" and "Nifuroxazide". Use medications according to instructions (including injection).
Probiotic substances	Concentrated preparations contain bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. The basis of the healing procedure is the restoration of intestinal microflora. The probiotic affects the functioning of the digestive system.	The substance "Linex" is an effective tool for the treatment of diarrhea. An alternative is “Baktisubtil” and “Kolabacterin” (complex use is carried out).
Prebiotic compounds	The medicine is made on the basis of carbohydrates, which are a source of growth of beneficial bacteria. Over time, unpleasant symptoms will be eliminated.	The medication “Lactofiltrum” and “Hilak Forte” provide effective results even at home. Sometimes mild nausea and vomiting occurs.
Effective enterosorbents	The basis of production is charcoal and mineral compounds. Cleansing the absorption organ of toxins will be prompt. Intestinal motility will return to its previous level.	“Smecta”, “Enterosgel” and classic “Activated carbon” (tablet).
Rehydrants	Special powders are diluted with water. The consistency includes salt, glucose and vitamins. These substances take an active part in restoring water and electrolyte balance. The treatment format is great for children. During pregnancy, consult your doctor. It is recommended to prescribe substances after passing tests.	"Normogidron" and "Regidron" are freely sold in pharmacies.

How long does stomach upset last after antibiotics?

Antibacterial drugs have a detrimental effect on the intestinal microflora. Modern pharmacology has effective compounds that restore flora colonies to ensure normal functioning of the digestive system.

How long antibiotic-associated diarrhea lasts depends on the form of the disease:

Easy. Intestinal motility returns to normal immediately after stopping the medication. The adult body copes with pathology faster, while the child’s gastrointestinal tract copes more slowly. An important condition is to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Average level. It takes from 3 to 7 days to restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, a person must adhere to a diet and comprehensive treatment. An important factor is the elimination of underlying diseases (ulcers, pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, etc.). You should take medications after the examination.
Acute degree. The pathological condition is caused by the activity of Clostridia. Diarrheal manifestations subside within 3 days after the start of treatment. After some time, the disorder may recur. Recovery should take place in several stages.

In severe cases of diarrhea, the patient requires urgent hospitalization. An emergency visit to the clinic for help will allow you to avoid additional disorders and complications in time. A qualified doctor will diagnose the body and select the optimal recovery plan (after an expert opinion). The body should be administered antibiotics under the supervision of an experienced doctor.

Possible complications

Unfortunately, dehydration due to diarrhea can be fatal. Each case of pathology development can end sadly. The main complications of the disease:

severe shock of a septic or hypovolemic format - blood supply is disrupted and tachycardia, it is recommended to get rid of the disease sequentially (within a month);
insufficiency of the kidneys - metabolic acidosis is detected in the blood, rapid breathing develops, disturbances of consciousness, high temperature;
hypokalemia - there is bloating, heartburn, the antibiotic effect can cause complications;
convulsions + seizures - patients are at risk of internal bleeding and hepatic vein thrombosis.

DIC syndrome is especially dangerous. The pathology lies in the ability of blood to clot directly in the vessels. As a result, a significant number of blood clots and dense structures form in the canals.

It is difficult to imagine modern medicine without antibacterial therapy, which can cope with many serious ailments and prevent the development of severe complications. But it is known that antimicrobial medications destroy not only pathogenic bacteria, but also destroy the beneficial intestinal environment. As a result, patients suffer from indigestion and diarrhea. Everyone should know what to do if diarrhea begins after antibiotics, and how to treat it, but an experienced specialist should decide which tablets to take.

Why does the disorder occur?

Before wondering how to cure diarrhea, it is necessary to establish its true cause. Often, diarrhea that occurs while taking antibiotics is caused by several factors:

Laxative effect of drugs.
An infectious lesion that occurs due to reduced body resistance and penetration of pathogens.
Prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Self-adjustment of dosage and unauthorized prescription of medications.

Many patients are interested in whether there can be diarrhea after taking antimicrobial agents and receive an affirmative answer. Some medications have a laxative effect on the intestines, for example, macrolides. Diarrhea that develops from taking these antibiotics is often mild and goes away quickly.

Other drugs cause dysbiosis. At the same time, there are much fewer “good” microorganisms in the intestines than “bad” ones. Some antibacterial agents (for example, medications of the tetracycline group) suppress the growth of beneficial microflora, promoting the development of pathogens in certain areas of the intestine.

It is especially dangerous when, during treatment with antibiotics, bacteria that form the normal intestinal microflora die. As a result of their death, there is an increased proliferation of anaerobic microorganisms Clostridium difficile (clostridia genus), resistant to many types of drugs. At the same time, the patient has a stomach ache, diarrhea appears up to thirty times a day, and the temperature increases significantly.

Important! Loose stools are observed quite often during treatment with antibacterial drugs, especially in individuals susceptible to the side effects of medications.

Laxative effect

Stool upset during the use of laxative antimicrobial medications may appear in the first days. For such patients, to normalize their condition, it is enough to restore the intestinal microflora without interrupting treatment.

The combined use of several antibacterial agents significantly increases the risk of diarrhea. Much depends on the dosage form of the drug. Oral consumption of tablets/capsules often leads to a pathological process.

It is necessary to consult a doctor and take appropriate treatment measures if the following are observed with loose stools:

Fever.
Pain syndrome in the abdominal area.
Signs of intoxication (nausea, vomiting,)

Microflora disturbance

Diarrhea often develops for this reason. Due to the effects of antibiotics, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which are beneficial to the body, die. The development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, preventing the formation of normal flora, is facilitated by:

Tetracyclines.
Aminoglycosides.

Over time, the intestinal microflora recovers on its own. Whether it is necessary to see a doctor for mild forms of the disorder is up to the patient to decide. But if diarrhea does not go away for a long time, consultation with a specialist is required.

If diarrhea after antibiotics is complicated by the addition of the pathogen C. Difficile, then symptoms such as:

High temperature.
Lethargy.
Sweating.
Frequent loose stools.
Soreness, cramping in the abdomen.
Painful nausea.
Gagging

This condition can be diagnosed by conducting a microbiological study (stool culture).

Most often, the pathology occurs in:

Persons with chronic diseases that reduce the body's protective functions.
Pregnant women and women during breastfeeding.
Elderly people.
HIV-infected people.
People taking antibiotics together with quick-acting laxatives and anti-cancer medications.

Important! To stop diarrhea when taking antibiotics, medical consultation and diagnostics are required. Self-medication can aggravate the situation and lead to serious consequences.

Help with diarrhea

Only an experienced specialist will tell you how to quickly and effectively stop diarrhea after antibiotics in an adult and a child. Basically, complex therapy is used to solve the problem:

Nutrition correction.
Use of medications.
Compliance with preventive measures.

If a child is taking antibiotics and develops diarrhea, it is necessary to consult with a pediatrician: tell them, name the drug, and specify the time to start therapy.

Diet

When using, it is recommended to change your diet. The patient should avoid fatty, spicy, salty foods, mayonnaise, ketchup, seasonings, and sausages. All food should be thermally processed and easily digestible. Only the right diet can stop diarrhea.

When you need to quickly normalize your condition, you should use:

Porridge.
Kiseli.
Uneatable crackers

Fortifying rice decoctions, as well as boiled eggs, must be present on the patient’s table. Then the menu is gradually enriched with vegetables, lean fish and meat, and steamed omelettes.

Drug therapy

A specialist will tell you what medications to treat diarrhea that begins after taking antibiotics in an adult and a child.

For dysbiosis caused by antibiotic therapy, probiotics should be used. For diarrhea of this nature, they usually take:

Linux. Of the medications for diarrhea, it is considered the most effective probiotic. It contains lacto- and bifidobacteria, which help both adult patients and children.
RioFlora Balance Neo. Another representative of effective probiotic drugs that help stabilize the intestinal microflora and eliminate the disorder caused by antibiotic therapy.
Bifiform. In capsule form, it is used for diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatment and poor diet. Suitable for use by persons with lactose intolerance.

Severe diarrhea with stool frequency more than 5 times per day requires medical attention. For example, pseudomembranous ulcerative colitis requires complete abolition of antibiotic therapy and hospital treatment.

Enterosorbents will help remove toxic substances:

Smecta, based on diosmectite.
Activated carbon created from substances of natural origin.
Enterosgel, which is based on a hydrogel of methyl silicic acid.

The use of medications such as Imodium and Loperamide for incipient diarrhea after antibiotics should be treated with extreme caution. Especially with moderate and severe forms of the disease. Treatment of diarrhea with medications that inhibit intestinal motility and reduce the number of urges to defecate should be prescribed by a specialist in combination with probiotics.

Important! , which began after the use of antibiotics, signals the development of pseudomembranous colitis. Antidiarrheal drugs cannot be used here, as they reduce the excretion of pathogens, increasing the severity of the pathological process.

If a person experiences diarrhea, he must follow the correct drinking regime (drink at least 3 liters per day) and take rehydrants to restore the water-salt balance: Regidron. Normohydron.

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine for diarrhea will help:

Dill seeds. 0.5 teaspoon of raw material is boiled in half a glass of water for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, the decoction is infused for an hour and taken in small sips throughout the day.
Melissa. Diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics can be relieved by drinking a warm drink made from lemon balm leaves. They are brewed like regular tea and drunk throughout the day.
Oak decoctionbark. It will also help get rid of diarrhea. It has astringent qualities and quickly eliminates unpleasant signs of the disorder. A teaspoon of crushed raw materials is boiled in two glasses of water for 7-10 minutes. After straining, drink a tablespoon three times a day.
Dried blueberries. This is a remedy that will help get rid of diarrhea in the shortest possible time. You can prepare a decoction based on it, at the rate of one tablespoon of fruit per glass of liquid.
Pomegranate peel. If a person wants to use traditional methods, but does not know how to treat diarrhea, you can use this recipe. It is effective both for disorders and various diseases of the stomach. To prepare it, you will need fresh or dried peels, which should be crushed. Boil two spoons of raw material in a glass of water for about 20 minutes. The healing decoction is drunk a tablespoon before the main meal.

When diarrhea has just started, you can drink strong black tea without sugar. This is the first thing that will relieve unpleasant symptoms.

Prevention

Diarrhea from antibiotics will not start if you follow these recommendations:

Take antibacterial agents as prescribed by a specialist.
Avoid overdose.
Do not prescribe analogs for yourself without consulting a doctor.
Consider the compatibility of medications.
Be selective in relation to food.

To avoid diarrhea and minimize the risk of a pathological process, it is necessary to protect yourself from excessive physical exertion and stress, and maintain hygiene (all personal items of the patient - dishes, towels, bedding - must be individual).

The patient, when taking an antibiotic, must take into account that diarrhea with this therapy develops often, in almost half of the cases. Therefore, it is advisable to use probiotics and prebiotics from the very beginning of the course of treatment. After all, diarrhea can last until the microflora is completely restored, and this takes several weeks, and even months.

To eliminate the inflammatory process in the body caused by bacteria and infections, antibiotics are prescribed that effectively fight pathogens. But among the side effects of using such drugs, there is a risk of destroying all beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and causing diarrhea from antibiotics. It is important to know: if diarrhea occurs after antibiotics, how to treat this condition with medication and whether to use alternative medicine methods.

Antibacterial drugs that cause diarrhea

Why does diarrhea develop, and what drugs cause it? Most often, this complication occurs after taking the following medications:

Clindamycins;
Cephalosporins;
Tetracyclines;
Penicillin.

The mechanism of development of diarrhea after antibiotics

Can loose stools occur as a result of taking an antibacterial medication? Associated diarrhea after antibiotics in an adult may have different mechanisms of development.

The main reason is the laxative effect of drugs that contain macrolides.
There may also be diarrhea because medications stimulate increased intestinal motility and peristalsis, which is why short-term diarrhea occurs from antibiotics.
Medicines cause dysbiosis by destroying beneficial bacteria in the intestines, disrupting the balance of microflora.
After taking strong antibacterial medications, the development of favorable microflora in the intestines often slows down.
Sometimes, against the background of a weakened immune system, an additional infection occurs, which provokes an upset stomach; it is quite simple to determine: impurities in the stool, pain, elevated body temperature, and possible vomiting.

Important! If, while taking medications, the bacterium Clostridium difficile enters the body, intestinal disorder can occur with complications. This is due to the fact that this microorganism is resistant to most antimicrobial drugs. In this case, diarrhea while taking antibiotics is accompanied by sharp, severe abdominal pain and increased body temperature.

The situation can be considered relatively stable if the patient manages to restrain the urge at least once or for a short time. Also, an intestinal disorder is considered harmless if there is no pus or bloody discharge in the stool, and the body temperature is normal.

The success of therapy lies in not self-medicating! Any drug must be prescribed by a specialist, after diagnosing and examining the patient and checking the tests. The doctor’s task is to select an adequate treatment regimen for diarrhea after antibiotics and suggest how to treat a specific pathogen with minimal side effects.

Who is at risk for loose stools?

There is a group of patients who have a high likelihood of developing intestinal dysfunction after taking antibacterial medications:

Elderly people;
Patients with gastrointestinal diseases in acute or chronic form;
Concomitant somatic diseases.

Also, diarrhea when taking antibiotics is possible with excessive use of the drug, violation of the regimen and non-compliance with the period of therapy.

Diarrhea after antibiotics, how to treat?

This complication may appear on the first day of admission, but there is no need to panic, there are many effective and fast-acting remedies.

If you experience diarrhea while taking antibiotics, you should immediately consult a doctor to select the optimal treatment regimen or replace the drug. What to do and how to treat this condition?

Drug therapy

So, how to treat loose stools caused by taking antibacterial drugs? Without prescribing a set of medications, getting rid of diarrhea in this case can be quite difficult. Medications for diarrhea after antibiotics should only be selected by a qualified specialist who knows how to stop the course of the disease, in strictly recommended doses:

Important! If, in addition to diarrhea from antibiotics, there are no additional symptoms, and diarrhea does not cause significant discomfort, then if you stop taking this antibacterial drug, the stool should recover on its own, without additional drug therapy, but with diet.

To stop diarrhea and suppress a developing infection, take intestinal antiseptics such as Metronidazole, Nifuroxazide, Enterofuril.
To restore the functions of the digestive system and normalize the intestinal microflora, probiotics are prescribed - “Colibacterin”, “Linex”, “Lactobacterin”, “Baktisubtil”, “Enterozermina”.
After a course of antibacterial drugs, probiotics based on healthy carbohydrates are needed; they promote the growth of new natural microflora. Such drugs include Hilak Forte, Duphalac, Inulin, which help in the treatment of incipient intestinal disorders.
Enterosorbents are mineral compounds that help remove toxins and waste from the large and small intestines, thus helping to cure diarrhea. Medicines "Polifepan", "Smecta", "Neosmectin", activated carbon are the most effective sorbents that help eliminate diarrhea from antibiotics in adult patients.
Rehydrants are a highly effective combination of glucose, salt and beneficial microelements, which helps restore water-salt balance and electrolyte levels. While taking antibiotics that have caused loose stools, it is necessary to use the medications “Normohydron” and “Regidron” to prevent dehydration of the body.

Each medical drug has its own subtleties of use and contraindications, so you absolutely cannot change or exclude them yourself.

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine recipes will also help eliminate the unpleasant, painful symptom of diarrhea.

How to cure intestinal disorder using traditional methods? There are many effective ways to do this:

A simple rice broth is great for treating diarrhea; you need to consume 200 ml every 3 hours a day to eliminate diarrhea due to antibiotics.
Oak bark, crushed with calamus leaves (in equal proportions) effectively helps get rid of diarrhea and relieve pain. Pour the resulting raw material into 0.4 liters of boiling water and boil for 45 minutes. Drink 100 ml three times a day, before meals, to treat diarrhea after antibiotics.
Pomegranate peels (1 tsp) effectively help in the treatment of loose stools. It is necessary to grind them, add water (1 glass), cook for 5 minutes, drink throughout the day, this remedy is quite effective in the treatment of diarrhea and vomiting.
Collecting herbs like lingonberry leaves, mint, eucalyptus, and rowan berries helps get rid of diarrhea after antibiotics. To do this, you need to take the raw materials in equal parts and pour 4 glasses of water. Cook the mixture in boiling water; when 1-2 minutes have passed, remove from heat and strain. Take 150 ml 15 minutes before meals.
Leaves of St. John's wort, nettle, mint, poured with boiling water (0.2 liters) effectively help treat diarrhea after antibiotics. Infuse the mixture, cool and drink instead of tea throughout the day.
If your stomach hurts, you need to cook blueberry jelly (300 ml of water and 1 tsp of fruit), drink in one gulp at a time, twice a day.
If you have diarrhea due to antibiotics, but there is nothing at hand to stop it, strong black tea with 1 spoon of sugar has a good effect.

Possible complications of diarrhea after antibiotics

What happens if diarrhea is not treated?

Diarrhea is not just an unpleasant symptom, it is a phenomenon accompanied by severe dehydration. In the process of constant bowel movements in an adult, beneficial bacteria and minerals are washed away.

If diarrhea after antibiotics is not treated, the effects on the intestines can be irreversible. The main result of inactivity is pseudomembranous colitis. This disease is a complex form of stomach upset after taking antibiotics incorrectly or in excess dosage.

In this case, Clostridium difficile bacteria multiply in the cavity of the inflamed intestine, and microflora disorders develop.

It is not difficult to recognize this disease; in this case, the following symptoms are observed:

Copious loose stools, bowel movements more than 10 times a day;
Severe pain syndrome;
Feces with water and a lot of mucus;
Admixture of blood;
Abdominal pain, nausea;
High body temperature;
Greenish stool with an unpleasant odor.

To diagnose pseudomembranous colitis, it is necessary to do a biochemical analysis; therapy is based on taking special drugs that can eliminate pathogenic microorganisms.

Important! It is not recommended to use the drug Loperamide in the treatment of pseudomembranous colitis at home. In this case, this medication significantly increases intoxication in the body and the risk of developing toxic megacolon.

Prevention of stomach upset after antibacterial drugs

Prophylactic methods used to prevent diarrhea after taking antibiotics are not always effective. But they make it possible to significantly minimize the negative nature of their course.

Do not take or prescribe treatment with antibacterial drugs on your own.
Stop taking antibiotics as soon as diarrhea begins.
Do not use several antibacterial drugs at once.
Follow the instructions, adhere to the treatment regimen and dosage recommended by your doctor.
After medication, dietary restrictions are necessary during the recovery period. It is recommended to minimize the consumption of fatty, spicy and intestinal-harming foods

Important! Taking antibiotics for diarrhea is allowed when loose stools are caused by a bacterial infection. But only a doctor can accurately establish this diagnosis after a series of tests.

Use natural folk remedies.
Diet for diarrhea is important; it is necessary to include foods in the menu that help restore beneficial bacteria that will fight indigestion.

Diarrhea after antibiotics, how to treat with diet?

Nutrition plays a vital role in comprehensively getting rid of loose stools.

To soothe an irritated, inflamed intestine, porridge is needed, for example, semolina, oatmeal or buckwheat.
Low-fat soups and compotes, berry jelly help well.
Doctors advise introducing foods that include pectin, such as bananas and baked apples, into the patient’s diet.
Bakery products, pastries and confectionery products should be strictly excluded from the menu. Use unsweetened crackers instead of bread.
Any meat, fish, or vegetables during the period of diarrhea should be boiled or steamed.
To normalize the level of microflora, yoghurts and kefir are very useful, preferably homemade.
For quick treatment, it is necessary to adhere to the drinking regime - you need to drink at least 2 liters of water per day, distilled water, boiled or purified with filters, is suitable for this; it is forbidden to drink raw water from the tap or any natural sources. You can also additionally drink natural freshly squeezed juice diluted with water 1:1, compote, berry jelly.

It is strictly forbidden to include in the menu products containing high levels of fiber, which in the event of irritable intestines enhance the work of peristalsis. These foods include fresh vegetables, fruits and fresh whole grain bread.

You should also not eat:

Smoked sausages;
Canned food;
Alcohol;
Spices, pickles;
Sweets, chocolate, ice cream;
Kvass, carbonated drinks.

It is also necessary to take into account that it is prohibited to consume products with food additives and dyes.

Following a diet promotes rest and restoration of the affected intestines during therapy.

During the treatment process, it is important to monitor your general health in order to respond in time to the onset of diarrhea after taking antibiotics. Even if it was not possible to prevent the occurrence of an intestinal disorder, a competent, experienced doctor will help minimize the consequences and prevent complications.

When should you see a doctor?

Quite often, with a timely response to an intestinal disorder after antibiotics, treatment of diarrhea with medications is not required; it goes away on its own, after stopping the provoking drug.

But in the case when loose stools do not go away within 2-3 days, and the condition only worsens over time, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Especially for elderly people, women during pregnancy, patients suffering from chronic heart and kidney diseases, cancer, as well as HIV-infected people.

If diarrhea is treated without consulting a doctor, on your own, this can lead to negative results for the patient’s health; only a professional physician knows how to treat this symptom correctly and quickly.

Particular care should be taken when taking antibacterial medications! Irrational, excessive use of drugs in this group can cause diarrhea, which should never be ignored. If treatment is provided in a qualified and timely manner, the disease will pass quickly and without complications.