Title: Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Headings: Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
What is antibiotic-associated diarrhea?
How does it occur?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is it treated?
How long do the effects last?
How can I take care of myself?
What can I do to help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea?

Content: Antibiotics can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines. Too many harmful bacteria in the intestines can cause diarrhea. Almost any antibiotic can cause an imbalance of bacteria in the body. Some of the most common ones are ampicillin and clindamycin. An overgrowth of bacteria called Clostridium difficile causes the more severe diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis. What are the symptoms? The main symptom of mild antibiotic-associated diarrhea is loose or frequent bowel movements. Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis are more severe and may include: a lot of watery diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
abdominal pain and cramping
nausea
dehydration
fever
How is it diagnosed? Your health care provider will ask about the medicines you are taking.