Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea describes frequent, watery bowel movements (diarrhea) that occur in response to medications used to treat bacterial infections (antibiotics). Typically, no pathogens are identified and the diarrhea is caused by changes in the composition and function of the intestinal flora. Most patients respond to supportive measures and discontinuation of antibiotics.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when antibacterial medications (antibiotics) upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in gastrointestinal tract. Nearly all antibiotics can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea, colitis or pseudomembranous colitis. The antibiotics most commonly linked to antibiotic-associated diarrhea include: Cephalosporins, such as cefixime (Suprax) and cefpodoxime, Clindamycin (Cleocin), Penicillins, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Larotid, others) and ampicillin, Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin).

The current guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) for the initial management of C. difficile colitis are clear and widely accepted. In the vast majority of patients AAD is a mild and self- limited illness that responds to the discontinuation of antibiotics, supportive care, and fluid and electrolyte replacement.