What to do when experiencing diarrhoea as a side effect of antibiotics after discharge from hospital?

Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of antibiotics. The first step is to contact the doctor prescribing the antibiotic to ascertain the importance of the antibiotic, and whether there is a suitable alternative. If the antibiotic needs to be continued, one should ensure that the patient is suitably hydrated and rested.

Avoid milk and dairy products, as well as oily foods. Anti-diarrhea medication can help to improve the symptoms while the patient is undergoing treatment.

Another possibility is that the diarrhea and antibiotics are not related, and that there is a separate gut infection or other illness that is not treated by the antibiotic. If the diarrhea persists after the antibiotic course is completed, then you may want to see the doctor for further investigations. If the diarrhea is very severe, for example large volume and multiple times, associated with fever, severe pains or blood in stool, then you should not wait and immediate seek medical attention.

Sincerely,

Hi, you should bring your grandmom to see her doctor, and let the doctor who prescribed the antibiotics know about the diarrhoea that she is experiencing.

It's quite common for the elderly to get diarrheoa after discharge from hospital, especially after being given antibiotics.

This is because antibiotics can kill a lot of the bowel's good and "normal" bacteria, which means that the "bad" ones are allowed to multiply.

One possible complication of this is what's known as a C. difficile infection. This is especially common amongst the elderly, in particular those who spent time in hospitals or nursing homes.

C. difficile infections can be severe, so do note if your grandma has any of the following symptoms, and seek prompt medical attention:

• Fever
• High volume, watery diarrhoea
• Severediarrhoea (more than 5 watery stools daily)
• Blood or pus in stools
• Stomach discomfort
• Dehydration

Your doctor can test for C. difficile bacteria by taking a stool sample.

Otherwise, he will be able to reassure you and your grandma that it is likely to be a case of mild antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, and rehydration and rest will be sufficient.

if you experience diarrhoea while taking antibiotics, please check with your doctor whether it is suitable to change your antibiotics. You may also take probiotics during treatment with antibiotics to reduce diarrhoea severity.

However, it is important to check with your doctor before you begin any new medication or supplement.