If you develop diarrhoea while taking antibiotics, or after a recent course, ask for an urgent GP assessment or contact NHS 111. It may not be a serious infection, but C. difficile is one possibility that needs the right assessment and sometimes a stool test. Do not assume the answer is to finish the course, take an anti-diarrhoea tablet and wait. [1,2]
You may have started treatment for a chest, dental or urine infection and then developed a new problem. The original prescription and the new symptoms both matter. A clinician needs to decide whether the antibiotic remains essential, whether another medicine is contributing and whether you need testing or treatment for a different infection.
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Why do antibiotics matter?
C. difficile is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhoea. NHS guidance explains that antibiotics can change the balance of bacteria in the bowel, allowing an infection to develop. Not everyone with diarrhoea after antibiotics has C. difficile, but the timing is important enough to seek medical advice. [1]
Possible symptoms include diarrhoea, a high temperature, loss of appetite, nausea and stomach ache. Risk is higher in some groups, including people over 65, those with a weakened immune system and people who have previously had C. difficile. Recent hospital or care-home stays can also be relevant. [1]
Do not use a risk checklist to rule yourself out. NHS advice is to seek urgent assessment for diarrhoea during or after antibiotics, even if you are otherwise young and healthy. [1]
When to seek help
Contact an urgent GP service or NHS 111 if you have diarrhoea and are taking, or have recently taken, antibiotics. Bloody diarrhoea, bleeding from the bottom or diarrhoea lasting more than seven days are also reasons for urgent advice. Do not wait seven days if the antibiotic link is already present. [1]
If you become severely unwell or symptoms worsen rapidly, you may need hospital assessment. NICE recommends hospital referral for suspected or confirmed C. difficile when someone is severely unwell or deteriorating rapidly or significantly, and urgent referral for a life-threatening infection. [2]
A private appointment is an option only when it is the appropriate route. Do not wait for a clinic message if urgent care is needed.
Should I stop the antibiotic?
Ask the prescribing clinician promptly rather than making a change on your own. For suspected or confirmed C. difficile, NICE recommends reviewing existing antibiotics and stopping them unless essential; if treatment is still essential, a different antibiotic may be considered. That decision depends on the infection being treated and your health, not just the name on the packet. [2]
Tell the clinician about all medicines, including acid-suppressing treatment, laxatives and medicines that may need review if you are dehydrated. NICE specifically recommends a broader medicine review in this situation. Do not independently stop several regular medicines after reading a general list. [2]
Can I take loperamide?
Do not use loperamide or a similar medicine to suppress diarrhoea when C. difficile is suspected. Both NHS and NICE guidance advise against antimotility medicines in this setting. Arrange assessment instead. [1,2]
Drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration. A clinician or pharmacist can advise on an appropriate approach for your circumstances. If you are struggling to drink, feel markedly worse or have concerns about dehydration, tell the assessing service rather than relying on a routine appointment. [1,2]
Will I need a stool sample?
A doctor who suspects C. difficile may ask for a stool sample. The result helps determine the next step alongside your symptoms and clinical assessment. Some people can be treated at home; others need hospital care. Treatment for confirmed or suspected infection uses specific antibiotics, not a random replacement or leftovers from another course. [1,2]
If you have already been prescribed treatment for C. difficile, follow the instructions and complete the course. NHS guidance warns that stopping early can allow symptoms to return. Seek another review if symptoms worsen or recur. [1]
What to tell the clinician
Have this information ready:
The antibiotic name, dose, reason for treatment and start date.
When diarrhoea began, how frequent it is and whether there is blood.
Whether you have a fever, pain, vomiting or difficulty keeping up with fluids.
Recent hospital stays, previous C. difficile and relevant medical conditions.
Other medicines and any anti-diarrhoea products already used.
The aim is a decision about what to do today, which tests are needed and who will review the results. Ask for clear safety-net advice before the consultation ends.
How to reduce the risk of spreading infection
If C. difficile is suspected or diagnosed, follow the advice from your clinician. NHS guidance includes washing hands with soap and water, not relying on hand sanitiser, cleaning the toilet area after use and not sharing towels. Stay at home until at least 48 hours after diarrhoea stops. [1]
Can The Online GP help?
Contact The Online GP for an appropriate urgent review , subject to availability and clinical suitability. Telephone consultations are £59 for up to 15 minutes ; video consultations are from £150 for up to 30 minutes . Tests, prescriptions or an in-person assessment may be needed and are not guaranteed before review. Confirm any separate costs before proceeding. [3]
Call 020 3951 3429 for availability. Email team@thewellnesslondon.com is for non-urgent enquiries, not a route for urgent symptoms.
Common questions
Does this always mean C. difficile?
No. The symptom has more than one possible cause. The antibiotic link is a reason for assessment, not proof of one infection. [1]
Should I wait until the course is finished?
No. Seek advice when diarrhoea develops during or after antibiotics. The clinician can decide whether the existing prescription needs to change. [1,2]
Can it happen after I have stopped the tablets?
Yes. NHS guidance includes people who have recently taken antibiotics, not only those currently taking them. Tell the clinician the dates. [1]
Can an online consultation replace hospital care?
No. Severe illness or rapid deterioration needs the appropriate urgent or hospital assessment. Remote care should help choose a safe next step, not delay it. [2]
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Sources
NICE NG199: C. difficile infection, assessment, treatment and referral recommendations .
The Online GP: consultation options and current fees .
The Wellness Clinical Team. Sources checked 16 October 2026. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan.