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. 

continue reading Diarrhea Induced by Drugs, Remedies or Other Mediaction

Causes and Symptoms of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)

Antibiotics, like ampicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporins or any other antibiotic, may cause diarrhea in adults or children (but rarely in infants). Antibiotics destroy normal intestinal bacteria thus enabling harmful bacteria, like Clostridium difficile, to overgrow and cause:

• Watery diarrhea, appearing from 1-2 days after the start of antibiotic treatment to several weeks after stopping of treatment (1)
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Left side abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloating and gas with barnyard smell.

Diagnosis may be suspected from the symptoms and antibiotic therapy. Diarrhea often stops on its own in 2-14 days after antibiotic withdrawal (1). Antibiotic should not be withdrawn without consultation with a doctor.

continue reading Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea (AAD) – Prevention and Treatment