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Diarrhea during or after antibiotics

Also called: Antibiotic diarrhea, C. diff

Diarrhea during or after antibiotics is common. Severe or bloody diarrhea can be C. diff, which needs treatment.

Common causesAntibiotics, C. diff
Usually serious?Can be
Get checked ifSevere, bloody, or with fever
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Mild diarrhea often stops after antibiotics.

C. diff can be serious.

When to get medical care

Call 911Severe belly pain or dehydration.
Get care todayMany watery stools, blood, or fever.
See a doctor soonDiarrhea lasting after antibiotics.

Causes

Caused by antibiotics changing gut bacteria.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause diarrhea during or after antibiotics. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • C. diff infectionOften needs care today

    Diarrhea, belly cramps, and sometimes fever during or after taking antibiotics, from germs that take over the gut.

What you can do at home

  • Drink fluids.
  • Wash hands with soap.

Medicines

C. diff needs specific antibiotics.

At the doctor

Stool tests.

Questions you may be asked

  • Antibiotics

The exam

A belly exam.

Tests

  • C. diff test

Prevention

Use antibiotics wisely.

  • Only when needed

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

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Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.