Rules for taking antibiotics for diarrhea

In principle, diarrhea treatment aims to replace lost fluids. However, if diarrhea is caused by bacteria, antibiotic medication may also be needed. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from infections, both viral and bacterial, lactose intolerance, food allergies, to food poisoning. Diarrhea due to viral infections is most often caused by rotavirus and norovirus. While diarrhea caused by bacteria, can occur when a person consumes food or drinks that are contaminated with E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter bacteria.

Severe or Continuous Diarrhea

Giving antibiotics for diarrhea is actually not always necessary, because most diarrhea is caused by a virus and can heal itself in 3-5 days, even without medication. Giving antibiotics will not affect the infection caused by a virus. New antibiotics are given if diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, severe diarrhea occurs and risks infecting others, or if the sufferer has another serious illness. Antibiotic drugs for diarrhea include ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. But it should be noted, antibiotic drugs should not be taken carelessly. Giving antibiotics for diarrhea must be through consultation or with a doctor's supervision because not all cases of diarrhea require antibiotics, for example diarrhea caused by a viral infection. Provision of antibiotics that are not in place, in addition to not useful, can also be dangerous because it can cause bacteria to become resistant to these antibiotics. In addition, side effects that can be caused by antibiotics are also not small, including causing diarrhea to gain weight.

Simple Ways to Overcome Diarrhea at Home

Before taking antibiotics for diarrhea, you can take care at home to treat diarrhea and avoid dehydration due to the amount of fluid that comes out. Things that can be done include:

• Adequate fluid intake

Expand the consumption of water, drink little by little. Keep your fluid intake at least 1 liter per hour, while diarrhea is still ongoing. However, in patients with kidney, liver and heart disease who are required to limit fluid intake, consult a doctor when increasing the amount of fluid intake.

• Avoid consumption of milk, spicy food, fruit and caffeine

During diarrhea, avoid milk consumption for at least 3 days after the symptoms of diarrhea disappear, and spicy foods, fruits, alcohol, and caffeine up to 48 hours after the symptoms of diarrhea disappear. Eat cheese or yogurt that contains probiotics. In addition, eating biscuits that contain salt is also recommended during diarrhea.

Although most diarrhea can heal on its own without antibiotics, make sure you stay alert. If the diarrhea you experience persists for more than two days, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Especially if accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever with temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius, feces containing blood, dehydration and severe abdominal pain. Diarrhea in infants more than 24 hours needs to get immediate treatment, considering the baby is dehydrated more quickly. Giving antibiotics for diarrhea is an option for diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, and not for diarrhea due to viral infections or other causes. However, the consumption of antibiotic drugs must always be based on recommendations and in the supervision of a doctor, to ensure the type and dosage of antibiotics used is right. In addition, take antibiotics until they run out in accordance with the dosage and usage rules given by the doctor.