What steps can be taken to get rid of diarrhea caused by antibiotics?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can often be managed by stopping or switching the antibiotic when medically appropriate, taking probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria, and staying well-hydrated. In more severe cases, such as C. difficile infection, targeted medications like vancomycin or fidaxomicin may be needed.

Because diarrhea can also signal a more serious underlying issue, it's important not to guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why antibiotics may be causing diarrhea Learn if your diarrhea needs care today Find out what’s causing antibiotic-related diarrhea See OTC options for antibiotic diarrhea relief Find a doctor for diarrhea treatment Understand medically proven home remedies for diarrhea Check if antibiotic diarrhea needs urgent care

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Explanation

Diarrhea from antibiotics happens because antibiotics can upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Here are some steps to help manage it:

Stop or Change the Antibiotic: If you can, stopping or changing the antibiotic might help. This decision should be made by a healthcare provider.
Probiotics: These are good bacteria that can help restore balance in your gut. They might help reduce diarrhea.
Specific Medications: If the diarrhea is caused by a specific bacteria called Clostridium difficile (C. diff), certain medications can be used to treat it.
Stay Hydrated: It's important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

These steps can help, but it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about the best approach for you. You can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine if you need immediate medical attention based on your specific situation.

(References)

Bergogne-Bérézin E. (2000). Treatment and prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 11118872.
Silva J Jr, Batts DH, Fekety R, Plouffe JF, Rifkin GD, & Baird I. (1981). Treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis and diarrhea with .... The American journal of medicine, 7304654.
Fekety R, Silva J, Kauffman C, Buggy B, & Deery HG. (1989). Treatment of antibiotic-associated Clostridium difficile .... The American journal of medicine, 2910090.

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