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How To Stop Diarrhea Fast
If you've got diarrhea, or loose, watery stools, you'll want to know how to find relief fast. Replenishing lost fluids and tweaking your diet typically help stop diarrhea quickly. Anti-diarrheal medications may help alleviate symptoms in some cases. Some evidence suggests that probiotics in low-fat yogurt may get rid of diarrhea one day more quickly than average.
The best diarrhea treatment option for you may depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Some treatments help stop diarrhea, while others help manage symptoms.
Olga Sibirskaya/Stocksy Anti-diarrheal medications are available over the counter without a prescription. Options include: Imodium (loperamide) Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) Loperamide slows food movement through your bowels, which helps your body absorb fluids. Loperamide reduces diarrhea by adding bulk to your stool. In contrast, bismuth subsalicylate balances fluid movement in your intestines and reduces inflammation. Do not take anti-diarrheal medications if bacteria or parasites cause your diarrhea. Your body must eliminate the germs, and anti-diarrheal medications may worsen symptoms. Speak with a healthcare provider before taking anti-diarrheal medications if you take prescription medications. Only use one anti-diarrheal medication at one time unless a healthcare provider advises differently. Take anti-diarrheal medications exactly as the label instructs. Taking more will not help the medicine work more effectively or quickly than average. Taking more than the advised dosage can be dangerous. Some evidence suggests that antibiotics are unnecessary for routine acute diarrheal infection. In contrast, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if there's a high chance of bacteria causing diarrhea. People do not need antibiotics if the cause of their diarrhea is a virus, such as: Adenovirus Norovirus Rotavirus A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics that target the infection if they suspect a bacterial or parasitic infection. If you have diarrhea, you will likely need to change your diet. For example, try eating more frequent, smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day instead of three large meals. A healthcare provider may suggest consuming certain drinks and foods to alleviate diarrhea. In contrast, you may need to avoid high-fat, high-sugar products. What To Eat and Drink A healthcare provider may advise following the BRAT diet briefly to alleviate an upset stomach with diarrhea, vomiting, or both. The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Those bland foods do not irritate the stomach. Other bland foods that you can eat on the BRAT diet include: Those foods help create firm stools. The foods are low-fiber and starchy and help "bind" things together. Foods like bananas, which have potassium, help replace some nutrients the body loses during diarrhea. The BRAT diet helps treat diarrhea but does not provide all the nutrients you need as part of a healthy diet. Gradually return to a regular diet when you feel better and your symptoms improve. Typically, you can return to a regular diet within 24–48 hours after having diarrhea. What To Avoid Avoiding certain foods during diarrhea may help alleviate your symptoms. Foods to avoid include: Alcohol Caffeine Fizzy drinks Fried and greasy goods Fruits and vegetables that cause gas (e.G., beans, berries, broccoli, chickpeas, and prunes) Full-fat dairy products People with diarrhea are at risk for dehydration. Regularly taking sips of water throughout the day helps prevent dehydration. Try drinking liquids that have salt, sugar, and water, such as: Caffeine-free soda Fruit juice Salty broths Sport drinks Water Water and juice mixed Do not give fruit juice or soft drinks to children with diarrhea. Those drinks may worsen symptoms. Instead, have children take small sips of oral hydration solution. Bottle-feed or breastfeed infants with diarrhea as usual. Signs of Dehydration The color of urine may indicate hydration levels. For example, urine that is light yellow to nearly clear suggests that you are drinking enough liquids. In contrast, dark yellow urine may signal dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include: Confusion Dizziness Dry or sticky mouth Headache Irritability Muscle cramps Rapid heartbeat Thirst Contact a healthcare provider if you develop dehydration symptoms during diarrhea. Sometimes, a healthcare provider may advise taking probiotics to relieve diarrhea. Probiotics contain live microorganisms similar to those that inhabit your digestive tract. Still, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) says there is not enough research to support the use of probiotics in treating acute diarrhea in adults. Oral rehydration solutions, available over the counter, help prevent dehydration due to diarrhea. Brand names include Enfalyte and Pedialyte. Oral rehydration solutions are made up of glucose as well as several electrolytes like: Chloride Magnesium Phosphorous Potassium Sodium Oral rehydration solution will not reduce diarrhea. Instead, this treatment helps keep you hydrated. Dehydration can be severe. A healthcare provider may advise older adults with diarrhea to receive balanced electrolyte rehydration. Among people who are otherwise healthy, the fatality risk during diarrhea is most common among older adults. You can safely administer oral rehydration solutions to children, as well. A severe or sudden bout of diarrhea—three or more loose, watery stools per day—often resolves in several days, depending on what's causing it. Some causes of diarrhea are food-related. For example, food contaminated with infectious bacteria or parasites may cause diarrhea. In contrast, chronic diarrhea that lasts longer than two weeks may be due to causes like: Digestive tract issues Food intolerances or allergies Infections Long-term medication use Other causes include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD causes inflammation in the small intestine (Crohn's disease) or the large intestine (ulcerative colitis). IBS affects the large intestine and causes constipation, diarrhea, or both. Several factors may cause diarrhea. You may require different treatments depending on the underlying causes. Some of the most common causes of diarrhea and their treatments include: Bile acid malabsorption: Medications that prevent the build-up of bile in your digestive tract. Celiac disease: The strict removal of gluten from your diet IBD: Prescription medications to reduce inflammation in the bowels IBS: Changes to diet In many cases, diarrhea clears up in a few days on its own. Consult a healthcare provider if you have the following issues: A fever of 102 F or higher Black or tarry stool Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days, or 24 hours in children Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum Signs of dehydration Stool that contains blood or pus Diarrhea can be unpleasant to deal with, but several treatment options are available. Treatments range from home remedies like eating a bland diet and hydrating to antibiotics and over-the-counter medications. Typically, diarrhea resolves on its own after a few days. Do not hesitate to contact a healthcare provider for support if you are concerned about your symptoms.Thanks for your feedback!
Side Effects Of Augmentin And How To Manage Them
Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic potassium) is a prescription drug that's used to treat certain bacterial infections. Augmentin can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include diarrhea and nausea.
Augmentin is used in adults and children to treat infections caused by certain kinds of bacteria. Examples of these infections include:
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Augmentin can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Note: A different form of Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, is available. It comes as a powder for making a liquid suspension and is used to treat certain infections in some children. This article only covers the side effects of Augmentin. For information about Augmentin ES-600 and its side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Augmentin treatment. Examples of Augmentin's commonly reported side effects include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section.
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Augmentin include:
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Augmentin unless your doctor recommends it.
Augmentin may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed here. See the drug's prescribing information for details.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Augmentin, visit MedWatch.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section.
Although serious side effects caused by Augmentin are rare, they may occur in some people.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Augmentin include:
If you develop serious side effects while taking Augmentin, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section.
Augmentin side effects in children are generally expected to be similar to those in adults. Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome may be more likely to develop in children than in adults.
This syndrome is a type of allergic reaction that can cause persistent vomiting after a dose of Augmentin. Other symptoms are also possible, such as pale skin, lack of energy, and diarrhea. If your child is vomiting after taking Augmentin, contact their doctor. If the symptoms seem severe, get emergency medical help by calling 911 or your local emergency number.
In addition, studies of the drug also reported that diaper rash occurred in young children taking Augmentin.
After Augmentin became available on the market, brown, yellow, and gray tooth stains were reported in children taking the drug. In most cases, toothbrushing or dental cleaning can clear or reduce the staining.
For more information about side effects of Augmentin in children, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about the side effects of Augmentin.
What are the side effects of Augmentin in females?
Vaginitis (inflammation and irritation of the vagina) is a possible side effect of Augmentin in females. In studies, this side effect was rare.
Symptoms of vaginitis can include:
Yeast infection is another possible side effect of Augmentin, which can cause similar symptoms.
Otherwise, Augmentin's side effects are generally expected to be similar in females and males.
Note: In this article, we use the terms "male" and "female" to refer to someone's sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
Are the side effects of the Augmentin 250 mg/62.5 mg/5 mL liquid suspension different from side effects of the Augmentin 875 mg/125 mg tablets?
The different forms of Augmentin (tablet, chewable tablet, liquid suspension) are expected to cause the same side effects since all forms contain the same active ingredients. However, you might be more likely to have side effects if you're taking a higher strength of Augmentin.
875 milligrams (mg)/125 mg is the highest tablet strength available, and 250 mg/62.5 mg/5 milliliters (mL) is the second-highest strength of the suspension. Your doctor will determine the best Augmentin dosage for you.
If you have questions about the side effects or forms of Augmentin, talk with your doctor.
How long do side effects of Augmentin last?
It depends. The length of time Augmentin's side effects may last can vary. But most usually go away quickly.
For example, some people taking this drug may have nausea or abdominal pain. These side effects usually go away on their own after a few hours.
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of Augmentin. Mild cases usually go away shortly after stopping treatment. But diarrhea that lasts longer than a few days or occurs with a fever could be a symptom of Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff) infection. This is a serious side effect of Augmentin. For more information, see the "Side effects explained" section.
If you have side effects from taking Augmentin, tell your doctor. They can tell you how long the side effects might last and suggest treatments or ways to ease your symptoms.
Does Augmentin cause fatigue?
No, Augmentin should not cause fatigue. This side effect was not reported in studies of the drug.
But it's not uncommon for many infections to cause fatigue, including ones Augmentin is used to treat. Fatigue can also be a symptom of liver problems, which can occur from taking Augmentin.
If you have fatigue during treatment or that doesn't go away after you stop treatment, talk with your doctor.
How can I manage and reduce the side effects of Augmentin?
Knowing what side effects Augmentin may cause, as well as their symptoms, can help you manage any that you may develop during treatment.
Some of Augmentin's more common side effects are related to the digestive system. These include nausea and diarrhea. You can usually reduce these side effects by taking your Augmentin dose with a meal or a snack. Taking probiotics between your Augmentin doses might help prevent or reduce mild diarrhea caused by the antibiotic.
Before you start taking Augmentin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about Augmentin's side effects. They can tell you about symptoms to look for and give you tips for reducing side effects.
Learn more about some of the side effects Augmentin may cause.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a possible side effect of antibiotics such as Augmentin. While anxiety was not reported in studies of Augmentin, people have reported this side effect after the drug became available on the market.
Symptoms of anxiety can include:
What might help
If you have any symptoms of anxiety while taking Augmentin, let your doctor know. They can provide tips for managing this side effect.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea was the most commonly reported side effect in studies of Augmentin. Diarrhea caused by Augmentin is usually mild.
In rare cases, diarrhea can be a symptom of Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff) infection. This is a serious side effect of Augmentin. For more information, see the "Clostridioides difficile infection" section.
What might help
To help prevent or relieve diarrhea caused by Augmentin, try taking your dose with food.
Over-the-counter medications such as Imodium A-D (loperamide) may help relieve your diarrhea. But before trying any medication or supplement, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it's safe for you to take during Augmentin treatment.
If you have diarrhea, tell your doctor. They can suggest ways to ease this side effect or recommend treatments. But if you also have a fever with diarrhea, or diarrhea that won't stop, contact your doctor right away. They'll do tests to see if you have a C. Diff infection and provide treatment if needed.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a possible side effect of Augmentin. Though not reported in studies, this side effect was reported after the drug became available on the market.
Dizziness associated with Augmentin is usually mild and goes away on its own.
Symptoms of dizziness include:
What might help
If you feel dizzy, try sitting down until the dizziness passes. If you lie down, keeping your head elevated may help.
Dizziness can be a symptom of dehydration, so try to drink plenty of fluids during Augmentin treatment. You may also want to avoid drinking alcohol, which can worsen dehydration and dizziness.
If you have severe dizziness or dizziness with shortness of breath or swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, seek emergency medical attention right away. These could be symptoms of an allergic reaction. For more information, see the "Allergic reaction" section.
Clostridioides difficile infection
Taking any antibiotic, including Augmentin, can cause a gut infection called Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff).
A small amount of C. Diff bacteria is usually present in the gut along with healthy bacteria that aid digestion. Augmentin and other antibiotics can kill both healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Killing healthy bacteria may allow C. Diff to grow, leading to a C. Diff infection.
A C. Diff infection can happen during Augmentin treatment or soon after you stop taking the antibiotic. In rare cases, this side effect has been reported over 2 months after stopping antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms of C. Diff infection include:
What might help
If you have diarrhea that won't stop during your Augmentin treatment, contact your doctor right away. They'll likely examine you and do tests to determine whether you have a C. Diff infection.
If you have a C. Diff infection, your doctor will have you stop taking Augmentin. They'll also prescribe a different antibiotic to treat this new infection. In severe cases, C. Diff infections can lead to serious gut damage that may require surgery, but this is rare.
For more information about C. Diff infections, talk with your doctor.
Allergic reaction
Like most drugs, Augmentin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:
Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome is a type of allergic reaction that's possible with Augmentin. It causes persistent vomiting and possibly other symptoms such as pale skin, lack of energy, and diarrhea. This may be more likely to occur in children than in adults.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:
If your doctor confirms you've had a mild allergic reaction to Augmentin, they'll decide if you should continue taking it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as severe vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you've had a serious allergic reaction to Augmentin, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Augmentin treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you're having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Augmentin affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Augmentin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions or contraindications. Other factors may also affect whether Augmentin is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Augmentin. This will help them determine whether this antibiotic is a good treatment option for you. The following list includes factors to consider.
Liver problems: In rare cases, Augmentin can cause liver problems, including liver damage. If you already have liver problems, taking Augmentin can worsen them. Before you start taking Augmentin, tell your doctor about any liver problems you have. They'll let you know if this drug is safe for you to take.
Allergic reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Augmentin, similar kinds of antibiotics, or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe these drugs. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.
Mononucleosis: Augmentin can cause a skin rash in people with mononucleosis (mono). If you have mononucleosis, you should not take Augmentin. Your doctor may recommend another treatment option for your condition.
Fungal or bacterial overgrowth: Taking Augmentin can result in an increase of certain bacteria or fungi. This may lead to a superinfection. With superinfections, you have an infection following or alongside the infection you're taking Augmentin to treat. If you have a superinfection, your doctor will likely have you stop taking Augmentin. They'll also have you take medication to treat the superinfection.
Alcohol and Augmentin
There are no known interactions between Augmentin and alcohol.
But alcohol can cause side effects similar to those caused by Augmentin. Some of these side effects include:
Consuming alcohol can worsen or increase your risk of having these side effects during Augmentin treatment.
If you drink alcohol and have questions about it while taking Augmentin, talk with your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Augmentin
There haven't been enough studies of Augmentin during pregnancy to know if it's safe to take while pregnant. Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to someone who's pregnant if there's a clear need.
Before you start taking Augmentin, let your doctor know if you're pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. They'll determine if Augmentin is safe for you to take.
Small amounts of Augmentin can pass into breast milk. Although taking Augmentin while breastfeeding is considered safe, doing so may cause side effects in a child who's breastfed. These can include:
If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, let your doctor know before starting Augmentin. They'll discuss with you the risks and benefits of breastfeeding during treatment.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots: Symptoms, Risks, And Recalled Brands
A multi-state E. Coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death so far, according to the CDC.
In a food safety alert issued this week, the CDC warned that E. Coli infections have been reported from 18 states, with nearly 40 sickened. The outbreak has been traced to organic carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which are available in a wide variety of grocery stores under brand names including Cal-Organic, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and 365.
The outbreak is still considered active by the CDC, although the products are no longer on store shelves. Consumers are urged to check their homes and refrigerators for any affected carrots and discard them immediately.
Escherichia coli, or E. Coli, is a bacterium that can live in human intestines and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States. There are multiple species of E. Coli, some of which are harmless. Others can result in mild symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea, and even more serious, potentially life threatening symptoms.
"This is definitely a recall that consumers should take very seriously to protect themselves and their loved ones," Joseph Lambson, PharmD, Director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, and an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, told Healthline.
The E. Coli outbreak has been linked to infections in 18 states across the US, from California to New York. Affected states include Texas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, and many more.
Currentl,y Washington, Minnesota, and New York are reporting the highest number of cases, followed by California and Oregon.
Grimmway Farms organic carrots and baby carrots are sold under many different brand names, including:
The contaminated products can be identified through their best-if-used-by dates.
Baby organic carrots with best-if-used-by dates are approximately between 9/11/2024 and 11/12/2024, and whole organic carrots between 8/14/2024 and 10/23/24. However, not all brands will carry a best-if-used-by date on their packaging.
Consumers should check their households for affected products and discard them immediately. Any surfaces that the carrots have come into contact with should be cleaned immediately with hot soapy water.
"E. Coli is not a new toxin. It's something that we've known about for a long time in medicine. And the good news is that we know what symptoms to look for. We're pretty good at detecting and treating the infection. Most people recover, although some of the more severe cases are very tragic," said Rais Vohra, MD, a professor of Clinical Emergency medicine at UCSF Medical and director of the California Poison Control System Fresno-Madera Division.
The symptoms of E. Coli generally manifest within 3 to 4 days after infection. Mild symptoms are nonspecific and can feel like general "food poisoning":
"STEC actually gets into the lining of the gut, and the whole gut starts to kind of just peel off, which is where you get bloody diarrhea; it's a much more invasive disease. Then the bacteria can actually get into your bloodstream, and then you can even get blood poisoning, also known as sepsis," said Vohra.
Healthy adults will likely survive an E. Coli infection with supportive care, but some groups are at increased risk of severe illness.
"If you happen to be immunocompromised, if you happen to have some condition that makes you more vulnerable to dehydration, such as diabetes, you could be at increased risk," said Vohra.
Elderly individuals and young children are also at increased risk of dehydration and severe symptoms from E. Coli infection.
The best medicine for foodborne illness is prevention. That means basic hygiene and food safety practices like hand washing and disinfecting surfaces. However, if you think you've consumed a contaminated product or already have symptoms, the best course of action is supportive care at home: make sure to rest and hydrate.
Replenishing fluids and electrolytes that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea is the most important facet of care at this stage.
However, in some instances, supportive care may be insufficient.
"If the symptoms are more severe, such as having a fever that's above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or having diarrhea that's occurring for longer than three days, or bloody diarrhea, any of the symptoms that the CDC on their website lists as more severe, in that situation, it would be recommended to then reach out to a healthcare profession," said Lambson.
Vohra also recommends that everyone pay special attention to hygiene and food safety heading into the holiday season.
"Everyone's getting ready to cook their best dishes and share them with families. Please, please be hygienic when you do that. If you're going to be cooking meat, know how to prepare it. Clean your vegetables. Double check your list of groceries to make sure that they're not being recalled at the national or at the state level, wherever you happen to be," he told Healthline.
A multistate E. Coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has resulted in nearly 40 reported illnesses, including 15 hospitalizations and one death.
Grimmway Farms sold the contaminated carrots under various brand names, including Trader Joe's, Cal-Organic, and Bunny Luv.
The affected products are no longer on store shelves but may be in your refrigerator. Consumers are urged to check for contaminated products and discard them immediately.
E. Coli infection is a common foodborne illness that may result in mild symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) or more severe complications, including dysentery (bloody diarrhea) and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
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