Why Medication Gives You the Runs & How to Feel Better

How Can Medications Cause Stomach Upset?

Some medications can have diarrhoea as a side effect when their active molecules mess with your digestive system. They might do this by speeding things up in your intestines or making your stool softer.

Which Medications Can Mess with Your Digestive System?

While we know some medicines like antacids act up on your tummy, there are others, like metformin (diabetes medicine), antidepressants, and antipsychotics, that can also cause loose stools.

Medications can mess with your stomach and intestines in different ways.

• Some can slow down your digestion (like making you constipated)
• Some can harm the tissues in your gut (like causing ulcers)
• Some can even disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your tummy (which can lead to infections). 

We sometimes need to learn precisely how some medicines cause these issues.

Beware! It's Not Just the Medicine

Yes, it's not always just the active part of the medicine but also other parts of the pill or capsule, like the stuff that holds it together or the colourful coverings that can cause problems. So, figuring out what's causing the tummy trouble can be challenging. Why? This is because symptoms can be misleading.

Sometimes, these medication problems can make you feel nauseous or make you vomit, and it's not always because there's something wrong in your stomach. The cause can be somewhere else in your body, like hormones, ear fluid balance, or dehydration! However, the central issue is always gastrointestinal problems.

Which Medications Cause Gastrointestinal Issues?

Several types of medications can cause tummy troubles. If you face any of the following potential side effects while taking medications, discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional.

Antibiotics

While helpful in fighting infections, these medicines can also accidentally kill some good bacteria in your gut that help you digest food. When these beneficial bacteria take a hit, it can throw your digestion off balance and result in diarrhoea.

If this happens, don't hesitate to chat with your healthcare expert because they might be able to switch you to a different antibiotic that agrees more with your stomach.

Heartburn Medications

Now, let's talk about those heartburn medications you can grab at the store. Some of them, like antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can sometimes stir up diarrhoea. The culprits here are often ingredients like magnesium or calcium, which have a laxative effect on the body.

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or an ulcer, you might take a PPI. While it's not very common, some folks who take these drugs can end up with diarrhoea.

Antidepressants

Believe it or not, even some antidepressants can make your tummy upset. These can include a group of meds called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which commonly treat depression. These medications can influence certain chemicals in your body, including the digestive tract.

Cancer Treatment Medicines

If you're undergoing cancer treatment, you might have noticed that diarrhoea can become quite common. You face this because chemotherapy drugs can change how your body processes food. 

This change, in turn, can mess with how your intestines work and lead to diarrhoea.

Apart from these, some common medications like metformin (diabetes pills), laxatives, and blood pressure medications can cause stomach upset. 

Always read the labels and do what is necessary to face the side effects.

You Must Stay Informed About Your Medications

It's crucial to stay informed about the medications you're taking. 

• Always peek at the labels and read the patient information that comes with them.
• If you are ever dealing with stomach problems caused by your medication, your healthcare provider can help you figure out what to do next so that you can feel your best.

How to Manage Medication-Induced Diarrhoea

If you're experiencing diarrhoea as a side effect of your medication, there are steps you can take to make it more manageable. Read on to know what they are!

Stay Hydrated: Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so drinking plenty of water added with electrolytes is essential. It helps replace the fluids your body is losing.

Adjust Medication Timing: Talk to your healthcare provider about when to take your medication. Sometimes, taking it with food can reduce the chances of stomach upset. But always get their advice before changing your medication routine.

Choose the Right Foods: Maintaining a balanced diet can make a big difference. Here are some dietary tips:

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Avoid greasy, spicy, and dairy-heavy foods. They can irritate your stomach further, causing loose stools.
• Opt for Bland Foods: Go for gentle, easily digestible foods. Foods like rice, bananas, applesauce, and plain crackers can be soothing to your stomach.

Consult your healthcare professional: Don't hesitate to contact the experts if you're struggling with medication-induced diarrhoea. They can offer guidance according to your situation and suggest any necessary adjustments.

Managing medication-related diarrhoea is all about easing your discomfort and ensuring you stay hydrated.

Fine Alternatives and Learn Preventive Techniques

But what if you want to avoid these medication-induced side effects altogether? Well, there are some strategies to consider.

Lowering the Dosage - In some instances, lowering the dosage of medications can reduce the chances of diarrhoea while still maintaining the effectiveness. But, always consult the appropriate healthcare advisor before cutting down on medications, especially the ones you take regularly.

Switching to a Different Form - If your medication in the form of a pill is interfering with your gut and causing diarrhoea, then your doctor may suggest some alternative form of the same medicine, such as patches, liquids, etc.

Take With Food: Some medicines are more stomach-friendly when you have a meal with them. It's like having a buddy to calm your tummy and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. But always check with your doctor first to ensure it's safe for your specific medication.

Opt for Extended-Release: Some medications have a particular "extended-release" version. These innate qualities allow them to release medicines slowly into your body, like a time-release capsule. It can lessen the chances of side effects, including tummy trouble.

Talk to Your Doctor: Your doctor or health coach is your partner in health. If you're experiencing any discomfort or side effects from your medication, they can explore alternative medicines that work better for you or adjust your treatment plan.

Tip: Why not list questions or concerns before your next doctor's appointment? It can help you have a productive discussion about your medications and any side effects you want to avoid.

It's all about finding the right balance between managing your health condition and minimising pesky side effects.

Your doctor is there to help you with this journey, so don't hesitate to contact them.

Natural Remedies for Medication-Induced Digestive Issues

Trying natural remedies to relieve medication-induced digestive issues will ease your system's transition back to normalcy. Some of the expert-recommended natural remedies are;

Fibre-Rich Foods

It's incredible how incorporating the right foods into your diet can work wonders for your digestive system. Fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains can assist in promoting regular bowel movements by balancing gut bacteria, absorbing excess water, and reducing irritation in the gut.

Probiotics

Think of probiotics as your little helpers. They're like the friendly crew maintaining your gut's health. You can find them in yoghurt, kefir, and some supplements. These good bacteria can reduce the risk of diarrhoea caused by medications and promote a happy, balanced gut.

Tip: Consider adding a serving of yoghurt with live bacterial cultures to your daily routine. It's an easy way to introduce probiotics to your diet!

Stress Management

Believe it or not, stress can throw your digestive system for a loop. 

When you're all wound up, your tummy can get upset, too. But here's where practices like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga come to the rescue. 

They can help you keep stress in check and, in turn, support your digestion on track.

Tip: Keep a few minutes daily for a short meditation or deep breathing exercises. It's like giving your mind and body a calming break.

Gentle Herbal Teas

Some herbal teas, like ginger or peppermint, can work wonders for an upset stomach. Sipping on a warm cup can help soothe discomfort and make you feel cosy.

Hydration

Remember the importance of drinking water. Staying well-hydrated helps keep your digestive system running smoothly and relieves constipation. Adding electrolyte powder to your drinking water best replaces the body electrolytes you lost through loose stools.

Wrapping Up!

Medication-induced diarrhoea can be a genuine inconvenience, but it is essential to remember that you're not alone in facing this issue. Open communication with your healthcare expert is critical. They can provide guidance, suggest alternatives, and help you find the best solution tailored to your needs.

So, if you're dealing with loose stools as a side effect of medication, don't hesitate to contact our professional guidance. 

Your comfort and well-being are a priority, and together with the healthcare team, you can find the best path forward. Stay well!