Common Medications and Remedies Causing Diarrhea

Syrups for Children

Children’s syrups (anti-cough syrups, analgesics etc.) are often sweetened with fructose or sorbitol that can induce diarrhea in children with otherwise healthy gut and especially in those with fructose malabsorption. 

Fruit Syrups and Juices

Syrups or juices from apples, pears, watermelon, prunes, plumes, mango, peaches or cherries may cause diarrhea due to high sorbitol or fructose content. Check labels for fructose, sorbitol, HFCS or polyols. 

Honey

Few spoons of honey eaten in a row may cause diarrhea due to high fructose content.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may cause antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Medications Containing Lactose or Gluten

Medications with lactose may trigger diarrhea in persons with lactose intolerance and medications with gluten in those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Laxatives

Laxatives abuse often by people with chronic constipation regularly causes chronic diarrhea. 

Antacids 

Antacids containing magnesium may cause diarrhea by stimulating bowel motility (peristalsis).

Probiotics

Probiotics, when taken in excess, may cause diarrhea. Probiotics as a treatment of diarrhea usually help only in food poisoning and antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Fibre Supplements

Metamucil, shredded wheat or any other fibre supplement may cause diarrhea if taken in excess. On the other hand, chronic constipation may appear if fibers are taken without enough fluid.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy or irradiation of abdomen may damage not only cancer cells, but also intestinal epithelial (lining) cells resulting in diarrhea. Diarrhea may be partly prevented by avoiding fat, fibers, spices, drugs and stress. Re-hydration solutions (Gatorade, Pedialyte) should be used to replace lost fluids, plain water is not enough. Probiotics and loperamide (Imodium) may also help in mild diarrhea (1).

Other Drugs

Diarrhea Due to Drug Allergy

Practically any drug can trigger allergy in a sensitive person. One person may can be allergic to one or more drugs and other substances.

What to Do When Diarrhea Appears?

If diarrhea is due to a remedy this should be discontinued until diarrhea stops. Next time the remedy can be tried in lower amount.

When diarrhea is due to prescribed medication, it should be never discontinued without doctor’s approval, since this can seriously affect the course of the treatment. 

After drug withdrawal or change of a drug diarrhea usually stops in few days.

References:

  1. Chemotherapy and diarrhea  (chemotherapy.com)

Further Reading :
  • Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea (AAD) – Prevention & Treatment