Gut issues: quick, practical help for stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea

Stomach cramps, bloating, nausea or sudden diarrhea can ruin a day. Sometimes it's food. Often it's a medicine side effect. Other times it's an infection. This page helps you spot what’s likely going on, what to try at home, and which articles on our site can help you think through medication-related causes.

Common drug-related causes to watch for

Antibiotics are a top cause of diarrhea. They kill helpful gut bacteria and can let C. difficile grow. If diarrhea starts after antibiotics, keep hydrated and call your doctor—don’t just stop the drug. We cover antibiotics, alternatives and safety in articles such as "Finding Meds Like Abilify Without Weight Gain" and lists of alternatives to Amoxil, Zithromax, and Vibramycin that discuss side effects and options.

Metformin and GLP-1 diabetes drugs commonly cause nausea, gas, or loose stools at first. Small dose changes, eating smaller meals, or taking meds with food often helps. See our "GLP-1 Agonists vs. Metformin" article for practical tips on handling GI upset with these medications.

Steroids like prednisone can upset the stomach and raise ulcer risk when used long-term. If you’re looking to avoid steroid side effects, read "Discovering 8 Game-Changing Prednisone Alternatives for 2025" for options your prescriber might consider.

Other meds—antivirals (like Famvir), pain relievers, and some supplements—can also cause GI symptoms. Our Famvir piece and acetaminophen article discuss specific side effects and safe use advice.

Practical fixes you can try today—and red flags

Start simple: hydrate, eat bland foods (rice, bananas, toast), and avoid greasy or spicy meals until things settle. For mild diarrhea, oral rehydration drinks or broths help replace salts. For nausea, try ginger, small sips of clear fluids, and rest upright after eating.

Probiotics can speed recovery after antibiotics for some people. Look for products with Lactobacillus or Saccharomyces boulardii and follow dosing on the label. If you’re on immunosuppressants, check with your clinician first.

Watch for red flags: high fever, blood in stool, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration (dizziness, low urine), or severe abdominal pain. These need urgent medical attention. Also call your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 48–72 hours or starts shortly after antibiotics.

If you suspect a medicine is the problem, don’t stop it on your own. Talk to the prescriber about dose changes, switching drugs, or supportive measures. We have deeper breakdowns in articles about drug safety, storage, and alternatives—like "Cephalexin Price Breakdown," "Exploring Effective Alternatives to Amoxil," and "How U.S. Residents Legally Import Prescription Medications."

Gut issues can be simple fixes or signs of something serious. Use the tips above to feel better fast, and use our site articles for deeper, medicine-specific info. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to your healthcare provider—your gut will thank you.