N
The Daily Insight

What medications can cause bowel problems?

Author

Rachel Hernandez

Updated on March 10, 2026

8 medications that cause constipation
  • Opioid pain relievers.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Antihistamines.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Urinary incontinence medications.
  • Iron supplements.
  • Blood pressure medications.
  • Anti-nausea medications.

Similarly, you may ask, what is the most common cause of chronic diarrhea?

A wide range of problems can cause chronic diarrhea; some of the most common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), malabsorption syndromes in which food cannot be digested and absorbed, and chronic infections.

Additionally, which blood pressure medications cause diarrhea? ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBS) are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, and all have diarrhea as a reported side effect.

One may also ask, how do you stop diarrhea from medication?

To prevent diarrhea due to antibiotic use, talk to your health care provider about taking supplements containing healthy bacteria (probiotics) and/or eating yogurt. Some of these products may reduce the risk for diarrhea. Keep taking these supplements for a few days after you finish your antibiotics.

Why are my poops runny all the time?

Common causes include from foods – especially if something was spoiled or tainted – but GI viruses, food allergies and medication side-effects can also cause them. Some chronic conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can also lead to ongoing diarrhea.

Related Question Answers

When is diarrhea considered chronic?

Diarrhea that lasts for more than 2-4 weeks is considered persistent or chronic. In an otherwise healthy person, chronic diarrhea can be a nuisance at best or become a serious health issue. For someone who has a weakened immune system, chronic diarrhea may represent a life-threatening illness.

Can certain medications cause bowel incontinence?

This condition may be a side effect of medications. Some medications that may cause loose, watery stools and incontinence include cancer medications and antibiotics. The most common cause of bowel incontinence in people not in a hospital or nursing home is diarrhea.

Can anxiety meds give you diarrhea?

People taking SSRI antidepressants — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) — might find that they have nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. You can manage nausea by taking the medications with food, Dr. Dunlop says.

How do I stop laxative diarrhea?

How to ease symptoms in the meantime
  1. drinking plenty of water, juices, and broths to help avoid dehydration.
  2. taking OTC anti-diarrheal medications to help relieve pain from gas and bloating.
  3. getting plenty of rest to help slow the digestive process.

What do doctors prescribe for diarrhea?

Popular Diarrhea Drugs
  • Sulfatrim. sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim. $6.38.
  • Bactrim. sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim. $6.38.
  • Flagyl. metronidazole. $7.77.
  • Lomotil. diphenoxylate / atropine. $31.52.
  • loperamide. $23.38.
  • Xifaxan. $1,977.99.
  • Vancocin. vancomycin. $9.13.
  • Firvanq. $152.73.

How do you tell if diarrhea is from Covid?

How to Tell if Your GI issues Might Be COVID-19
  1. Research consistently shows that approximately 5-10% of adults with COVID-19 report GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  2. If you have new GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea - watch for fever, cough, or shortness of breath over the next few days.

Why does everything I eat give me diarrhea?

Food Intolerance

Another common cause of diarrhea after eating is an intolerance (allergy or sensitivity) to a food. Common irritants include dairy, gluten, soy, corn, and certain artificial ingredients, but an intolerance can exist to just about any food.

What is considered severe diarrhea?

Severe diarrhea means having more than 10 loose, watery stools in a single day (24 hours). Moderate diarrhea means having more than a few but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day. Mild diarrhea means having a few diarrhea stools in a day.

Why diarrhea is a symptom of Covid?

We think COVID-19 causes diarrhoea because the virus can invade cells in the gut and disrupt its normal function. COVID-19 can be transmitted through poo and contaminated surfaces or hands.

How do you get rid of chronic diarrhea?

Lifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include:
  1. avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
  2. eating low fiber foods.
  3. drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
  4. controlling food portions to avoid overeating.

What is the best diet for chronic diarrhea?

Bland foods that may help with diarrhea include:
  • hot cereals, such as oatmeal, cream of wheat, or rice porridge.
  • bananas.
  • applesauce.
  • plain white rice.
  • bread or toast.
  • boiled potatoes.
  • unseasoned crackers.

What can cause diarrhea without any other symptoms?

Causes of chronic loose stools
  • Irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting the digestive system.
  • Ulcerative colitis.
  • Crohn's disease.
  • Celiac disease.
  • Bile acid malabsorption.
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • Chronic pancreatitis.
  • Cystic fibrosis.

What tests are done for chronic diarrhea?

Stool testing is commonly used to diagnose diarrhea. Tests can include stool culture, a stool panel for gastrointestinal pathogens, Clostridium difficile toxin test, ova and parasite tests, fecal occult blood test, fecal fat test, stool antigen tests, fecal elastase, and fecal trypsin/chymotrypsin.

Does diarrhea mean malabsorption?

Chronic (or ongoing) diarrhea is a very common sign of malabsorption. See your doctor if you have symptoms.

Do probiotics help with diarrhea?

Probiotics might cut bouts of infectious diarrhea by half a day to about 2 days. Some research shows that the bacteria strains most likely to help are Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, although other strains might be useful.

How can an adult harden stool?

Hard stool treatment
  1. Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they're not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly.
  2. Drink more water.
  3. Eat more fiber.
  4. Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods.
  5. Exercise.

What stops diarrhea naturally?

Home remedy for vomiting and diarrhea
  1. Get plenty of rest.
  2. Avoid stress.
  3. Drink lots of clear fluids like water, broth, clear sodas, and sports drinks.
  4. Eat saltine crackers.
  5. Follow the BRAT diet, which consists of bland foods.
  6. Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or high in fat and sugar.
  7. Avoid dairy.
  8. Avoid caffeine.

Is having diarrhea everyday normal?

Frequent loose stools are a daily occurrence. There may be occasional normal stools. Despite the need to stay within reach of a toilet, the person is otherwise well. Very frequently, the diarrhea is due to something in the diet that is taken in excess.

Is peanut butter bad for diarrhea?

The IFFGD list a range of bland foods — including potatoes, noodles, yogurt, cream of wheat, some fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of peanut butter — that can increase nutrient content and electrolytes.

When should you not use Antidiarrheals?

Do not take antidiarrheal agents when diarrhea is accompanied by fever, severe illness, abdominal pain, or if there is blood or pus (mucus) in the stool. 1 If diarrhea from an infection is a possibility, only use antidiarrheal drugs with the help of a healthcare professional.

Is yogurt good for diarrhea?

Yogurt may help people recover from diarrhea faster. The live, natural, "friendly" bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, in some yogurt may help promote healthy digestion. Some studies have found that yogurt with live or active cultures may help prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics.

What drinks help diarrhea?

Drink plenty of water or low-sugar beverages to replace the fluids lost from diarrhea. Drink plenty of clear liquids and electrolyte beverages such as water, clear fruit juices, coconut water, oral rehydration solutions and sports drinks. These drinks help replenish fluids and electrolytes in the body.

Can you eat eggs when you have diarrhea?

Eating When you Have Diarrhea

Cooked eggs are also OK. Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If you have very severe diarrhea, you may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days.

What are 4 worst blood pressure drugs?

Both Yancy and Clements point out that those medications include: thiazide diuretics (chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide) ACE inhibitors (benazepril, zofenopril, lisinopril, and many others) calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem)

What heart meds can cause diarrhea?

All beta-blockers can cause diarrhoea

As with the other beta-blockers, the carvedilol data sheet describes gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, as being a common occurence (with a frequency of between 1-10%) and not dose-related.

Can High BP cause diarrhea?

Vasodilators, alpha blockers, and central agonists also relax blood vessels. Side effects can include dizziness, a fast heartbeat or heart palpitations, headaches, or diarrhea.

Can blood pressure tablets cause diarrhea?

If High Blood Pressure Drug Side Effects Bother You

In some cases, side effects such as fatigue or diarrhea may subside with time. In other cases, your doctor may change the dosage or prescribe another high blood pressure medication.

Can amlodipine cause loose stools?

The reported chronic gastrointestinal side effects from amlodipine include constipation, dyspepsia, dysphagia, diarrhea, flatulence and pancreatitis.

Can blood pressure tablets cause Diarrhoea?

The FDA is warning that the widely-used antihypertensive agent olmesartan (marketed as Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, Tribenzor, and generics) may cause severe diarrhea.

Why is lisinopril bad?

If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.

What is the safest blood pressure medicine for the elderly?

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

ARBs are considered the alternative first-line treatment for hypertension in the elderly population when a diuretic is contraindicated. In elderly hypertensive patients with diabetes or HF, ARBs are considered first-line treatment and an alternative to ACE inhibitors.