🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 143 (from laksa154)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa143.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-prevent-diarrhea-while-you-take-antibiotics\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-prevent-diarrhea-while-you-take-antibiotics\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-prevent-diarrhea-while-you-take-antibiotics","crawl_time":1776224953,"first_indexed_time":1701402249,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,clevelandclinic!health,\/how-to-prevent-diarrhea-while-you-take-antibiotics s443","src_root_hash":"9889140825964526943","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Prevent Diarrhea While You Take Antibiotics","meta_descriptions":["Since antibiotics are trying to kill bacteria in your body, they also kill bacteria in your intestines that keep your digestive system in balance. The result? Diarrhea. Here’s ways to prevent this unpleasant side effect."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"When you need to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, the last thing you want to do is add more symptoms into the mix.\nYet many people suffer from an upset stomach when taking antibiotics. Diarrhea is a common concern. So are abdominal cramping and gas. In the worst cases, long-term antibiotic use can even lead to\nC. diff\n,\na severe infection that causes colitis, or inflammation in your colon.\n“The problem is that when you are trying to kill bacteria in your sinuses, lungs, or elsewhere, antibiotics also kill bacteria that live in your intestine that keep your digestive health in balance,” says family medicine physician Michael Rabovsky, MD.\nThese side effects are one of many reasons experts caution against\noverusing antibiotics\n. But when you truly do need to take them to fight an infection, you can also take steps to prevent or minimize diarrhea and other stomach problems.\nThe power of probiotics\nIt may seem strange: You’re taking\nantibiotics\n, so wouldn’t\nprobiotics\nundo the good your treatment is doing?\nHowever, probiotics add helpful bacteria to your digestive system — not the bacteria that cause infections. They don’t have any effect on the antibiotic treatment. They only treat the side effects.\n“The thing that has really been shown to help the most with preventing diarrhea is taking probiotics when taking antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says. He notes that reviews of studies suggest\nprobiotics\nare effective both for regular\nantibiotic-associated diarrhea\nand for\ndiarrhea related to\nC. diff\n. They also seem to help with side effects such as cramping and gas.\nProbiotics come in several varieties. The most commonly studied for antibiotic-associated diarrhea are\nLactobacillus rhamnosus-\nbased and\nSaccharomyces boulardii-\nbased probiotics. Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders and even liquid form.\nWith so many options, be sure to ask your doctor for advice before taking any probiotics, as you should for any type of supplement. Probiotics could possibly be harmful for people with immune deficiencies or those who are severely debilitated.\nWatch what you eat\nWould you prefer to get probiotics from food? Many\ntypes of yogurt\ncontain probiotics. Look for “active and live cultures” on the label. Dr. Rabovsky often recommends one or two plain Greek yogurts per day for patients taking antibiotics.\nHowever, if dairy gives you stomach problems, go easy on other dairy foods while taking antibiotics.\n“People who tend to have more GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms do tend to get more GI side effects while taking antibiotics, at least anecdotally,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “It’s highly individualized.”\nThat means the foods that cause you stomach problems may be fine for someone else, so trust your gut. If spicy foods are normally a culprit for upset stomachs, avoid them when taking antibiotics. If sugar is your trigger, watch your sweet tooth. And although fiber is normally important for digestion, you may need to slow down your consumption if diarrhea flares up while you are taking antibiotics.\nTake with or without food?\nCheck the label on your antibiotics. Does it recommend taking them with food or on an empty stomach?\nIn either case, follow the directions. Some antibiotics are better absorbed on an empty stomach, so you don’t want to limit their effectiveness. But if the label says, “Take with food,” taking your pills with a meal might help ease stomach issues.\nBeyond the specifics above,\ngood old-fashioned advice for treating diarrhea\nstill applies. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and use rehydrating beverages high in electrolytes if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they’re making your diarrhea worse. Keep in mind alcohol may actually cause severe reactions while you are\ntaking certain antibiotics\n, so check the label for that information, as well. Eat a more bland diet than you might normally eat.\nIt’s better to use caution than get hit with unpleasant side effects.\n“Common sense would say you are going to disturb the natural balance with antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says, “so anything else that causes you GI symptoms could make side effects even worse.”","attrs_markdown":"Locations:\n\n[Abu Dhabi](https:\/\/www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae\/)\\|[Canada](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/canada)\\|[Florida](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/florida)\\|[London](https:\/\/clevelandcliniclondon.uk\/)\\|[Nevada](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/locations\/nevada)\\|[Ohio](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\\|\n\n![Gray gradient](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/gray-gradient-left-16.59910877.svg?w=32&q=75)![Gray gradient](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/gray-gradient-right-32.dd7ce4e5.svg?w=64&q=75)\n\n- [Health Essentials](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Health Library](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health)\n- [Find a Provider](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/providers)\n- [Make an Appointment](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/patients\/information\/access)\n- [News](https:\/\/newsroom.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/jobs.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/contact-us)\n\n[![Cleveland Clinic logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Health Essentials logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/zdbb.net\/l\/Dnl1wmWs8xCCpvWNCt9Egf\/?w=16&q=75)\n\n![Search Icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/search--green.d4218f47.svg?w=64&q=75)\n\nSearch\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nJanuary 24, 2020\/[Health Conditions](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions)\/[Digestive](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/digestive-health)\n\n# How to Prevent Diarrhea While You Take Antibiotics\nTips on probiotics and food choices\n\n![man suffering from stomach pain while taking antibiotics](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/LargeFeatureImage\/59dc780a-ae72-47c2-abaf-8504ea391234\/abtibioticsDiarrhea-1167733596-770x533_jpg)\n\n**Image content:** This image is available to view online.\n\nView image online (https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/59dc780a-ae72-47c2-abaf-8504ea391234\/abtibioticsDiarrhea-1167733596-770x533\\_jpg)\n\nman suffering from stomach pain while taking antibiotics\n\nWhen you need to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, the last thing you want to do is add more symptoms into the mix.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/advertising)\n\nYet many people suffer from an upset stomach when taking antibiotics. Diarrhea is a common concern. So are abdominal cramping and gas. In the worst cases, long-term antibiotic use can even lead to [*C. diff*,](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/15548-c-diff-clostridioides-difficile-infection) a severe infection that causes colitis, or inflammation in your colon.\n\n“The problem is that when you are trying to kill bacteria in your sinuses, lungs, or elsewhere, antibiotics also kill bacteria that live in your intestine that keep your digestive health in balance,” says family medicine physician Michael Rabovsky, MD.\n\nThese side effects are one of many reasons experts caution against [overusing antibiotics](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-antibiotics\/). But when you truly do need to take them to fight an infection, you can also take steps to prevent or minimize diarrhea and other stomach problems.\n\n## The power of probiotics\nIt may seem strange: You’re taking *antibiotics*, so wouldn’t *probiotics* undo the good your treatment is doing?\n\n> However, probiotics add helpful bacteria to your digestive system — not the bacteria that cause infections. They don’t have any effect on the antibiotic treatment. They only treat the side effects.\n\n“The thing that has really been shown to help the most with preventing diarrhea is taking probiotics when taking antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says. He notes that reviews of studies suggest [probiotics](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/14598-probiotics) are effective both for regular [antibiotic-associated diarrhea](http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/17443557) and for [diarrhea related to *C. diff*](http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/23728658). They also seem to help with side effects such as cramping and gas.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nProbiotics come in several varieties. The most commonly studied for antibiotic-associated diarrhea are *Lactobacillus rhamnosus-*based and *Saccharomyces boulardii-*based probiotics. Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders and even liquid form.\n\nWith so many options, be sure to ask your doctor for advice before taking any probiotics, as you should for any type of supplement. Probiotics could possibly be harmful for people with immune deficiencies or those who are severely debilitated.\n\n### Watch what you eat\nWould you prefer to get probiotics from food? Many [types of yogurt](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/is-yogurt-good-for-you\/) contain probiotics. Look for “active and live cultures” on the label. Dr. Rabovsky often recommends one or two plain Greek yogurts per day for patients taking antibiotics.\n\nHowever, if dairy gives you stomach problems, go easy on other dairy foods while taking antibiotics.\n\n“People who tend to have more GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms do tend to get more GI side effects while taking antibiotics, at least anecdotally,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “It’s highly individualized.”\n\nThat means the foods that cause you stomach problems may be fine for someone else, so trust your gut. If spicy foods are normally a culprit for upset stomachs, avoid them when taking antibiotics. If sugar is your trigger, watch your sweet tooth. And although fiber is normally important for digestion, you may need to slow down your consumption if diarrhea flares up while you are taking antibiotics.\n\n### Take with or without food?\nCheck the label on your antibiotics. Does it recommend taking them with food or on an empty stomach?\n\nIn either case, follow the directions. Some antibiotics are better absorbed on an empty stomach, so you don’t want to limit their effectiveness. But if the label says, “Take with food,” taking your pills with a meal might help ease stomach issues.\n\nBeyond the specifics above, [good old-fashioned advice for treating diarrhea](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/moms-advice-is-still-the-best-for-treating-diarrhea\/) still applies. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and use rehydrating beverages high in electrolytes if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they’re making your diarrhea worse. Keep in mind alcohol may actually cause severe reactions while you are [taking certain antibiotics](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-you-drink-on-antibiotics), so check the label for that information, as well. Eat a more bland diet than you might normally eat.\n\nIt’s better to use caution than get hit with unpleasant side effects.\n\n“Common sense would say you are going to disturb the natural balance with antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says, “so anything else that causes you GI symptoms could make side effects even worse.”\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[![Cleveland Clinic logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Health Essentials logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n![Subscription icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/482db8cd-aa1e-45b5-a2a4-cf6aa5e5d2d4\/Health-Essentials?w=256&q=75)\n\n## Better health starts here\nSign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.\n\n[Example email](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789\/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)[Sign up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-essentials-sign-up)\n\n[Sign up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-essentials-sign-up)[Example email](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789\/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)\n\nLearn more about our [editorial process](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/editorial-policy).\n\nHealth Library\n\nAntibiotics\n\n[Overview](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#overview)\n\n[Treatment Details](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#treatment-details)\n\n[Risks \/ Benefits](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#risks-benefits)\n\n[Recovery and Outlook](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#recovery-and-outlook)\n\n[When To Call the Doctor](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#when-to-call-the-doctor)\n\nHealth Library\n\nAntibiotics\n\n[Overview](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#overview)\n\n[Treatment Details](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#treatment-details)\n\n[Risks \/ Benefits](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#risks-benefits)\n\n[Recovery and Outlook](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#recovery-and-outlook)\n\n[When To Call the Doctor](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/16386-antibiotics#when-to-call-the-doctor)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Related Articles\n[![Bearded man brushing his teeth in home bathroom](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/8f0cd0c2-e8df-427a-84ed-c1df058e2179\/brushing-teeth-1368991065?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/tetracycline-teeth)\n\nMarch 20, 2025\/[Oral Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/oral-health)\n\n### [What Are Tetracycline Teeth?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/tetracycline-teeth)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/tetracycline-teeth\n\nThis antibiotic can cause tooth staining that doesn’t fade on its own — but you still have options for whitening your smile\n\n[![Male holding pill and glass of water, with assorted alcohol behind him crossed out](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/073e8563-efda-4dbe-b324-5e242ec0bff6\/no-alcohol-antibiotics-1670739541?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-you-drink-on-antibiotics)\n\nApril 22, 2024\/[Primary Care](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/primary-care)\n\n### [Why You Should Avoid Alcohol on Antibiotics](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-you-drink-on-antibiotics)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-you-drink-on-antibiotics\n\nEven a little alcohol can slow your recovery, so it’s best to wait until after you finish your antibiotics before imbibing\n\n[![Person holding pills in one hand and a glass of water in the other](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/7caf273d-30ea-4575-a310-c6d789912f10\/Antibiotics-1223126964-770x533-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/when-antibiotics-stop-working-whats-next)\n\nApril 27, 2021\/[Primary Care](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/primary-care)\n\n### [When Antibiotics Stop Working, What’s Next?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/when-antibiotics-stop-working-whats-next)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/when-antibiotics-stop-working-whats-next\n\nHow science is fighting superbugs\n\n[![taking antibiotic](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/272e6ca7-95b8-4cc5-92d1-722f8fc3cc8f\/takingAntibiotic-1189599534-770x553-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/4-important-facts-you-need-to-know-about-antibiotics)\n\nNovember 10, 2020\/[Primary Care](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/primary-care)\n\n### [4 Important Facts You Need to Know About Antibiotics](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/4-important-facts-you-need-to-know-about-antibiotics)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/4-important-facts-you-need-to-know-about-antibiotics\n\nDon’t assume you need them when you’re sick\n\n[![Person applying cream to their leg](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/f6ef5924-1df9-4874-9238-c58706d19f53\/apply-cream-itching-1405042238?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chronic-hives-triggers)\n\nApril 10, 2026\/[Allergies](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/allergies)\n\n### [Top Triggers of Chronic Hives, Explained](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chronic-hives-triggers)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chronic-hives-triggers\n\nStress, tight clothing and even sunlight can cause this itchy condition\n\n[![Person holding a pill from a blister pack of medication](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/522dfbc5-9eb1-431e-a433-04a08ce6f88a\/taking-medication-1475306230?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chronic-hives-flare-up)\n\nApril 10, 2026\/[Allergies](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/allergies)\n\n### [Medicines That Can Help Manage Chronic Hives Flare-Ups](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chronic-hives-flare-up)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chronic-hives-flare-up\n\nTreatment is tailored to you and may involve medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids or antidepressants\n\n[![Person holding glass of water, about to take a medication capsule, with many floating capsules and exclamation point nearby](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/1209ae39-bbbb-433f-a833-6bf2d2f41ff4\/person-taking-pill-1315824584?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/is-it-bad-to-take-ibuprofen-every-day)\n\nApril 3, 2026\/[Chronic Pain](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/chronic-pain)\n\n### [How Often Can You Take Ibuprofen?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/is-it-bad-to-take-ibuprofen-every-day)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/is-it-bad-to-take-ibuprofen-every-day\n\nLower your risk by sticking to the right dose and avoiding long-term use without medical guidance\n\n[![Person in bathroom, lifting glasses off, trying to see](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/78424a96-55a6-469a-9da6-61e6a902c38f\/ozempic-blindness-2167323796?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/ozempic-blindness)\n\nFebruary 3, 2026\/[Eye Care](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/eye-care)\n\n### [Ozempic Blindness: What You Need To Know](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/ozempic-blindness)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/ozempic-blindness\n\nThe benefits of these drugs typically outweigh potential risks — but talking about your eye health and GLP-1s with your provider is advised\n\n## Trending Topics\n[![Person walking outdoors, looking at smartphone](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/c10f2c1c-3976-499f-b183-d6facbc668eb\/california-sober-1133287692?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-cali-sober)\n\n[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [What Does It Mean To Be ‘California Sober’?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-cali-sober)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-cali-sober\n\nThis ‘harm reduction’ approach to sobriety involves subbing one substance for another — a method that isn’t backed by research\n\n[![Caregiver applying makeup to smiling teen](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/d46853f3-4bcf-483b-a969-21e217e1d467\/mom-and-teen-makeup-fun-2253970391?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know)\n\n[Children’s Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/childrens-health)\n\n### [Is It OK for Your Kid To Wear Makeup? 5 Things To Consider](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know\n\nEducate your child about body image, expectations and skin care first\n\n[![Person in long-sleeve swimwear, scratching at their itchy wrist](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/f861debb-bad0-4b41-a55d-e23757918e2b\/chlorine-reaction-pool-1521871387?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chlorine-rash)\n\n[Skin Care & Beauty](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/skin-care-beauty)\n\n### [Is That a Chlorine Rash? What Your Skin Is Telling You](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chlorine-rash)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chlorine-rash\n\nA true chlorine allergy is extremely rare — it’s far more likely that you have a damaged skin barrier\n\n## Health Categories To Explore\n[![Brain & Nervous System Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/a1fee7a1-b531-4bb5-83f8-2ace3380adeb\/icon-Brain-and-Nervous-System?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/brain-nervous-system)[Brain & Nervous System](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/brain-nervous-system)\n\n[![Children's Health Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/03fb80e3-5678-49ca-bc45-2a9c89ce8b44\/icon-Childrens-Health?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/childrens-health)[Children’s Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/childrens-health)\n\n[![Exercise & Fitness 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All Rights Reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"When you need to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, the last thing you want to do is add more symptoms into the mix.\n\nYet many people suffer from an upset stomach when taking antibiotics. Diarrhea is a common concern. So are abdominal cramping and gas. In the worst cases, long-term antibiotic use can even lead to [*C. diff*,](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/15548-c-diff-clostridioides-difficile-infection) a severe infection that causes colitis, or inflammation in your colon.\n\n“The problem is that when you are trying to kill bacteria in your sinuses, lungs, or elsewhere, antibiotics also kill bacteria that live in your intestine that keep your digestive health in balance,” says family medicine physician Michael Rabovsky, MD.\n\nThese side effects are one of many reasons experts caution against [overusing antibiotics](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-antibiotics\/). But when you truly do need to take them to fight an infection, you can also take steps to prevent or minimize diarrhea and other stomach problems.\n\n## The power of probiotics\nIt may seem strange: You’re taking *antibiotics*, so wouldn’t *probiotics* undo the good your treatment is doing?\n\n> However, probiotics add helpful bacteria to your digestive system — not the bacteria that cause infections. They don’t have any effect on the antibiotic treatment. They only treat the side effects.\n\n“The thing that has really been shown to help the most with preventing diarrhea is taking probiotics when taking antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says. He notes that reviews of studies suggest [probiotics](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/14598-probiotics) are effective both for regular [antibiotic-associated diarrhea](http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/17443557) and for [diarrhea related to *C. diff*](http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/23728658). They also seem to help with side effects such as cramping and gas.\n\nProbiotics come in several varieties. The most commonly studied for antibiotic-associated diarrhea are *Lactobacillus rhamnosus-*based and *Saccharomyces boulardii-*based probiotics. Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders and even liquid form.\n\nWith so many options, be sure to ask your doctor for advice before taking any probiotics, as you should for any type of supplement. Probiotics could possibly be harmful for people with immune deficiencies or those who are severely debilitated.\n\n### Watch what you eat\nWould you prefer to get probiotics from food? Many [types of yogurt](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/is-yogurt-good-for-you\/) contain probiotics. Look for “active and live cultures” on the label. Dr. Rabovsky often recommends one or two plain Greek yogurts per day for patients taking antibiotics.\n\nHowever, if dairy gives you stomach problems, go easy on other dairy foods while taking antibiotics.\n\n“People who tend to have more GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms do tend to get more GI side effects while taking antibiotics, at least anecdotally,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “It’s highly individualized.”\n\nThat means the foods that cause you stomach problems may be fine for someone else, so trust your gut. If spicy foods are normally a culprit for upset stomachs, avoid them when taking antibiotics. If sugar is your trigger, watch your sweet tooth. And although fiber is normally important for digestion, you may need to slow down your consumption if diarrhea flares up while you are taking antibiotics.\n\n### Take with or without food?\nCheck the label on your antibiotics. Does it recommend taking them with food or on an empty stomach?\n\nIn either case, follow the directions. Some antibiotics are better absorbed on an empty stomach, so you don’t want to limit their effectiveness. But if the label says, “Take with food,” taking your pills with a meal might help ease stomach issues.\n\nBeyond the specifics above, [good old-fashioned advice for treating diarrhea](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/moms-advice-is-still-the-best-for-treating-diarrhea\/) still applies. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and use rehydrating beverages high in electrolytes if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they’re making your diarrhea worse. Keep in mind alcohol may actually cause severe reactions while you are [taking certain antibiotics](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-you-drink-on-antibiotics), so check the label for that information, as well. Eat a more bland diet than you might normally eat.\n\nIt’s better to use caution than get hit with unpleasant side effects.\n\n“Common sense would say you are going to disturb the natural balance with antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says, “so anything else that causes you GI symptoms could make side effects even worse.”","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	How to Prevent Diarrhea While You Take Antibiotics
Meta Description	Since antibiotics are trying to kill bacteria in your body, they also kill bacteria in your intestines that keep your digestive system in balance. The result? Diarrhea. Here’s ways to prevent this unpleasant side effect.
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Boilerpipe Text	When you need to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, the last thing you want to do is add more symptoms into the mix. Yet many people suffer from an upset stomach when taking antibiotics. Diarrhea is a common concern. So are abdominal cramping and gas. In the worst cases, long-term antibiotic use can even lead to C. diff , a severe infection that causes colitis, or inflammation in your colon. “The problem is that when you are trying to kill bacteria in your sinuses, lungs, or elsewhere, antibiotics also kill bacteria that live in your intestine that keep your digestive health in balance,” says family medicine physician Michael Rabovsky, MD. These side effects are one of many reasons experts caution against overusing antibiotics . But when you truly do need to take them to fight an infection, you can also take steps to prevent or minimize diarrhea and other stomach problems. The power of probiotics It may seem strange: You’re taking antibiotics , so wouldn’t probiotics undo the good your treatment is doing? However, probiotics add helpful bacteria to your digestive system — not the bacteria that cause infections. They don’t have any effect on the antibiotic treatment. They only treat the side effects. “The thing that has really been shown to help the most with preventing diarrhea is taking probiotics when taking antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says. He notes that reviews of studies suggest probiotics are effective both for regular antibiotic-associated diarrhea and for diarrhea related to C. diff . They also seem to help with side effects such as cramping and gas. Probiotics come in several varieties. The most commonly studied for antibiotic-associated diarrhea are Lactobacillus rhamnosus- based and Saccharomyces boulardii- based probiotics. Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders and even liquid form. With so many options, be sure to ask your doctor for advice before taking any probiotics, as you should for any type of supplement. Probiotics could possibly be harmful for people with immune deficiencies or those who are severely debilitated. Watch what you eat Would you prefer to get probiotics from food? Many types of yogurt contain probiotics. Look for “active and live cultures” on the label. Dr. Rabovsky often recommends one or two plain Greek yogurts per day for patients taking antibiotics. However, if dairy gives you stomach problems, go easy on other dairy foods while taking antibiotics. “People who tend to have more GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms do tend to get more GI side effects while taking antibiotics, at least anecdotally,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “It’s highly individualized.” That means the foods that cause you stomach problems may be fine for someone else, so trust your gut. If spicy foods are normally a culprit for upset stomachs, avoid them when taking antibiotics. If sugar is your trigger, watch your sweet tooth. And although fiber is normally important for digestion, you may need to slow down your consumption if diarrhea flares up while you are taking antibiotics. Take with or without food? Check the label on your antibiotics. Does it recommend taking them with food or on an empty stomach? In either case, follow the directions. Some antibiotics are better absorbed on an empty stomach, so you don’t want to limit their effectiveness. But if the label says, “Take with food,” taking your pills with a meal might help ease stomach issues. Beyond the specifics above, good old-fashioned advice for treating diarrhea still applies. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and use rehydrating beverages high in electrolytes if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they’re making your diarrhea worse. Keep in mind alcohol may actually cause severe reactions while you are taking certain antibiotics , so check the label for that information, as well. Eat a more bland diet than you might normally eat. It’s better to use caution than get hit with unpleasant side effects. “Common sense would say you are going to disturb the natural balance with antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says, “so anything else that causes you GI symptoms could make side effects even worse.”
Markdown	Locations: [Abu Dhabi](https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/)\\|[Canada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/canada)\\|[Florida](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida)\\|[London](https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/)\\|[Nevada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/nevada)\\|[Ohio](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)\\| ![Gray gradient](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/gray-gradient-left-16.59910877.svg?w=32&q=75)![Gray gradient](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/gray-gradient-right-32.dd7ce4e5.svg?w=64&q=75) - [Health Essentials](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health) - [Find a Provider](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/providers) - [Make an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/access) - [News](https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Careers](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Contact Us](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/contact-us) [![Cleveland Clinic logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/) [![Health Essentials logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) ![](https://zdbb.net/l/Dnl1wmWs8xCCpvWNCt9Egf/?w=16&q=75) ![Search Icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/search--green.d4218f47.svg?w=64&q=75) Search Advertisement Advertisement January 24, 2020/[Health Conditions](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions)/[Digestive](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/digestive-health) # How to Prevent Diarrhea While You Take Antibiotics Tips on probiotics and food choices ![man suffering from stomach pain while taking antibiotics](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/LargeFeatureImage/59dc780a-ae72-47c2-abaf-8504ea391234/abtibioticsDiarrhea-1167733596-770x533_jpg) Image content: This image is available to view online. View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/59dc780a-ae72-47c2-abaf-8504ea391234/abtibioticsDiarrhea-1167733596-770x533\_jpg) man suffering from stomach pain while taking antibiotics When you need to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, the last thing you want to do is add more symptoms into the mix. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising) Yet many people suffer from an upset stomach when taking antibiotics. Diarrhea is a common concern. So are abdominal cramping and gas. In the worst cases, long-term antibiotic use can even lead to [C. diff,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15548-c-diff-clostridioides-difficile-infection) a severe infection that causes colitis, or inflammation in your colon. “The problem is that when you are trying to kill bacteria in your sinuses, lungs, or elsewhere, antibiotics also kill bacteria that live in your intestine that keep your digestive health in balance,” says family medicine physician Michael Rabovsky, MD. These side effects are one of many reasons experts caution against [overusing antibiotics](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-antibiotics/). But when you truly do need to take them to fight an infection, you can also take steps to prevent or minimize diarrhea and other stomach problems. ## The power of probiotics It may seem strange: You’re taking antibiotics, so wouldn’t probiotics undo the good your treatment is doing? > However, probiotics add helpful bacteria to your digestive system — not the bacteria that cause infections. They don’t have any effect on the antibiotic treatment. They only treat the side effects. “The thing that has really been shown to help the most with preventing diarrhea is taking probiotics when taking antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says. He notes that reviews of studies suggest [probiotics](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics) are effective both for regular [antibiotic-associated diarrhea](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17443557) and for [diarrhea related to C. diff](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23728658). They also seem to help with side effects such as cramping and gas. Advertisement Probiotics come in several varieties. The most commonly studied for antibiotic-associated diarrhea are Lactobacillus rhamnosus-based and Saccharomyces boulardii-based probiotics. Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders and even liquid form. With so many options, be sure to ask your doctor for advice before taking any probiotics, as you should for any type of supplement. Probiotics could possibly be harmful for people with immune deficiencies or those who are severely debilitated. ### Watch what you eat Would you prefer to get probiotics from food? Many [types of yogurt](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-yogurt-good-for-you/) contain probiotics. Look for “active and live cultures” on the label. Dr. Rabovsky often recommends one or two plain Greek yogurts per day for patients taking antibiotics. However, if dairy gives you stomach problems, go easy on other dairy foods while taking antibiotics. “People who tend to have more GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms do tend to get more GI side effects while taking antibiotics, at least anecdotally,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “It’s highly individualized.” That means the foods that cause you stomach problems may be fine for someone else, so trust your gut. If spicy foods are normally a culprit for upset stomachs, avoid them when taking antibiotics. If sugar is your trigger, watch your sweet tooth. And although fiber is normally important for digestion, you may need to slow down your consumption if diarrhea flares up while you are taking antibiotics. ### Take with or without food? Check the label on your antibiotics. Does it recommend taking them with food or on an empty stomach? In either case, follow the directions. Some antibiotics are better absorbed on an empty stomach, so you don’t want to limit their effectiveness. But if the label says, “Take with food,” taking your pills with a meal might help ease stomach issues. Beyond the specifics above, [good old-fashioned advice for treating diarrhea](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moms-advice-is-still-the-best-for-treating-diarrhea/) still applies. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and use rehydrating beverages high in electrolytes if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they’re making your diarrhea worse. Keep in mind alcohol may actually cause severe reactions while you are [taking certain antibiotics](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-drink-on-antibiotics), so check the label for that information, as well. Eat a more bland diet than you might normally eat. It’s better to use caution than get hit with unpleasant side effects. “Common sense would say you are going to disturb the natural balance with antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says, “so anything else that causes you GI symptoms could make side effects even worse.” Advertisement [![Cleveland Clinic logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/) [![Health Essentials logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) ![Subscription icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/482db8cd-aa1e-45b5-a2a4-cf6aa5e5d2d4/Health-Essentials?w=256&q=75) ## Better health starts here Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. 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Readable Markdown	When you need to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, the last thing you want to do is add more symptoms into the mix. Yet many people suffer from an upset stomach when taking antibiotics. Diarrhea is a common concern. So are abdominal cramping and gas. In the worst cases, long-term antibiotic use can even lead to [C. diff,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15548-c-diff-clostridioides-difficile-infection) a severe infection that causes colitis, or inflammation in your colon. “The problem is that when you are trying to kill bacteria in your sinuses, lungs, or elsewhere, antibiotics also kill bacteria that live in your intestine that keep your digestive health in balance,” says family medicine physician Michael Rabovsky, MD. These side effects are one of many reasons experts caution against [overusing antibiotics](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-antibiotics/). But when you truly do need to take them to fight an infection, you can also take steps to prevent or minimize diarrhea and other stomach problems. ## The power of probiotics It may seem strange: You’re taking antibiotics, so wouldn’t probiotics undo the good your treatment is doing? > However, probiotics add helpful bacteria to your digestive system — not the bacteria that cause infections. They don’t have any effect on the antibiotic treatment. They only treat the side effects. “The thing that has really been shown to help the most with preventing diarrhea is taking probiotics when taking antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says. He notes that reviews of studies suggest [probiotics](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics) are effective both for regular [antibiotic-associated diarrhea](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17443557) and for [diarrhea related to C. diff](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23728658). They also seem to help with side effects such as cramping and gas. Probiotics come in several varieties. The most commonly studied for antibiotic-associated diarrhea are Lactobacillus rhamnosus-based and Saccharomyces boulardii-based probiotics. Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders and even liquid form. With so many options, be sure to ask your doctor for advice before taking any probiotics, as you should for any type of supplement. Probiotics could possibly be harmful for people with immune deficiencies or those who are severely debilitated. ### Watch what you eat Would you prefer to get probiotics from food? Many [types of yogurt](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-yogurt-good-for-you/) contain probiotics. Look for “active and live cultures” on the label. Dr. Rabovsky often recommends one or two plain Greek yogurts per day for patients taking antibiotics. However, if dairy gives you stomach problems, go easy on other dairy foods while taking antibiotics. “People who tend to have more GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms do tend to get more GI side effects while taking antibiotics, at least anecdotally,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “It’s highly individualized.” That means the foods that cause you stomach problems may be fine for someone else, so trust your gut. If spicy foods are normally a culprit for upset stomachs, avoid them when taking antibiotics. If sugar is your trigger, watch your sweet tooth. And although fiber is normally important for digestion, you may need to slow down your consumption if diarrhea flares up while you are taking antibiotics. ### Take with or without food? Check the label on your antibiotics. Does it recommend taking them with food or on an empty stomach? In either case, follow the directions. Some antibiotics are better absorbed on an empty stomach, so you don’t want to limit their effectiveness. But if the label says, “Take with food,” taking your pills with a meal might help ease stomach issues. Beyond the specifics above, [good old-fashioned advice for treating diarrhea](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moms-advice-is-still-the-best-for-treating-diarrhea/) still applies. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and use rehydrating beverages high in electrolytes if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they’re making your diarrhea worse. Keep in mind alcohol may actually cause severe reactions while you are [taking certain antibiotics](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-drink-on-antibiotics), so check the label for that information, as well. Eat a more bland diet than you might normally eat. It’s better to use caution than get hit with unpleasant side effects. “Common sense would say you are going to disturb the natural balance with antibiotics,” Dr. Rabovsky says, “so anything else that causes you GI symptoms could make side effects even worse.”
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