If your diarrhea is being caused by a bacterial infection or parasite, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or anti-parasitic as treatment. Some cases of diarrhea are caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics may kill off certain healthy bacteria in the gut, leading to an increased risk of diarrhea. If your doctor suspects that antibiotic medication is causing your diarrhea, you may be prescribed a probiotic to help restore healthy bacteria in the body.
If you are experiencing dehydration caused by diarrhea, talk to your doctor about rehydration methods. Water helps, but diarrhea deprives the body of electrolytes that are essential for proper functioning. If your dehydration is severe, your doctor may recommend an IV with fluids to help restore electrolyte and salt content.