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Published on: 7/14/2026

What treatments are available for diarrhea and an upset stomach?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Diarrhea and an upset stomach are common digestive issues that can usually be managed at home. While antibiotics may be prescribed for specific types of bacterial diarrhea, they are not a first-line treatment for most cases. The mainstay of treatment is proper oral rehydration—replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Over-the-counter rehydration solutions, clear broths, and small sips of water can help restore balance while your body recovers.

Because diarrhea and stomach upset can stem from many causes—viral infections, food sensitivities, medications, or underlying conditions—identifying the root cause is key to choosing the right next step. A quick, free, and confidential symptom check can help you better understand what may be triggering your symptoms and guide you toward the appropriate care, whether that's home management or seeing a doctor. It takes just a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary trips to the clinic.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of upset stomach diarrheaLearn if these symptoms need care todayFind out if diarrhea could be seriousSee OTC options for upset stomach reliefFind a doctor for digestive symptomsUnderstand medically valid home remedies for diarrheaCheck what’s causing your upset stomach diarrhea

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Explanation

When dealing with diarrhea and an upset stomach, treatments depend on the cause and severity. For acute watery diarrhea, antibiotics may be effective if caused by bacteria. However, antibiotics are not always needed for every case of diarrhea.

For upset stomachs, the approach varies. If you're experiencing digestive symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, you can use a symptom checker to get personalized insights. Simple dietary changes or over-the-counter medications might help.

Interestingly, honey has been studied for treating stomach issues in infants, showing potential benefits. However, it is important to remember that honey should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

In summary, the treatment for diarrhea and upset stomach can include antibiotics for specific bacterial infections, but always consider the specific situation and consult with a healthcare professional if needed.

(References)

  • Tribble DR. (2017). Antibiotic Therapy for Acute Watery Diarrhea and Dysentery. Military medicine, 28885920.

  • Bolia R. (2017). Approach to "Upset Stomach". Indian journal of pediatrics, 28687951.

  • Haffejee IE, & Moosa A. (1985). Honey in the treatment of infantile gastroenteritis. British medical journal (Clinical research ed.), 3924286.

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