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[Share ](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/antibiotic-associated-diarrhea) - [Tweet ](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/antibiotic-associated-diarrhea) - *content\_copy* Copied to clipboard Copy URL # Antibiotic-associated diarrhea [By SickKids staff](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/contributors/) [Listen](https://app-na.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=6244&lang=en_us&readid=article-container&url= "Listen to this article") [*download\_for\_offline* Download PDF](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/api/PDF?GeneratePdf&pageURL=https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/gastrointestinal/antibiotic-associated-diarrhea/?Print=true&pageGuid=9412f004-80d8-4661-843c-a7d24f041ca3) [*print\_for\_offline* Print](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/antibiotic-associated-diarrhea) PDF download is not available for Arabic and Urdu languages at this time. Please use the browser print function instead Close  Many antibiotics cause diarrhea. Learn about antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including causes and treatment options. ## Key points - Diarrhea is common in children taking antibiotics. In most cases, it is mild. - Children with mild diarrhea should finish their antibiotics. - Make sure your child is drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated. - Do not give your child any probiotics or medicines unless your child's health-care provider recommends them. Expand All Introduction ## What is antibiotic-associated diarrhea? One in five children who take antibiotics will develop [diarrhea](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/gastrointestinal/diarrhea-in-children/). It is more common in children aged under two years and can occur with any type of antibiotic. For most children, antibiotic-associated diarrhea is mild. Signs and symptoms ## Signs and symptoms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea If a child has antibiotic-associated diarrhea, they will have loose or watery stools while taking antibiotics. Most times, the diarrhea lasts between one and seven days. Diarrhea usually begins between the second and eighth day of taking an antibiotic. Sometimes, however, it can last from the first day of antibiotics until a few weeks after your child finishes them. Causes, risk factors and prevalence ## Causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea Inside the intestines are millions of [tiny bacteria](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/nutrition/gut-microbiome/) that help digest food. When antibiotics kill harmful bacteria that cause infection, they also kill these “good” bacteria. These bacteria cause diarrhea when they die and start growing again in the intestines. Treatment ## Give probiotics or medicines only if your doctor recommends them ### Probiotics [Probiotics](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/gastrointestinal/prebiotics-and-probiotics-for-children/) are supplements with “healthy” bacteria. Studies are looking into whether probiotics can prevent or treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea. So far, this research has shown benefits in using specific types of probiotics but not others. The types of probiotics available for supplementation commercially may not be the same types that have been shown to be beneficial in research studies. You may give your child foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, but ask your child's health-care provider before giving any probiotic supplements. ### Medicines Do not give your child anti-diarrheal medicines such as loperamide unless your doctor tells you to. These medicines can make intestinal inflammation worse. Complications ## Complications of antibiotic-associated diarrhea One of the main complications of antibiotic-associated diarrhea is [dehydration](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/na/dehydration/). This is more likely to occur in babies less than 12 months old. If your child loses a lot of fluids, make sure they drink enough to replace them. Although rare, another complication of antibiotic use is inflammation (pain or swelling) of the large intestine. Signs of inflammation include: - severe diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus - [fever](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/na/fever-in-babies-and-children/) - stomach pain - extreme weakness Helping your child ## How to care for a child with antibiotic-associated diarrhea ### Continue the antibiotics If your child’s diarrhea is mild and your child is otherwise well, continue the antibiotics and care for your child at home. ### Keep your child hydrated Offer your child water often. Do not give fruit juice or soft drinks, as they can make diarrhea worse. ### Treat diaper rash If diarrhea causes a [rash](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/dermatology/diaper-rash/) around your child’s anus or diaper area: - wash the area gently with water - pat it dry - cover the area with a layer of petroleum jelly, zinc-based cream or other diaper rash cream When to seek medical attention ## When to see a health-care provider for antibiotic-associated diarrhea Call your child’s regular health-care provider right away if your child: - has severe diarrhea - has a new fever - has blood in the stool - is very tired and not drinking - is showing signs of dehydration, such as less urine, crankiness, fatigue and dry mouth If the diarrhea is severe, your child may need to change the antibiotic. Take your child to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911 if they: - have severe pain - have a lot of blood in the stool Last updated: August 30th 2023 Thank you to our sponsors AboutKidsHealth is proud to partner with the following sponsors as they support our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Canada and around the world by making accessible health care information available via the internet. ### Our Sponsors [](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/our-sponsors/#commsponsor) [](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/our-sponsors/#spinlimbs) [](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/our-sponsors/#jordanasrainbows) [](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/our-sponsors/#chelsea) [](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/our-sponsors/#td) [](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/our-sponsors/#lcbo) [](https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/pages/bm/whyweneedyou?appeal=GEA-DIGT-AKD&utm_campaign=ownedao&utm_source=aboutkidshealth&utm_medium=display&utm_content=banner_whyweneedyouensembletesta) [](https://www.sickkids.ca/) Find and follow us online [](https://www.youtube.com/user/Aboutkidshealth) [](https://www.facebook.com/AboutKidsHealth) [](https://twitter.com/aboutkidshealth) Monthly newsletter sign-up \*By subscribing to the AboutKidsHealth newsletter, you agree to the [Legal](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/legal-info/#2) terms below. ### AboutKidsHealth Learn More - [About](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/about-us/) - [Contributors](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/contributors/) - [Contact](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/contact-us/) - [Sponsors](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/our-sponsors/) - [Donate](https://donate.sickkidsfoundation.com/ndf?appeal=GEA-DIGT-AKH&utm_campaign=skf_evergreen_owned&utm_source=aboutkidshealth&utm_content=footerdonatelink&utm_medium=referral) - [Legal](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/about/legal-info/ "Legal") Copyright © 2026 The Hospital for Sick Children. 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PDF download is not available for Arabic and Urdu languages at this time. Please use the browser print function instead Many antibiotics cause diarrhea. Learn about antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including causes and treatment options. ## Key points - Diarrhea is common in children taking antibiotics. In most cases, it is mild. - Children with mild diarrhea should finish their antibiotics. - Make sure your child is drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated. - Do not give your child any probiotics or medicines unless your child's health-care provider recommends them. Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes, risk factors and prevalence Treatment Complications Helping your child When to seek medical attention Last updated: August 30th 2023