Why do I get diarrhea on antibiotics?

When you take antibiotics, they can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines. This disruption can lead to diarrhea, which is a common side effect.

Here's how it happens:

1. Good and Bad Bacteria: Your gut is full of both good and bad bacteria. Antibiotics can kill both types, which can upset the balance.
2. C. difficile Infections: Sometimes, this imbalance allows harmful bacteria like C. difficile to grow, which can cause more severe diarrhea. It commonly occurs in older adults. In such cases, a lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is required for diagnosis, and treatment involves the use of metronidazole or vancomycin.
3. Mild to Severe Symptoms: While some people may experience mild diarrhea, others can have more serious symptoms if C. difficile is involved.

Most of the time, antibiotic-associated diarrhea is mild and goes away on its own. However, if you're experiencing concerning digestive symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be causing them and whether you should seek medical care.