Antibiotics for diarrhea: drugs to treat diarrhea

Drug-induced diarrhea is an adverse reaction of the body that occurs as a result of taking certain groups of medications. If you continue to take medications, the patient experiences loose, frequent stools, sometimes accompanied by unpleasant pain and vomiting. In most cases, this condition is caused by antibiotics. In medicine, this type of diarrhea is called antibiotic-associated. In addition to antibiotics, laxatives containing magnesium, antacid medications, medications for arrhythmia and blood pressure, contraceptives, antifungals and others can lead to diarrhea. In childhood, diarrhea occurs due to taking medications with bacteria, enzymes, and intestinal antiseptics.

Causes of diarrhea

Can I have diarrhea after taking antibiotics? Unfortunately, diarrhea after antibiotics is a fairly common occurrence that many patients have experienced. In many instructions for the use of antibiotics, possible adverse reactions include a mandatory item - diarrhea.

This reaction of the body can be explained by the fact that when antibiotics are taken orally in the form of a capsule or tablet, not only pathogenic bacteria are suppressed, but also beneficial ones, on which the quality of intestinal function directly depends. As a result of this negative effect, the intestinal microflora changes rapidly, new strains of bacteria arise, leading to bouts of diarrhea.

In medical language, this side effect of medications is called antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Can I have diarrhea after taking antibiotics? The risk of an adverse reaction in the form of diarrhea increases significantly with:

use of antibiotics by older people;
taking antibiotics in the presence of acute and chronic diseases of the digestive system, as well as other somatic pathologies that affect the state of the immune system;
abuse of antibiotics and exceeding the prescribed dose;
if you do not comply with the terms of taking the antibiotic or changing it without the doctor’s permission.

Diarrhea may occur on the first day of taking medication. If you find stool of altered consistency, you don’t need to worry right away, since you can restore the normal functioning of the digestive system and get rid of unpleasant symptoms in different ways.

Why does taking antibiotics cause diarrhea?

After a course of antibiotic therapy, all microbes die out, including symbionts. A holy place is never empty - the free areas of the intestine are actively colonized by pathogenic microflora. Anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium are especially dangerous. They are in no hurry to help digest complex carbohydrates - fiber, starch, but act like invaders on foreign territory: they destroy the protective mucous membrane of the intestines, poisoning the colon with their toxins. Toxins are carried throughout the body through the bloodstream. The local process becomes general, body temperature rises, nausea and weakness appear. Unprocessed carbohydrates accumulate in the intestines. This attracts the attention of “looters”—yeasts that utilize carbohydrates, releasing alcohol and other harmful substances.

The most harmful clostridia cause pseudomembranous colitis. The disease has been known since the 50s of the last century; its spread coincided with the heyday of the era of mass use of antimicrobial medications. Most often, such a pathology while taking antibiotics occurs in adult patients over 50 years of age who have been in hospitals for a long time. In clostridial colitis, the intestinal wall undergoes necrosis. Deep ulcers and purulent infiltrates form at the site of the lesion. The function of the organ is completely disrupted; accordingly, the food lump quickly “flies” through the thick section and “enriches” itself with blood, pus, and mucus along the way. The bowel disorder is permanent. Symptoms of the extreme form of clostridial intestinal damage: mucous, foul-smelling diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dehydration.

Diarrhea after antibiotics develops in approximately 35% of cases. According to doctors' observations, a quarter of them are Amoxicillin, a fifth are Cefixime. Only 5% of diarrhea when taking antibiotics is provoked by Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones.

Diarrhea from antibiotics may not occur immediately, but within 2 days to 2 months. In more than half of cases, diarrhea in adults goes away on its own after stopping taking the medication. The method of administration of the drug - orally, intramuscularly, intravenously - does not affect the degree and severity of the consequences.

The development of intestinal dysbiosis is also caused by other conditionally pathogenic microbes, which are found in the amount of 2-3% of the total number of bacteria in a healthy intestine. These include Klebsiella, staphylococcus, salmonella, and candida. They provoke mild loose stools, which are quickly eliminated after discontinuation of antibiotics and minor dietary adjustments.

How to help the patient?

What to do - diarrhea after taking an antibiotic? The human intestinal microflora returns to normal over time on its own. But as many people know, during diarrhea, beneficial substances that are responsible for the accelerated restoration of intestinal flora are washed out of the patient’s body along with the liquid. As a result of the described processes, the microflora cannot return to normal for a long time.

Treatment of diarrhea after taking antibiotics in adults and children should be comprehensive. This is the only way to achieve a quick recovery without consequences for the body.

Drug treatment for diarrhea

For diarrhea caused by antibacterial therapy, drug treatment is resorted to. The following drugs are usually preferred:

Linux. Results when taking this medication are achieved in 3-5 days. Linex is a probiotic, that is, its composition is represented by lacto- and bifidobacteria, which are part of the natural intestinal microflora. This drug is included in the treatment of both adults and children.
Hilak Forte. This antidiarrheal drug can be taken at any age, even infancy.
Bifidumbacterin. This drug normalizes intestinal microflora and is an immunomodulatory agent.
Loperamide. This drug should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. It is contraindicated for pseudomembranous colitis and gastrointestinal infections. Loperamide can be taken at the same time as probiotics.
Ersefuril. This drug is prescribed if there is an intestinal infection. The medicine provides an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.

Due to dehydration of the body due to diarrhea, it is necessary to restore the water-salt balance. To do this, they usually resort to Regidron. Its dosage depends on the characteristics of the patient’s condition, as well as his age and weight (important for children).

If diarrhea is caused by pseudomembranous colitis, then discontinuation of the drug that led to the development of this pathology is necessary. A different antibiotic and antiprotozoal agent must be prescribed to reduce the number of the causative bacteria and stop its further growth.

With pseudomembranous colitis, it is necessary to remove waste products of the pathogen and toxins from the body. Enterosorbents are used for this. The most popular group of such drugs consists of activated carbon, Smecta, Enterosgel, Polysorb. When taken internally, these drugs absorb harmful substances and then excrete them along with feces.

A doctor should prescribe antidiarrheal drugs. He will determine the cause of diarrhea and the appropriate medicine in a particular case. It may be necessary to discontinue the antibiotic or replace it with another medication.

Proper nutrition and special diet

You can eliminate watery diarrhea after taking antibiotics in an adult and restore intestinal function in the first days of diarrhea progression using various porridges of liquid consistency. Semolina, grated buckwheat porridge, rice-based soups and steam omelettes are good for this. Sweet berries and fruits with an astringent effect will bring benefits.

Nutritionists recommend including bananas, baked apples and boiled eggs in your daily diet, which contain a huge amount of useful pectin. It is recommended to replace bread with unsweetened crackers prepared at home.

How to stop diarrhea after taking antibiotics? Experts advise completely eliminating from the diet foods containing fiber, baked goods, milk and its analogues. They can severely irritate the intestines and make diarrhea worse.

Over time, the diet can be expanded by adding steamed meat or fish cutlets, soups with vegetables, crumbly porridges, excluding pearl barley and millet. The intestinal microflora will benefit from yoghurts with a balanced composition, which are consumed every day from the first days of diarrhea.

You can return baked goods only 7 days after your condition improves. Particular attention should be paid to the drinking regime throughout the entire treatment. At this time, you should increase the amount of fluid you drink per day to three liters. Both drinking purified water and sweetened compote with natural juice are suitable for this.

Are antibacterial drugs always necessary?

You need to drink sorbents throughout the entire course of treatment. This could be Smecta or activated carbon. Take them one sachet or 2 tablets three times a day. Just not immediately after taking the medication, maintain a certain interval.

As a rule, such information is necessarily contained in the instructions. Sorbents will help remove toxins and protect microflora. Also, in order to mitigate the effects of antibiotics, it is recommended to take the fermented milk product “Narine” throughout the entire period of treatment and recovery after it.

Diarrhea when taking antibiotics in an adult is common, but fairly easy to avoid. The main thing is to get useful information, and with such questions it is best to contact a specialist. Be healthy!

When diarrhea is caused by mild poisoning from expired products, and the number of trips to the toilet does not exceed 3-4 times with characteristic loose stools, a person will be able to cope with the problem on his own. The use of sorbents and the consumption of large amounts of liquid are sufficient to restore the water balance in the body. Antibiotics are sometimes needed for diarrhea in children and adults. Antibacterial therapy is used in the following cases:

for signs of dysentery caused by Shigella infection. The cause is considered to be dirty hands, unwashed vegetables and fruits. Toxins produced by microbes poison the body, affecting the colon;
salmonellosis. The salmonella bacterium is transmitted through household contact. Contaminated water or poor personal hygiene can become the root cause of infection;
Typhoid fever is caused by bacilli. Can affect the intestinal microflora and disrupt absorption;
Escherichiosis. Microorganisms are present in the human intestinal microflora and are completely natural; when a pathogenic bacillus enters, a disease develops;
cholera. Gastrointestinal disease is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea and disruption of the body. Cholera is life-threatening and requires treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Microorganisms of intestinal infection can be transmitted through household means. To avoid infecting others, contact your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

Change in stool color. A greenish or black tint, foam or mucous discharge is a clear sign of the presence of an infectious pathogen.
Prolonged body weakness and fatigue. The body spends resources to restore the normal environment in the intestines, the patient feels weakness in the legs and malaise.
Frequent pain in the abdominal area. The pain syndrome is of a twisting nature, sometimes sharp pain appears.
Alternating diarrhea and constipation indicates impaired intestinal metabolism.

For diarrhea in adults, various medications are used. You should not go to the pharmacy with a list of medications that you prescribed yourself. Only a doctor can prescribe antimicrobial medications. Treatment is not limited to the use of antimicrobial drugs only. Antibiotics are combined with antidiarrheal medications, such as Loperamide.

The use of antibiotic therapy will be more productive if, before prescribing, the doctor sends the patient for laboratory tests to identify the cause of diarrhea. Simple tests in the form of a blood test, coprogram and culture for bacteria are sufficient. The latter laboratory procedure gives the most accurate result, allowing the pathogen to be placed in a favorable environment, then sensitivity to antibiotics can be determined. Thanks to tank sowing, a person can count on a speedy recovery.

The first manifestations of diarrhea are not a reason to take antibacterial agents. In some cases, they are useless and will not give the patient anything other than disrupted intestinal microflora. A course of antibiotic therapy is advisable if the bacterial nature of the disease is identified. For intestinal poisoning, drugs are not prescribed. The action of this group of drugs is aimed at destroying microorganisms, but it is not localized, and beneficial organisms suffer.

Antibiotic treatment involves several basic rules:

You cannot start a course of antibiotic therapy on your own.
It is forbidden to increase the dose prescribed by the doctor without prescription.
The medications should be taken after meals, this will help avoid attacks of nausea.
Drink plenty of water.
Do not interrupt the course without indications.

Viral infections. The symptoms of such pathogens are similar to bacterial ones, but antibiotics will not help. They will only destroy the lactobacilli necessary for the intestines; they will not bring any benefit. Rehydration therapy is necessary to treat infectious forms of diarrhea.
Poisoning. Intoxication of the body is caused by toxins. Sorbents that attract toxic substances like a magnet will help remove them.

Antibiotics are prescribed when the benefit outweighs the risk of possible side effects. Drugs are contraindicated:

for allergic reactions;
individual intolerance;
in late pregnancy.

Diarrheal syndrome is life-threatening. Risks dehydration and impaired digestive function. You should not put off going to the doctor if there are signs of intoxication in the body.

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.

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.

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 prohibited 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.

In addition, these medications should not be taken for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, when the disease is triggered by taking medications. In this case, normal natural microflora may die and lead to changes in carbohydrate metabolism. This can provoke osmotic diarrhea, which will become a favorable factor for the development of pathogenic microorganisms that are dangerous to the body.

Diarrhea is not classified as a separate disease. This is only a symptom indicating that the digestive system is disturbed. Due to accelerated intestinal peristalsis, which is necessary for the rapid removal of toxins from the body, the stool becomes liquid, watery, and the urge to defecate can be bothersome up to 10 times a day.

development of dysbiosis due to poor diet or taking certain groups of medications;
infection with a viral infection (rotavirus, enterovirus, calicivirus);
disturbance of intestinal motility due to the activity of helminths (worms);
inflammatory processes affecting the small or large intestine;
bacterial infection;
binge eating;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastrointestinal tract (lactase deficiency, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), atrophic gastritis);
hormonal disorders - thyrotoxicosis (hyperfunction of the thyroid gland), diabetes mellitus;
allergic reactions.

Folk remedies for treatment

How to treat diarrhea after taking antibiotics? A good effect in the treatment of diarrhea can be achieved from traditional medicine. Infusions and products made from medicinal herbs produce a sorbing and astringent effect, thereby restoring the balance of the intestines. The most effective recipes for decoctions and herbal infusions:

Rice water. To prepare the broth, place the rice in a saucepan, add four glasses of clean water and cook until fully cooked. At the end, the product is filtered, and the finished liquid is consumed every three hours, 150 grams.
Oak bark, dry calamus leaves. To prepare the product, take 250 milliliters of boiling water and add equal amounts of oak bark and dry calamus leaves. Leave for 45 minutes. The finished infusion is drunk three times a day, 100 ml per day before meals.
Pomegranate peels. Boil a teaspoon of crushed dry pomegranate peels in a glass of water over low heat. Boil for five minutes. Take 150 ml 15 minutes before meals.
Herbal infusion. Take 4 tablespoons of plantain, lingonberry leaf, rowan berries, mint, eucalyptus leaves. The mixture is boiled in a liter of water for one minute, filtered, and left for 60 minutes. Take 30 ml seven times a day.

You can restore the body's immune system with infusions of yarrow, nettle, mint, St. John's wort, and cinquefoil. To prepare the healing properties, simply pour a small amount of the selected herb into a glass of hot water, cool to room temperature and use the finished product throughout the day.

If diarrhea goes away without inflammation and does not provoke an increase in body temperature, then folk remedies will help quickly restore intestinal function, returning it to its previous state.

First aid

The first episode of diarrhea should alert the patient, but it is too early to panic. From now on, you need to carefully monitor your condition. Common symptoms that indicate the need for medical attention include:

high temperature;
weakness in the body;
loss of appetite;
nausea and frequent episodes of vomiting;
severe abdominal pain that is constant.

But the main alarming symptom is a change in the color and contents of stool. The presence of a bacterial infection may be indicated by green or black stool, watery diarrhea, mucus or streaks of blood.

Black diarrhea can be a sign not only of an intestinal infection, but also of internal bleeding. If you notice this symptom, you should immediately call an ambulance.

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:

Infants. This age category requires emergency medical care. Especially when observing signs of dehydration: fainting, dry skin, weight loss, lethargy, weakness.
Child under 18 years of age. You need to consult a local pediatrician who will prescribe a suitable treatment method. At a young age, the child’s gastrointestinal tract is not fully formed. In order not to cause complications, you should use only medications prescribed by your local doctor.
Adults. If an adult has symptoms, you should also consult a doctor immediately. If the frequency of stools is less than five times a day, there is no suspicion of pseudomembranous ulcerative colitis, drink 1-2 capsules of Loperamide before taking it. After taking this drug, the condition significantly improves. Seeing a doctor is mandatory if you have symptoms: nausea, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea that does not go away.

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

During loose stools, dehydration occurs and, therefore, the water balance is disturbed. Its recovery is based on saturating the body with water. You should drink up to 3 liters of water per day. It is advisable to remove fiber, flour, and fruits from your daily diet. The influence of the above products is undesirable in case of illness.

The human intestinal microflora is capable of self-recovery over time. But it is known that during diarrhea, bacteria are washed out of the body along with the excreted fluid, so the natural restoration of the flora can be slow.

How to treat diarrhea after taking antibiotics in an adult? What should you do to restore intestinal balance?

Treatment must be comprehensive; this is the only way to achieve recovery.

Viscous liquid porridges - semolina and pureed buckwheat, steamed omelettes, rice soups - will help normalize stool and improve intestinal motility in the first days of diarrhea. Jelly made from sweet berries and fruits is useful; they also have an astringent effect.

Liquid, viscous porridges help to establish intestinal motility.
Bananas containing pectin, baked apples, and boiled eggs should be on the menu daily. Bread should be replaced with unsweetened homemade crackers.

It is not recommended to consume foods containing fiber, baked goods, milk and dairy products. They can irritate the intestines and worsen bouts of diarrhea.

Gradually, you can diversify the menu with steamed meat or fish cutlets, vegetable soups, crumbly porridges (except millet and pearl barley).

Yogurt is beneficial for intestinal flora and can be consumed daily from the first days of imbalance.

Yogurt is good for intestinal flora

The ban on eating bread is lifted a week after improvement.

Proper drinking regimen plays a major role in treatment. During this period, fluid intake should be increased to 3 liters per day. Both clean drinking water and unsweetened compote or diluted natural juice are suitable.

Fluid intake should be increased to 3 liters per day.
Old herbalists suggest making and using infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs to relieve symptoms, which has a sorbent and astringent effect, and also restores intestinal balance.

Recipes for infusions and decoctions:

To prepare rice water, you need to cook half a glass of rice in 4 glasses of water until the rice is cooked until tender. Strain and drink 150 g every 3 hours.
Infuse crushed oak bark and dry calamus leaves (equal parts) in 250 ml of boiling water for 45 minutes. Take 100 ml three times a day before meals.
Boil 1 teaspoon of crushed dry pomegranate peels in a glass of water at a low boil for 5 minutes. Take 150 ml 15 minutes before meals.
4 tbsp. l. collection of dry herbs (3 parts plantain, lingonberry leaf, two parts rowan berries, mint herb and eucalyptus leaves), boil in a liter of water for 1 minute, strain after infusing for an hour. Drink 30 ml seven times a day.

Infusions of St. John's wort, yarrow, nettle, mint, and cinquefoil are considered a good way to increase local immunity. It is enough to brew a small amount of herb in a glass of boiling water, cool and drink the resulting infusion throughout the day.

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If diarrhea occurs without inflammatory processes and is not accompanied by an increase in temperature, then folk remedies will help return the intestines to their previous mode of operation.

Medicines should be used under the supervision of a specialist. When seeking help at the clinic, it is important to inform the doctor about taking antibiotics. Then the doctor will explain how to treat diarrhea after antibiotics in an adult, and what to do to relieve acute symptoms.

Important! You cannot begin drug treatment without making a correct diagnosis. Only a doctor can prescribe medications to treat diarrhea.

Despite the fact that diarrhea can often go away on its own and not cause serious consequences, in some cases its manifestation requires urgent attention from a doctor.

If diarrhea begins while taking antibiotics, then everyone needs to consult a doctor, but especially pregnant women, patients with kidney or heart failure, cancer patients, and HIV-infected people.

Calling a doctor is necessary if:

intestinal upset gets worse over time;
cramps and cramps occur in the abdomen;
the temperature rises against the background of general weakness of the body;
stool is a green liquid with traces of mucus and blood.

It is important to know! Self-medication in the above cases is dangerous. Lack of qualified assistance can lead to irreversible consequences.

If the temperature rises and general weakness, a call to the doctor is necessary.
Only the correct dose of medication selected by the doctor will help avoid consequences such as diarrhea after antibiotics in an adult. Only a specialist can advise what to do in such cases.

In most cases, diarrhea can stop quickly with proper treatment. In some cases, it can develop into pseudomembranous colitis, a severe infectious disease that can be fatal if left untreated.

Treatment with medications

If diarrhea begins after taking antibiotics, then medications will help restore the body’s condition. Their use must be accompanied by the supervision of a treating specialist. When seeking help at a clinic, it is important to inform the specialist about taking antibiotics. Only after this will the doctor be able to understand how to further treat diarrhea and how to get rid of acute symptoms.

It is forbidden to start using medications on your own without visiting a doctor and making an accurate diagnosis. Only a specialist will be able to select effective medications to treat the ailment and prevent various complications.

Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea

The following rules can prevent the negative consequences of taking antibiotics:

Take medications prescribed by your doctor after a series of tests for the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to antibiotics. Self-diagnosis based on personal feelings, the experience of friends, and information from the Internet often turns out to be erroneous. People start taking antibiotics due to a viral illness, for which they are useless.
Eat vegetables, fruits, buckwheat porridge, oats, peas, and bran bread.
Make it a rule to drink a glass of fermented milk drink 2 hours before bedtime.
Strengthen the immune system through moderate hardening, age-appropriate physical training, and a rational regime of work and rest.
Regularly undergo medical examinations for early detection of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and other body systems.

Bacteria and microscopic fungi are the oldest inhabitants of the planet. The symbionts, having adapted to life inside humans, protect their possessions from the penetration of “strangers.” Antibiotics make significant gaps in the ranks of the defenders and open the gates for uninvited guests. Diarrhea that occurs during antibiotic therapy can be cured by using probiotics, a fiber-rich diet, and strengthening the immune system.

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Enterosorbents and probiotics

In pharmacies you can find a huge number of medications that effectively fight diarrhea. According to their composition and principle of action, all drugs can be classified into:

enterosorbents – products characterized by a sorbing effect;
probiotics – they contain beneficial bacteria that are so important for the normal functioning of the intestines.

Medicines from the group of enterosorbents retain and remove waste products of bacteria and toxins from the human body. These include activated carbon, Polysorb, Smecta, and Enterosgel suspension. All the drugs described absorb decay products and toxins, quickly cleanse the intestinal microflora and prevent the spread of the infectious process throughout the body.

From the group of antibiotics we can distinguish “Linex”, a well-known and frequently taken medication for many patients. It helps to quickly restore the body and eliminate the infection. Particular attention should be paid to the new generation medicine “Rioflora Balance Neo”. Unlike Linex, it contains 9 strains of living beneficial bacteria. In addition, it has a healing effect and helps eliminate wounds and ulcers from the intestinal walls that occur during diarrhea.

Without a prescription, each patient can purchase the following medications at the pharmacy to combat diarrhea: “Hilak Forte”, probiotics “Bifiform”, “Bifidumbacterin”.

Loperamide is often prescribed to patients with diarrhea. But a good effect from it can be achieved only for diseases of mild to moderate severity. The drug will not be able to cope with serious disorders. The effect of the medication will be much stronger if you use it together with probiotics.

If an adult has severe diarrhea as a result of taking the antibiotic Loperamide, the pathology can only worsen, since the drug leads to a reduction in intestinal motility and slows down the process of removing toxins from the body, which is dangerous due to serious intoxication.

The course of treatment with probiotics continues for 14 days after the antibiotics have ended.

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, which makes 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.

How to prevent diarrhea?

Is it possible to prevent the occurrence of diarrhea when taking antibiotics, so as not to have to treat it in the future? You can take care of the normal functioning of the intestines and stable bowel movements even at the beginning of taking antibacterial agents.

It is important to remember that diarrhea in most cases begins after taking antibiotics such as aminoglycosides and tetracyclines. The wider the spectrum of antibiotic exposure, the higher the risk of developing diarrhea.

In order to significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea, it is important to start using probiotics from the group of synbiotics (for example, Laminolact) together with antibiotics. The bacteria found in such products help microorganisms to normally tolerate the negative effects of antibiotics on the intestinal microflora. At this time, it is recommended to add natural yogurt and low-fat kefir to the daily menu, but get rid of all fried, spicy, salty, smoked foods.

Only comprehensive treatment of diarrhea after taking antibiotics in a child and an adult will help maintain the condition of the intestinal microflora and prevent problems with stool. It is equally important to strictly adhere to the dose of the antibiotic used. If you follow the regimen of taking the drug, you can easily prevent an overdose and reduce the risk of negative consequences.

Causes of diarrhea after taking antibiotics

Antibacterial therapy can provoke diarrhea for several reasons:

Some antibiotics have a laxative effect due to increased intestinal motility. This effect is inherent in some macrolide drugs. In this case, diarrhea is mild and stops after taking the antibiotic.
The main cause of diarrhea after antibiotic therapy is intestinal dysbiosis. Antibiotics have a strong effect, but they destroy not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also lacto- and bifidobacteria necessary for the intestines. As a result, an imbalance of intestinal microflora develops, to which the body reacts with diarrhea.
Antibacterial therapy can lead to inhibition of the growth of normal intestinal microflora or cause the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in certain areas of the organ. This undesirable effect can be caused by tetracycline drugs or aminoglycosides.
Pseudomembranous colitis. This pathology can develop during antibacterial therapy due to the death of beneficial bacteria. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Clostridium. In this case, the person suffers from severe diarrhea, accompanied by weakness, pain in the abdomen and fever.

The risk of diarrhea during antibiotic therapy depends on the type of medication used. More often, diarrhea is caused by treatment with amoxicillin or cefixime.

Diarrhea is usually caused by oral antibiotics, although this side effect can also occur after parenteral or transvaginal use.

The likelihood of developing diarrhea during antibiotic therapy increases with age. The risk group also includes the presence of the following factors:

taking antibiotics in high dosages;
the presence of acute or chronic pathology of the digestive system;
somatic diseases that reduce immunity;
Violation of the medication regimen (replacement of the drug, failure to comply with the dosage schedule).

Pseudomembranous colitis

Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe form of intestinal disorder that is associated with long-term use of antibiotics. This type of disease is fatal to humans and occurs as a result of the proliferation of microbes of the species Clostridium difficile.

During normal intestinal function, microorganisms of this type cannot multiply, as they are blocked by the moving beneficial bacteria. When problems arise with the microflora of an organ under the influence of antibiotics, beneficial bacteria quickly die, which leads to the growth of a pathogenic environment.

As a result, Clostridium bacteria reach a critical point in the body, and their waste products begin to poison the intestines.

Colitis of the pseudomembranous type can be identified if the patient has the following symptoms of malaise:

diarrhea that is thin in consistency and frequent (sometimes the urge to defecate appears 20 times a day);
over time, the stool becomes watery with inclusions of thick mucus, sometimes blood, changes its color, and begins to emit an unpleasant odor;
body temperature rises for no reason;
cutting pains appear in the abdomen;
attacks of vomiting and nausea occur;
characteristic weakness of the body.

Diagnosis of the described disease is carried out through biochemical analysis. If the presence of the disease is confirmed, the doctor prescribes antibiotics that are aimed at eliminating pathogenic bacteria.

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

Treatment of the liver after antibiotics

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.

Who is at risk?

Negative consequences are typical for the following groups of people:

elderly age;
chronic and acute diseases leading to decreased immune defense;
if while taking antibiotics you were also taking laxatives;
a person cannot eat food on his own and is fed through a tube;
when using antibiotics while bearing a child or breastfeeding;
taking antibiotics together with anti-cancer medications;
if the patient has HIV infection.

Review of antibiotics with good systemic diffusion

There are a number of antibiotics with good systemic diffusion. They are often used for diseases and are indispensable assistants in the fight against bacterial pathogens. The class of antimicrobial drugs is considered powerful; their action is based on the destruction of microflora. But antibiotics affect pathogenic microorganisms and beneficial ones. The drugs do not have selective ability; a course of medication can bring a number of problems that cause intestinal dysbiosis. To avoid the development of such troubles, it is advisable to use antimicrobial drugs simultaneously with tablets that restore microflora - prebiotics.

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Based on the etiological causes of diarrhea, the use of several medications is acceptable:

Amoxicillin is considered a universal drug against infections of various kinds. Amoxicillin for diarrhea is prescribed in a course of 3 to 4 days. During the period of service to humanity, amoxicillin has established itself as a highly effective drug from the penicillin class. During the use of the medicine, some strains of bacteria have developed immunity to its action.
Levomycetin. A bacterial infection susceptible to chloramphenicol dies in the body within a week. A cheap and effective drug is in the public domain. Resistance of microorganisms to the drug develops slowly.
Metronidazole. It is included in the category of powerful antibacterial agents, capable of killing microbes in a short period of time - about 3 days. It has a number of contraindications, but has proven itself in the gynecological field.
Ciprofloxacin. The minimum period for taking the drug is 5 days with mandatory regularity. The drug effectively eliminates pathogenic microflora.

Self-treatment with antibiotics is not recommended. Each drug has a number of contraindications and complications in case of overdose. The daily dose of medications or injections is prescribed by a competent doctor, who writes a prescription based on the individual characteristics of the course of the disease and the patient’s condition. After starting a course of antibiotics, the symptoms of the disease disappear and the condition improves noticeably. This does not mean that complete recovery has occurred. During the first days, diarrhea subsides, but the course must be completed to the end. Interruption of treatment without reason is fraught with relapse, which can occur with complications.

It is important to adhere to basic nutritional standards in the treatment of diarrhea. We are not talking about a special diet, but treatment will be effective and fruitful with a balanced diet.

During an exacerbation, when the intestines are irritated by bacteria, it is necessary to avoid food that takes a long time to digest. At this stage, the main goal of the gastrointestinal tract is restoration and normalization of microflora. The less time it takes to digest food, the more energy the body will spend on recovery.

Try to temporarily avoid spicy, hot or fried foods that irritate the stomach walls.

What information is missing from the article?

What frequency of bowel movements is considered normal and what is considered a disease?
More recipes to stop diarrhea at home
Description of cases for contacting a doctor
Review of drugs
Is the disease serious?

When does a doctor's help become mandatory?

And although diarrhea often goes away on its own and does not lead to any special complications, in some cases its appearance requires mandatory assistance from a doctor. If diarrhea appears as a result of taking antibiotics, then every patient needs to consult a doctor, especially pregnant women with kidney disease, heart disease, cancer patients and HIV-infected people.

You should definitely see a doctor if:

intestinal upset only gets worse over time;
cramps and pain appear in the abdomen;
increased body temperature, general weakness of the body;
green impurities in the stool with traces of blood and mucus.

Self-treatment of diarrhea after taking antibiotics in all the cases described above is considered dangerous. If you do not provide the patient with qualified assistance, the result may be irreversible. When the first symptoms of illness appear, it is important to immediately consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

Medical indications

Antibiotics for diarrhea in children and adults are prescribed only when a bacterial infection, pathogenic E. coli, penetrates.
There are certain diseases that, if detected, require strong medications:

dysentery;
salmonellosis;
typhoid fever;
Escherichiosis;
cholera.

Dysentery is an infectious disease caused by the Shigella bacteria. Infection occurs when personal hygiene rules are not followed, unwashed vegetables, fruits, and dirty water are consumed. Dysentery is accompanied by fever, pain in the abdomen, and frequent loose stools mixed with blood and mucus.

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the ingestion of bacilli through contact and household contact. The distinctive symptoms of the pathology are vomiting, hyperthermia, bloating, pale complexion, lack of appetite, headaches, the appearance of a rash on the body, and swelling of the tongue. With typhoid fever, damage to the intestinal walls occurs.

Eschechiriosis is an infection caused by E. coli entering the body through contact and household contact. The disease is accompanied by weakness, fever, sharp recurring pain, and the release of copious watery feces. With eschechiriasis, damage to the walls of the small intestine occurs without the release of toxins.

Cholera is an epidemiological infection, which is contracted through the consumption of dirty water and food. The disease has pronounced symptomatic signs: frequent vomiting, loose stools up to 20 times a day, muscle cramps, severe thirst.

Today, there are many different broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs for medical treatment of diarrhea, but not all of them can work well against various forms of infections and viruses that cause this disease.

The most effective are:

Levomycetin is one of the best antibacterial drugs, acting against a large number of different groups of infectious pathogens. This remedy should be taken 1 t. 2 - 3 r. per day for 5 – 7 days;
Metronidazole is a broad-spectrum agent against many different pathogenic microorganisms. The drug is taken 1 t. 2 r. per day for about 3 – 4 days;
ciprofloxacin is a strong antibacterial drug that acts against pathogens of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. It is recommended to take 1 t. 2 - 3 r. per day for 5 – 6 days;
amoxicillin is a well-proven antibacterial agent that acts against various types of intestinal infections. The drug should be taken 1 t. 2 r. per day 3 – 4 days.

Attention: it is not recommended to take more than 2 antibacterial agents at the same time, so as not to provoke the development of unwanted complications (dysbacteriosis, gastritis, stomach ulcers).

In this article, we found out the advisability of taking antibiotics for diarrhea.

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So what to do if diarrhea occurs after antibiotics? First, let's talk about non-drug treatment.

First of all, it is necessary to adjust the dose of the drug.

If diarrhea was caused by self-medication with antibiotics and their uncontrolled and irrational use, then it is recommended to discontinue the drug altogether.

During diarrhea, along with feces, the body loses a large amount of fluid, and, therefore, a necessary condition in such a situation is to maintain the body’s water balance and use an increased amount of water per day for this purpose - about 3 liters.

In addition, you should avoid eating fruits, flour products, and foods high in fiber, since they all stimulate intestinal motility, which is, of course, undesirable during the period of diarrhea, as this only aggravates its manifestations.

Herbal medicine will be a good help in the fight against antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Herbs such as cinquefoil and oak bark have excellent anti-inflammatory, soothing and astringent properties.

It is enough to brew a couple of tablespoons of the herb in a glass of boiling water and drink the cooled decoction. St. John's wort, yarrow and nettle can increase local immunity and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Decoctions from them should be prepared in the manner indicated above.

Antibiotics are also in demand for diarrhea caused by the activation of opportunistic bacteria. These microorganisms “sleep” peacefully in the large intestine without causing harm to humans. But as soon as the immune defense is weakened, the bacteria begin to move up towards the small intestine, and their numbers increase significantly.

Antibiotics for diarrhea in adults are also used in the following cases:

at the initial stage of treatment of diarrhea, the cause of which could not be immediately identified;
with diarrhea that occurs when moving to another climate zone;
to suppress secondary bacterial infection that complicates viral intestinal pathology.

Even broad-spectrum antibiotics are ineffective for toxic or drug-induced diarrhea and alcohol poisoning. Moreover, they can increase the intensity of diarrhea due to the death of beneficial bifidobacteria in the intestines.

Before treating diarrhea with antibiotics, a number of studies are carried out to determine the species of the infectious pathogen. Most often, biological samples are inoculated in nutrient media in the laboratory. Then, based on the type and number of colonies grown, the type of pathogenic bacteria is determined.

The research results allow us to determine with high accuracy:

species of infectious agents;
their resistance (resistance) to antibiotics;
severity of the pathological process.

But such an analysis can take from 1 to 3 days. Therefore, doctors do not wait for its results, but prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics for diarrhea, to which most bacteria are sensitive. After deciphering the research results, appropriate adjustments are made to the treatment regimens.

When taking antibiotics, you must adhere to the doctor's recommendations and instructions for use:

It is better to take medications after meals or while eating;
treatment should not be stopped when diarrhea and other symptoms of intestinal infection subside, otherwise the remaining bacteria will become active again;
Take the tablet only with clean water.

The average duration of a course of antibiotic therapy is a week. If after 3 days of treatment your health does not improve, diarrhea does not subside, you should consult a doctor. He will clarify the diagnosis, change the dosage or prescribe a different antibiotic.

For adults

Any antibiotics for diarrhea in adults should be taken in accordance with the dosage regimen determined by the doctor.

As a rule, broad-spectrum drugs are used first:

amphenicols - Chloramphenicol (Levomycetin, Syntomycin). The drugs are active against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as spirochetes, rickettsia, and some types of viruses;
quinolones - Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Lomefloxacin. Anaerobes have no resistance to them. Antibiotics destroy staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia, clostridia, klebsiella;
semisynthetic penicillins protected with clavulanic acid - Augmentin, Panclave, Amoxiclav. The drugs are effective against all types of bacterial infections, so there is usually no need to adjust regimens after test results are received. Amoxiclav for diarrhea in adults is used in the form of capsules, and a sweet suspension is produced for the treatment of children.

At the same time, antimicrobial agents are prescribed for diarrhea - Furazolidone, Metronidazole, Biseptol. They enhance the effect of antibiotics and prolong their therapeutic effects.

For children

For diarrhea in children, antibiotics are used in exceptional cases, for example, for salmonellosis or typhoid fever. The same drugs are used as for adults in reduced dosages. Doctors prefer semisynthetic penicillins with clavulanic acid. The famous pediatrician Komarovsky considers Panklav, Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Flemoklav the safest. Such antibiotics are indispensable for diarrhea and fever, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence.

Antibiotics for diarrhea in adults are used in the treatment of intestinal infections - salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever, and escherichiosis. Without these drugs, pathogenic bacteria will begin to grow, multiply, and spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. But with a mild course of the disease in adults, doctors prefer not to treat diarrhea with antibiotics on the first day. After all, along with liquid feces, infectious agents are also removed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Children are prescribed antibiotics immediately to prevent the development of the most dangerous condition for them - dehydration, loss of important macro- and microelements.

An absolute contraindication to the treatment of diarrhea with antibacterial agents is individual intolerance to the ingredients. Many antibiotics are prohibited from taking in childhood, pregnancy and lactation. If you have severe liver and kidney diseases, you should consult a doctor.

Taking antibiotics for diarrhea of unknown etiology lasts no more than 3 days. The lack of improvement indicates the non-bacterial nature of the disease or the resistance of the pathogen to this drug. The medicine is discontinued and another is prescribed.

Diarrhea can lead to a lot of unpleasant consequences, although it is not itself the root cause of a person’s pathological condition. Diarrhea is a consequence of impaired functioning of the body and is not always associated with a bacterial pathogen. Antibiotics are justified when dangerous symptoms of pathological processes are observed, including:

Bloody discharge during defecation.
Frequent vomiting.
High temperature, febrile condition.
Going to the toilet more than 10 times a day.
Loose stools last longer than two weeks.

Salmonellosis

Causes of diarrhea in adults requiring antibiotic treatment

Often, the causes of diarrhea that require treatment with antibiotics are due to various bacterial infections. The main cause of infection is contaminated water or food, lack of hygiene, contact with contaminated cutlery and other surfaces.

Alarming symptoms: pain in the intestines, mucous discharge during diarrhea, blood in the stool. Pay attention to the duration of symptoms. An accurate description of them will help the doctor quickly narrow down the range of pathogens and prescribe the correct tests to determine treatment.

Antibiotics for diarrhea are prescribed in the following cases:

Dysentery. The causative agent is a bacterium of the genus Shigella. The toxin it produces affects the colon, causing prolonged diarrhea. The urge occurs up to 20 times a day, depending on the severity of the disease. Lethargy and hypothermia occur. The duration of the acute stage varies depending on immunity, the complexity of infection, the speed of diagnosis and treatment. An infected person is the main source of spread of the infection.
Salmonellosis. The Salmonella bacterium produces a toxin that affects the tone and integrity of the walls of blood vessels. Violations lead to damage to the nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. Watery stools appear, the body stops receiving the necessary nutrients, and dehydration occurs. First of all, supportive therapy and diet are prescribed. Most often, when infected, antibiotic injections are not required; they are prescribed only in acute cases.
Escherichiosis. Damage to the small intestine occurs due to a pathogenic bacillus. Syndromes accompanying intoxication are sometimes mild. A slight increase in temperature, weakness, and the first symptoms often do not attract attention. Then periodic nagging pain in the abdomen appears, followed by watery diarrhea. At the stage of diarrhea, antibiotics are prescribed. Symptomatic treatment at an early stage is possible. Escherichiosis is difficult to diagnose at an early stage due to the initial insignificance of symptoms.

Typhoid fever. Typhoid bacilli affect the gastrointestinal mucosa, disrupting the ability of the stomach and intestines to contract. Impaired excretion of waste products from the body can cause the following symptoms: bloating, diarrhea or constipation, headache, lack of appetite, pallor, hyperthermia, rashes. At high temperatures, antipyretics are prescribed. In severe cases, hallucinations and delusions appear. In addition, bacteria release a dangerous toxin. An increase in its amount in the bloodstream leads to infectious-toxic shock.
Cholera. It is epidemiological in nature, the main outbreaks are in third world countries. The carrier is flies, and infection can also occur through contact with contaminated water and food. The main symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, severe thirst, high fever, weakness. In difficult cases, muscle cramps and diarrhea appear up to 20 times a day. If immediate treatment is not provided, death occurs within two days.

An important factor in determining the course of antibiotic treatment is an accurate diagnosis. When contacting a specialist, carefully list the symptoms, the frequency of their occurrence and the time intervals of their initial appearance. You should not delay treatment if you periodically experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and dizziness. Be sure to visit a doctor!

Contraindications to antibiotic treatment

In 80% of cases, intestinal infections go away on their own, so taking antibacterial drugs is justified in no more than 20% of cases. Antibiotics should be prescribed by a doctor, and only on the basis of laboratory tests. It is important to evaluate the benefits of taking the drug and the possible harm it can cause.

Not every diarrhea of infectious origin requires antibacterial therapy. Sometimes it is enough to provide the patient with high-quality rehydration so that the intestines cope with the pathology on their own.

In addition, taking antibiotics can harm the body. So, there is a group of bacteria that produce enterotoxins. When these bacteria quickly die, which is facilitated by antibacterial therapy, a person may develop infectious-toxic shock. This condition poses a threat not only to the health, but also to the life of the patient.

A similar condition can develop with the massive death of E. Coli, which produces Shiga toxin, which has a hemolytic-uremic effect.

For salmonellosis, taking antibacterial drugs is associated with an increase in the time period during which the bacteria will be eliminated from the body.

Taking antibiotics may not prevent, but may provoke increased bowel movements. This condition is called antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Thus, antibiotics have a detrimental effect on the intestinal microflora, which disrupts the absorption of carbohydrates. As a result, the patient develops osmotic diarrhea. This state of the body is a favorable environment for the growth and development of pathogenic flora.

Clavulanic acid and Erythromycin affect intestinal motility. Drugs from the tetracycline and penicillin groups can provoke an inflammatory process on the thick intestinal wall.

Therefore, diarrhea develops either while taking antibacterial drugs or after their withdrawal. To prevent the development of more severe complications, it is necessary to carry out rehydration therapy and follow the instructions given by the doctor.