
Antibiotics are generally recommended by doctors for bacterial infections. While fighting the infectious bacteria, antibiotics kill the good bacteria present in the intestine as well, which results in diarrhea. As antibiotics kill the good bacteria, it disrupts the balance of the intestine and increases the bad bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, it can be said that Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a side effect of antibiotics. It has been observed that, majority of the time, diarrhea ceases post the course of the antibiotic; however, it may become serious and lead to hospitalization in many cases. Probiotics such as yogurts and fermented products are advised as they help in the functioning of the digestive system. Antibiotics that commonly cause Antibiotic-associated diarrhea include cephalosporins such as cefixime, cefpodoxime, penicillins and clostridium. Also, attributing to the high dosage of a broad spectrum of antibiotics, hospitalized patients may also suffer from diarrhea. At times, Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs 2 to 8 weeks after the antibiotics have been discontinued. When a patient is observed to be suffering from diarrhea, the first line of treatment includes maintaining adequate amount of water and discontinuing the drug. The patient should be given electrolytes and fluid as a supportive treatment for the improvement of his health.