Drug-induced diarrhea

Definition

Drug-induced diarrhea is loose, watery stools caused by certain medications.

See also: Diarrhea

Alternative Names

Diarrhea associated with medications

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Nearly all medications may cause diarrhea as a side effect. Some medications, however, are more prone to cause diarrhea than others. For example:

• Laxatives can and are meant to produce diarrhea by drawing water into the gut or increasing the muscle contractions of the intestine. However, taking too much of a laxative, or taking a laxative without being aware of it can cause diarrhea that is a problem.
• Antibiotics can produce diarrhea by destroying the bacteria of the gut. In some cases, antibiotics can allow a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile to grow in excess. This can lead to infection and produce a severe, watery form of diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis.
• Other drugs may be directly toxic to the digestive tract. Chemotherapy medicines for cancer, or medications that suppress the immune system (such as mycophenolate) are a common cause of diarrhea.
• Some herbal teas contain senna or other "natural" laxatives that can cause diarrhea.

Prevention

To prevent diarrhea related to antibiotic use, talk to your doctor about taking supplements containing beneficial bacteria (probiotics). Continue taking these supplements for a few days after you finish taking the course of antibiotics.

References

Semrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 143.