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| Meta Title | What Can You Do About Stomach Pain From Antibiotics? |
| Meta Description | Stomach pain is a common side effect of antibiotics, which disrupt the natural balance of gut flora. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Antibiotics can cause digestive side effects like stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Eating certain foods or taking supplements may provide relief.
Antibiotics are powerful medications that treat bacterial infections. But they can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut. This can lead to uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects or irritation, such as stomach pain.
Eating foods like probiotics may help prevent or relieve digestive discomfort and encourage healing.
Here’s what you need to know about stomach pain from antibiotics, including why it occurs, how long it lasts, and how to find relief.
There a several ways you can prevent or relieve
stomach pain
and other digestive issues while taking antibiotics.
Eat probiotics
Probiotics
are live microorganisms present in fermented foods and dietary supplements. They’re a healthy form of bacteria that can support your body’s functioning and help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut.
Research suggests
probiotics may be beneficial during or after treatment with antibiotics, which disrupt the balance of gut flora.
Additionally,
studies suggest
probiotics can help prevent digestive issues caused by antibiotics, such as antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Common probiotic foods include:
yogurt
fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh
kombucha
pickles
Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements that contain a variety of bacterial strains. In general, look for supplements that:
contain 5–10 different strains of bacteria
have a dose of 10 billion
CFUs or higher
Doctors typically recommend taking probiotics 2 hours before or after taking antibiotics. This helps ensure the antibiotic does not kill the probiotic.
Talk with your doctor about the potential benefits of
probiotic foods
or supplements during treatment with antibiotics.
Eat prebiotics
Prebiotics
are types of fiber that act as a food source for healthy gut bacteria. They
support gut health
by helping bacteria to produce important nutrients.
Some
research suggests
prebiotics may reduce side effects from antibiotics, though more research is needed.
Foods high in prebiotics include:
asparagus
bananas
blueberries
flaxseeds
garlic
Jerusalem artichokes
onions
soybeans
spinach
whole grains
Dietary supplements containing prebiotics are also available. However, some people using prebiotic supplements report mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and gas.
Speak with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements. They can determine which foods or supplements may provide relief from stomach pain or other side effects from antibiotics.
Eat smaller meals
Eating smaller portions of food while you’re taking a course of antibiotics may relieve stomach discomfort.
Large meals can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your stomach and contribute to bloating, cramping, or other digestive issues.
You can resume your regular eating habits once you have finished your course of antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking water helps to flush the digestive system. This can help reduce side effects like constipation and stomach discomfort.
Water also helps thin the mucus lining the stomach, which may prevent irritation.
Take pills with meals if instructed
Some labels for antibiotics instruct you to take the medication with food. This may help reduce gastrointestinal distress as the medication absorbs into your stomach.
Your doctor will tell you if you should take your antibiotic with food. Be sure to carefully follow their instructions.
Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria. This disrupts the natural balance of the gut microbiome, which plays an important role in digestive health.
As a result, antibiotics can cause a variety of digestive side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Research supports this link. A
2020 literature review
found that mild gastrointestinal side effects from antibiotics are common.
One study found stomach pain affected
9.3%
of children taking antibiotics. Research in adults suggests that more than
10–15%
of people taking antibiotics may experience gastrointestinal problems.
Mild side effects from antibiotics usually go away within a few days. Stomach pain may continue during the full course of treatment with antibiotics. But it should resolve once you stop taking antibiotics.
Most antibiotics are taken for
7–14 days
.
However, your doctor may prescribe a shorter or longer treatment duration, depending on what type of infection you have.
If you continue to experience abdominal pain or other digestive side effects after you stop taking antibiotics, contact your doctor. They can discuss the best treatment options to reduce these symptoms.
Do not stop taking antibiotic treatment without speaking with your doctor. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics unless your doctor recommends not to.
Stopping antibiotic treatment prematurely without your doctor’s approval may cause the infection to return, in some cases more strongly than before.
However,
recent research suggests
shorter courses of antibiotics may be equally as effective as longer courses in many cases. In fact, prolonged exposure to antibiotics may contribute to
antibiotic resistance
.
Speak with your doctor about any concerning side effects like stomach pain. They can recommend ways to reduce stomach pain and discuss any changes to your treatment plan.
nausea
vomiting
cramps
diarrhea
stomach pain
loss of appetite
dizziness
rash
yeast infections
These side effects are typically mild and resolve once treatment is finished.
Yeast infections
may require treatment with an antifungal medication, such as fluconazole.
Rare but serious side effects of antibiotics can include:
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection, which causes severe diarrhea that can lead to colon damage
allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
antibiotic-resistant infections
Speak with your doctor if you experience any prolonged or severe side effects.
Stomach pain is a common side effect of antibiotics, which disrupt the natural balance of gut flora.
Other common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and bloating. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Eating prebiotics and probiotics may help prevent and relieve these side effects. Other ways to find relief include eating smaller meals, drinking plenty of water, and taking antibiotic pills with food if instructed to. |
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# What Can You Do About Stomach Pain From Antibiotics?

[Medically reviewed]() by [Qin Rao, MD]() — Written by Steve Barry, ELS on December 12, 2023
- [Relief and prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics/stomach-pain-caused-by-drugs#relief-and-prevention)
- [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics/stomach-pain-caused-by-drugs#causes)
- [Duration](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics/stomach-pain-caused-by-drugs#duration)
- [Should you stop](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics/stomach-pain-caused-by-drugs#should-you-stop)
- [Common side effects](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics/stomach-pain-caused-by-drugs#common-side-effects)
- [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics/stomach-pain-caused-by-drugs#takeaway)
Antibiotics can cause digestive side effects like stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Eating certain foods or taking supplements may provide relief.
Antibiotics are powerful medications that treat bacterial infections. But they can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut. This can lead to uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects or irritation, such as stomach pain.
Eating foods like probiotics may help prevent or relieve digestive discomfort and encourage healing.
Here’s what you need to know about stomach pain from antibiotics, including why it occurs, how long it lasts, and how to find relief.
## [**How do you stop stomach pain from antibiotics?**]()
There a several ways you can prevent or relieve [stomach pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain) and other digestive issues while taking antibiotics.
### **Eat probiotics**
[Probiotics](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-probiotics) are live microorganisms present in fermented foods and dietary supplements. They’re a healthy form of bacteria that can support your body’s functioning and help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut.
[Research suggests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382780/) probiotics may be beneficial during or after treatment with antibiotics, which disrupt the balance of gut flora.
Additionally, [studies suggest](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8362734/) probiotics can help prevent digestive issues caused by antibiotics, such as antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Common probiotic foods include:
- yogurt
- fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh
- kombucha
- pickles
Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements that contain a variety of bacterial strains. In general, look for supplements that:
- contain 5–10 different strains of bacteria
- have a dose of 10 billion
[CFUs or higher](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/)
Doctors typically recommend taking probiotics 2 hours before or after taking antibiotics. This helps ensure the antibiotic does not kill the probiotic.
Talk with your doctor about the potential benefits of [probiotic foods](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-super-healthy-probiotic-foods) or supplements during treatment with antibiotics.
### **Eat prebiotics**
[Prebiotics](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-best-prebiotic-foods) are types of fiber that act as a food source for healthy gut bacteria. They [support gut health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28914794/) by helping bacteria to produce important nutrients.
Some [research suggests](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488797/) prebiotics may reduce side effects from antibiotics, though more research is needed.
Foods high in prebiotics include:
- asparagus
- bananas
- blueberries
- flaxseeds
- garlic
- Jerusalem artichokes
- onions
- soybeans
- spinach
- whole grains
Dietary supplements containing prebiotics are also available. However, some people using prebiotic supplements report mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and gas.
Speak with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements. They can determine which foods or supplements may provide relief from stomach pain or other side effects from antibiotics.
### **Eat smaller meals**
Eating smaller portions of food while you’re taking a course of antibiotics may relieve stomach discomfort.
Large meals can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your stomach and contribute to bloating, cramping, or other digestive issues.
You can resume your regular eating habits once you have finished your course of antibiotics.
### **Drink plenty of water**
Drinking water helps to flush the digestive system. This can help reduce side effects like constipation and stomach discomfort.
Water also helps thin the mucus lining the stomach, which may prevent irritation.
### **Take pills with meals if instructed**
Some labels for antibiotics instruct you to take the medication with food. This may help reduce gastrointestinal distress as the medication absorbs into your stomach.
Your doctor will tell you if you should take your antibiotic with food. Be sure to carefully follow their instructions.
## [**Why can antibiotics cause stomach pain?**]()
Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria. This disrupts the natural balance of the gut microbiome, which plays an important role in digestive health.
As a result, antibiotics can cause a variety of digestive side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Research supports this link. A [2020 literature review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7491661/) found that mild gastrointestinal side effects from antibiotics are common.
One study found stomach pain affected [9\.3%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6966223/) of children taking antibiotics. Research in adults suggests that more than [10–15%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7491661/) of people taking antibiotics may experience gastrointestinal problems.
## [**How long does stomach pain from antibiotics last?**]()
Mild side effects from antibiotics usually go away within a few days. Stomach pain may continue during the full course of treatment with antibiotics. But it should resolve once you stop taking antibiotics.
Most antibiotics are taken for [7–14 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30535100/).
However, your doctor may prescribe a shorter or longer treatment duration, depending on what type of infection you have.
If you continue to experience abdominal pain or other digestive side effects after you stop taking antibiotics, contact your doctor. They can discuss the best treatment options to reduce these symptoms.
## [Should you stop taking antibiotics if you get stomach pain?]()
Do not stop taking antibiotic treatment without speaking with your doctor. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics unless your doctor recommends not to.
Stopping antibiotic treatment prematurely without your doctor’s approval may cause the infection to return, in some cases more strongly than before.
However, [recent research suggests](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661683/) shorter courses of antibiotics may be equally as effective as longer courses in many cases. In fact, prolonged exposure to antibiotics may contribute to [antibiotic resistance](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics/antibiotic-resistance).
Speak with your doctor about any concerning side effects like stomach pain. They can recommend ways to reduce stomach pain and discuss any changes to your treatment plan.
## [**Most common side effects of antibiotics**]()
Common [side effects of antibiotics](https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/antibiotic-side-effects) can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- cramps
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- dizziness
- rash
- yeast infections
These side effects are typically mild and resolve once treatment is finished.
[Yeast infections](https://www.healthline.com/health/yeast-infection-from-antibiotics) may require treatment with an antifungal medication, such as fluconazole.
Rare but serious side effects of antibiotics can include:
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection, which causes severe diarrhea that can lead to colon damage
- allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
- antibiotic-resistant infections
Speak with your doctor if you experience any prolonged or severe side effects.
## [Takeaway]()
Stomach pain is a common side effect of antibiotics, which disrupt the natural balance of gut flora.
Other common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and bloating. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Eating prebiotics and probiotics may help prevent and relieve these side effects. Other ways to find relief include eating smaller meals, drinking plenty of water, and taking antibiotic pills with food if instructed to.
### How we reviewed this article:
Sources
History
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process).
- About antibiotic use. (2021).
<https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about.html>
- Fernández-Alonso M, et al. (2022). Effect of adding probiotics to an antibiotic intervention on the human gut microbial diversity and composition: A systematic review.
<https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382780/>
- Goodman C, et al. (2021). Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8362734/>
- Markowiak P, et al. (2017). Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health.
<https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28914794/>
- Mohsen S, et al. (2020). Update on the adverse effects of antimicrobial therapies in community practice.
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7491661/>
- Ramirez J, et al. (2020). Antibiotics as major disruptors of gut microbiota.
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7732679/>
- Side effects. Antibiotics. (2022).
<https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/side-effects/>
Share this article

[Medically reviewed]() by [Qin Rao, MD]() — Written by Steve Barry, ELS on December 12, 2023
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[Antibiotics are powerful, lifesaving medications used to fight infections caused by bacteria. Learn more here.](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-do-antibiotics-work?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-do-antibiotics-work?utm_source=ReadNext)
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[Mixing alcohol and certain antibiotics can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Learn more about combining antibiotics and alcohol.](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics-alcohol?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics-alcohol?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [Do Antibiotics Make You Tired?](https://www.healthline.com/health/do-antibiotics-make-you-tired?utm_source=ReadNext)
Medically reviewed by [Elaine K. Luo, M.D.](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team)
[Although they don’t affect everybody in the same way, some antibiotics may have a side effect of tiredness. Learn about all the potential side effects…](https://www.healthline.com/health/do-antibiotics-make-you-tired?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/do-antibiotics-make-you-tired?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [What Your Gut Is Trying to Tell You, According to a Gastroenterologist](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/what-your-gut-is-trying-to-tell-you-according-to-a-gastroenterologist?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Discover what your gut symptoms really mean and get expert advice from gastroenterologist Dr. Salhab on maintaining lasting gut health.](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/what-your-gut-is-trying-to-tell-you-according-to-a-gastroenterologist?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/what-your-gut-is-trying-to-tell-you-according-to-a-gastroenterologist?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [How to Navigate IBS, According to Mental Health Advocate Kelly U](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/how-to-navigate-ibs-according-to-mental-health-advocate-kelly-u?utm_source=ReadNext)
Medically reviewed by [Tiffany Taft, PsyD](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team)
[Discover how mental health advocate Kelly U approaches IBS through self-compassion, exploring the powerful connection between emotions, gut health…](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/how-to-navigate-ibs-according-to-mental-health-advocate-kelly-u?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/how-to-navigate-ibs-according-to-mental-health-advocate-kelly-u?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [Do You Fondue (or Fondant!)? 13 Essentials to Keep Your Gut Healthy Through the Holidays](https://www.healthline.com/health/essentials-to-keep-your-gut-happy-and-healthy-through-holidays?utm_source=ReadNext)
[These research-backed strategies and gut-friendly products help support digestive health throughout the holidays.](https://www.healthline.com/health/essentials-to-keep-your-gut-happy-and-healthy-through-holidays?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/essentials-to-keep-your-gut-happy-and-healthy-through-holidays?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [VIDEO: Exercises to Help with Bloating](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/exercises-to-help-with-bloating?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Watch this video for 5 exercises that help relieve bloating.](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/exercises-to-help-with-bloating?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/exercises-to-help-with-bloating?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [VIDEO: This 30-Minute Standing Ab Will Boost Your Core Strength\!](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/this-30-minute-standing-ab-will-boost-your-core-strength?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Watch this video — and watch your core strength improve\!](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/this-30-minute-standing-ab-will-boost-your-core-strength?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/this-30-minute-standing-ab-will-boost-your-core-strength?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [VIDEO: How to Eat Intuitively According to a Registered Dietitian\!](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/how-to-eat-intuitively-according-to-a-registered-dietitian?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Watch this video to learn how to use intuitive eating for weight management.](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/how-to-eat-intuitively-according-to-a-registered-dietitian?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/how-to-eat-intuitively-according-to-a-registered-dietitian?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [VIDEO: 7 Types of Exercises to Relieve Constipation\!](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/7-types-of-exercises-to-relieve-constipation?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Watch this video to learn how you can relieve constipation with exercise.](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/7-types-of-exercises-to-relieve-constipation?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/7-types-of-exercises-to-relieve-constipation?utm_source=ReadNext)
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- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information).
© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information).
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