Antibiotics treat bacterial infections in the body and are available as an oral tablet, intramuscular injection or intravenous medication. Diarrhea, described as frequent bouts of watery stool, may occur due to the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause an inflammation in the large intestine, which leads to the diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild or severe. Most individuals do not require treatment for mild antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and the condition will stop after ending the medication. Risk factors for developing diarrhea from antibiotic use include being elderly, previous intestinal operations, chronic intestinal conditions and a recent stay in a nursing home or a hospital, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline treats bacterial infections including acne, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. In addition to causing diarrhea, taking tetracycline while pregnant can cause the baby to have discolored teeth and can affect the teeth and bone development in a breast-feeding infant, according to Drugs.com. Available as an oral medication, tetracycline may also cause an increased sensitivity to UV light. Individuals need to avoid dairy products when swallowing the medication, because milk can decrease the absorption of the medication in the body.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin helps treat infections caused by bacteria such as pneumococci, staphylococci and streptococci. Physicians often prescribe the medication for individuals who are allergic to penicillin, according to RxList.com. This oral medication requires a full glass of water when swallowing the tablet to avoid irritation to the esophagus. In addition to diarrhea, individuals may experience nausea and abdominal pain.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin antibiotic medications treat conditions such as upper and lower respiratory infections, listeriosis, pertussis and diphtheria. Individuals take the oral medication with a full glass of water and with or without food. In addition to diarrhea, an individual taking erythromycin may experience abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Penicillin
Penicillin helps treat common infections such as ear infections. This medication may alter the effectiveness of birth control pills, so women taking them need to use an alternative contraceptive. Penicillin is available as an oral medication and as an intravenous or muscular injection. Additional side effects of penicillin include headache, thrush, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
Quinolone
Quinolone, available as Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin, treats conditions such as infections in the urinary tract, prostate and skin. The medication may also help treat sinus infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. The medication is available as a tablet, oral solution, intramuscular injection and intravenous infusion. In addition to diarrhea, quinolones increase the risk of developing a ruptured tendon, especially for elderly individuals and for individuals taking steroids at the same time.
Cephalosporin
Cephalosporin treats bacterial infections in the body; a physician may prescribe them in addition to other antibiotics to treat an infection. Some medical conditions that warrant use of cephalosporin include bacterial endocarditis, penicillin-resistant sinusitis and melioidosis, according to Drugs.com. Following the physician and pharmacist instructions is important, because some cephalosporin medications require taking the medicine with food, while others require an empty stomach.
