i took a 5 day course of antibiotics and now i have nausea and loose stools, what can i do?

by Ettie Feeney 8 min read

If you feel that your nausea is not going away anytime soon, consider giving these a try:

  1. Take some probiotics Because antibiotics may harm the "good" bacteria in your stomach, which may be the root cause of your discomfort, when taken in the form of a supplement or dairy products (like yogurt) probiotics are helpful because they serve to "replace" the good bacteria that have died off.
  2. Drink ginger tea ...
  3. Eat small portions frequently ...
  4. Sip liquids ...
  5. Limit sensory input ...

Call your doctor right away if you have serious signs and symptoms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. These signs and symptoms are common to a number of conditions, so your doctor might recommend tests — such as stool or blood tests — to determine the cause.Aug 11, 2021

Full Answer

How long does it take for antibiotics to cause diarrhea?

Symptoms. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is likely to begin about a week after you start taking an antibiotic. Sometimes, however, diarrhea and other symptoms don't appear until days or even weeks after you've finished antibiotic treatment.

Can antibiotics cause nausea and upset stomach?

Answer. Antibiotics often cause side effects. Many people will complain of stomach upset or nausea while taking the antibiotics, which can usually be relieved simply by taking the antibiotics with food. This does not seem to have been your case, however, since you did fine while on the pills and are only now feeling nauseous.

What should I do if I have antibiotic-associated diarrhea?

If you have antibiotic-associated diarrhea, focus on eating low fiber foods and replacing lost fluids and nutrients. See your doctor if you have very frequent or severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or fever while taking antibiotics.

What happens if you don’t take antibiotics for a UTI?

Naturally, the most obvious sign that your UTI isn’t responding to antibiotics is the persistence of infection-related symptoms. Additionally, you might even develop new symptoms. If you have a fever (100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), lower abdominal pain, chills, nausea, or vomiting, consult a doctor immediately.

What helps diarrhea and nausea from antibiotics?

When antibiotics upset the bacterial balance, a person may experience side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea. Consuming probiotics and prebiotics during and after a course of antibiotics can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut....Fiberartichokes.bananas.berries.beans.broccoli.lentils.nuts.peas.More items...

When should you see a doctor about diarrhea from antibiotics?

When to see a doctor. Contact your doctor, or go to urgent care, if you're taking antibiotics and have the following symptoms: more than five episodes of diarrhea in a day. blood or pus in your stool.

Can antibiotics cause nausea and diarrhea?

Side effects of antibiotics that affect the digestive system include: vomiting. nausea (feeling like you may vomit) diarrhoea.

What is the most common cause of diarrhea after using antibiotics?

Since demonstration of its role in 1978, Clostridium difficile has emerged as the major enteropathogen of antibiotic associated diarrhoea. This anaerobic spore forming bacteria is responsible for 10-25% of cases of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and for virtually all cases of pseudomembranous colitis.

How long does post antibiotic diarrhea last?

Most often, antibiotic-associated diarrhea is mild and requires no treatment. The diarrhea typically clears up within a few days after you stop taking the antibiotic. More-serious antibiotic-associated diarrhea requires stopping or sometimes switching antibiotics.

What should I eat if I have diarrhea from antibiotics?

To counter a mild loss of fluids from diarrhea, drink more water or drinks that contain electrolytes. For a more severe loss, drink fluids that contain water, sugar and salt — such as oral rehydration solution. Try broth or fruit juice that isn't high in sugar.

How do I fix my gut after antibiotics?

Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and restore your gut microbiota to a healthy state. What's more, eating high-fiber foods, fermented foods and prebiotic foods after taking antibiotics may also help reestablish a healthy gut microbiota.

Is it normal to feel sick after antibiotics?

Reactions from antibiotics account for 20% of medication-related emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Common side effects of antibiotics can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and yeast infections.

What is the best probiotic for diarrhea caused by antibiotics?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii appear to be the most efficacious choice for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, while Lactobacillus casei may be the best for specifically preventing severe C. difficile-related diarrhoea.

What is C. diff stool like?

The symptoms of C. diff infections include: Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) or frequent bowel movements for several days.

Should I stop taking antibiotics if I get diarrhea?

What should you do if you get diarrhea? If you are taking an antibiotic and have mild diarrhea that is not bothersome and you are able to eat and drink without difficulty, continue to take the antibiotic as prescribed. The diarrhea should go away after the antibiotic is finished.

What gets rid of diarrhea fast?

BRAT diet A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they're starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.

What is considered severe diarrhea?

The severity of diarrhea is determined by the size and number of stools passed within a period of time. Severe diarrhea means having more than 10 loose, watery stools in a single day (24 hours). Moderate diarrhea means having more than a few but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day.

Can I take Imodium for diarrhea from antibiotics?

Remind your doctor that you have recently been on antibiotics. DO NOT take anti-diarrhea medications that you can buy without a prescription (example Imodium or Kaopectate) without first checking with your doctor. These may cause a more serious health condition.

How serious is C diff infection?

C. difficile infection that is severe and sudden, an uncommon condition, may also cause intestinal inflammation leading to enlargement of the colon (also called toxic megacolon) and sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues.

How do I restore my gut after antibiotics?

Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and restore your gut microbiota to a healthy state. What's more, eating high-fiber foods, fermented foods and prebiotic foods after taking antibiotics may also help reestablish a healthy gut microbiota.

How many times a day do you have diarrhea after taking antibiotics?

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea refers to passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day after taking medications used to treat bacterial infections (antibiotics).

What to do if you have diarrhea from antibiotics?

These signs and symptoms are common to a number of conditions, so your doctor might recommend tests — such as stool or blood tests — to determine the cause.

What causes diarrhea and cramps?

Clostridium difficile infection. C. difficile is a toxin-producing bacterium that can cause a more serious antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In addition to causing loose stools and more frequent bowel movements, C. difficile infection can cause: Lower abdominal pain and cramping. Low-grade fever.

How long does it take for diarrhea to appear after taking antibiotics?

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is likely to begin about a week after you start taking an antibiotic. Sometimes, however, diarrhea and other symptoms don't appear until days or even weeks after you've finished antibiotic treatment.

Can antibiotics cause diarrhea?

The antibiotics most likely to cause diarrhea. Nearly all antibiotics can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotics most commonly involved include: Cephalosporins, such as cefdinir and cefpodoxime. Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin.

Can you take antibiotics for a viral infection?

Take antibiotics only when necessary. Don't use antibiotics unless your doctor feels they're necessary. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, but they won't help viral infections, such as colds and flu. Ask caregivers to wash their hands.

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What to do if you have diarrhea while taking antibiotics?

If you have antibiotic-associated diarrhea, focus on eating low fiber foods and replacing lost fluids and nutrients. See your doctor if you have very frequent or severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or fever while taking antibiotics. Last medically reviewed on November 19, 2019.

How to help with diarrhea from antibiotics?

If you’re experiencing diarrhea from antibiotics, adjusting your diet may help ease your symptoms. Some general suggestions include: Eating low fiber foods. While high fiber foods are recommended when you’re healthy, eating them when you have diarrhea can make your condition worse. Replacing potassium.

Why do antibiotics cause diarrhea?

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is fairly common. It happens when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines. This can lead to digestive irritation and increase the risk of illness due to some types of harmful bacteria, such as C. diff.

What are antibiotics used for?

Other remedies. When to seek care. Prevention. Bottom line. Share on Pinterest. Antibiotics are medications that are used to treat bacterial infections. However, sometimes antibiotic treatment can lead to an unpleasant side effect — diarrhea.

How long does it take for diarrhea to develop after antibiotics?

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is defined as having loose, watery stools three or more times per day while taking antibiotics. This may begin about a week after starting antibiotics. Additionally, diarrhea can also develop in the weeks after finishing your treatment.

How to prevent C diff?

Practice good hygiene. Washing your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom , can help prevent the spread of C. diff bacteria.

How to prevent fluid loss from diarrhea?

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Broths or fruit juices that are low in sugar can also help prevent fluid loss.

How to treat diarrhea with antibiotics?

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 ...

Why is it important to stop antibiotics before an infection is cleared?

Doing so can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. Stopping antibiotics before an infection is cleared allows resistant bacteria to persist and multiply. If the infection reoccurs, the mutant strain may be fully or partially resistant to the antibiotic, making it all the more difficult to cure.

What is the first line of treatment for C. difficile?

In 2011, the antibiotic Dificid (fidaxomicin) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is today considered the first-line treatment for C. difficile -associated diarrhea. 2 . Prevention efforts would be needed to avoid the spread of infection.

What is the bad bacteria?

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 cause symptoms.

What is the most serious disease that can lead to diarrhea?

Acute C. difficile infection is a serious condition that can lead to severe diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine due to an overgrowth of C. difficile ), and a life-threatening emergency known as toxic megacolon. 1 .

What to drink to help with diarrhea?

Chicken and beef broth help to replace sodium, while fruit juice and soda pop help replace lost potassium. Because diarrhea is actually clearing the body of the infection, doctors do not usually prescribe antidiarrheal medications unless there is no other choice.

Why is it important to wash your hands when you have diarrhea?

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.

How long does diarrhea last after taking antibiotics?

For example, with mild cases of diarrhea due to antibiotic use, diarrhea can continue for as long as two weeks after you finish taking an antibiotic.

Why do people stop taking antibiotics?

Patients stopping antibiotics early due to side effects is a common occurrence. Many doctors will warn that stopping early leaves bacteria behind to grow stronger or possibly resistant to additional treatment. According to the World Health Organization, “Evidence is emerging that shorter courses of antibiotics may be just as effective as longer courses for some infections. Shorter treatments make more sense – they are more likely to be completed properly, have fewer side effects and also likely to be cheaper. They also reduce the exposure of bacteria to antibiotics, thereby reducing the speed by which the pathogen develops resistance.” ( 6)

What Is an Antibiotic?

What exactly is an antibiotic? Antibiotics definition: A drug used to treat bacterial infections. When antibiotics first came on the scene, they consisted of naturally derived substances made from a microorganism to selectively inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. Penicillin, discovered in 1926, is a perfect example. The fungi-produced antibiotic inhibited certain types of harmful bacteria. Nowadays, we have many more antibiotics on the market and a lot of them are synthetic or manmade. ( 3)

What are the most common uses of antibiotics?

Some of the most common uses of antibiotics include the treatment of acne, bronchitis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), ear infections, sexually transmitted diseases, skin infections, strep throat, traveler’s diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. ( 4)

Why are antibiotics taking longer to cure?

2. Infections Taking Longer to Cure. As a result of antibiotic use, people are taking longer to heal from infections that once were more easily treated with antibiotics. Bacterial infections like UTIs and pneumonia are now becoming much harder to treat.

How many people were infected with antibiotic resistance in 2017?

and around the world. In fact, a recent article entitled Deadly ‘Nightmare Bacteria’ Resistant to Antibiotics Infected 221 Americans in 2017, CDC Says is just one of many recent accounts of the scary antibiotic side effects.

How many people die from bacteria resistant to antibiotics?

1. Bodily Infections Resistant to Antibiotics. Each year, over 23,000 Americans are dying because of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics and the CDC is warning about resistant “nightmare bacteria” spreading throughout the country.

How to know if UTI isn't responding to antibiotics?

Naturally, the most obvious sign that your UTI isn’t responding to antibiotics is the persistence of infection-related symptoms. Additionally, you might even develop new symptoms. If you have a fever (100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), lower abdominal pain, chills, nausea, or vomiting, consult a doctor immediately.

Why do you need to finish your antibiotics?

Always finish your full antibiotics prescription to ensure the complete destruction of infection-causing germs in your system. Otherwise, symptoms of UTI and the condition itself could quickly return. Extensive research demonstrates that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are gradually reducing the effectiveness of UTI treatments.

When do UTI symptoms disappear?

As previously mentioned, antibiotics should help dissipate your UTI symptoms within one to two days. Your doctor might prescribe a treatment plan lasting anywhere from 3 to 14 days.

How long does it take for UTI to go away?

UTI symptoms tend to disappear within the first few days of taking antibiotics, but you should still finish your entire prescription. Most antibiotic treatment courses last a full week. If you’re in a tremendous amount of pain due to a UTI, your doctor may offer analgesic pain medication to help alleviate symptoms.

What is the best treatment for a UTI?

Treatment options for UTI. After diagnosing a urinary tract infection, your doctor typically prescribes antibiotics. The exact type depends on your current health and the strain of bacteria found in your urine sample. Commonly used antibiotics for UTI include: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Fosfomycin.

Can antibiotics cause UTI?

Extensive research demonstrates that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are gradually reducing the effectiveness of UTI treatments. It’s becoming increasingly common for some urinary tract infections to fail to respond to such therapy. When this occurs, the bacteria will continue to multiply, and symptoms persist.

Do analgesics numb the bladder?

Analgesics numb your bladder and urethra, while reducing discomfort during urination. Note that after contracting a urinary tract infection, your chances for developing another UTI significantly increase. About 27 percent of women report having more than two cases per year.

How long does it take for a UTI to go away?

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics targeted to treat your bacterial infection. The treatment typically lasts one to two weeks. 2 If you do not take your antibiotic correctly, the infection can return.

What to do if symptoms return after treatment?

If symptoms return when treatment is complete, talk to your medical provider as soon as possible to prevent further spread of infection.

What happens if you have a UTI?

When you have a UTI, your urethra and bladder will turn red and become irritated and inflamed. If your UTI is simple, you will likely be prescribed a course of antibiotics for your infection.

Do antibiotics help with urinary tract infections?

While antibiotics and drinking plenty of fluids help kill and flush the bacteria out from your urinary tract, some people will find that their symptoms still persist. There could be many reasons why this happens.

Can UTI be a sign of serious health issues?

If you have symptoms of a UTI, chances are that’s what you’re dealing with. In some cases, though, these symptoms can also be signs of more serious health conditions.

Can antibiotics kill bacteria?

As a result, the antibiotic medication cannot effectively kill the bacteria causing your infection.

Can you save antibiotics for another time?

Do not save antibiotics for another time or take antibiotics that were not prescribed to you

Overview

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea refers to passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day after taking medications used to treat bacterial infections (antibiotics). About 1 in 5 people who take antibiotics develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Most often, antibiotic-associated diarrhea is mild and requires no treatment. The diarrhea typically clears up within a few days after you st…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Symptoms

  • For most people, antibiotic-associated diarrhea causes mild signs and symptoms, such as: 1. Loose stools 2. More-frequent bowel movements Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is likely to begin about a week after you start taking an antibiotic. Sometimes, however, diarrhea and other symptoms don't appear until days or even weeks after you've finished antibiotic treatment.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Causes

  • Why antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs isn't completely understood. It's commonly thought to develop when antibacterial medications (antibiotics) upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Risk Factors

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can occur in anyone who takes an antibiotic. But you're more likely to develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea if you: 1. Have had antibiotic-associated diarrhea in the past 2. Have taken antibiotic medications for an extended time 3. Are taking more than one antibiotic medication
See more on mayoclinic.org

Complications

  • One of the most common complications of any type of diarrhea is extreme loss of fluids and electrolytes (dehydration). Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include a very dry mouth, intense thirst, little or no urination, dizziness, and weakness.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • To help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, try to: 1. Take antibiotics only when necessary.Don't use antibiotics unless your doctor feels they're necessary. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, but they won't help viral infections, such as colds and flu. 2. Ask caregivers to wash their hands.If you're receiving care at home or the hospi...
See more on mayoclinic.org