After typical viral or food poisoning diarrhea (acute diarrhea), stools usually firm up and return to normal within a few days to a week, often improving significantly within 3 days, though loose stools might linger up to two weeks. Normal gut function and microbiome can take longer, but if diarrhea persists beyond 7 days, lasts over two weeks (chronic), or you see blood, see a doctor.
Acute diarrhoea symptoms usually clear up within 5 to 7 days. Diarrhoea that is chronic lasts a longer time. It generally lasts 4 weeks or more. You should always see your GP if the diarrhoea lasts a long time.
Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your stool returns to what's typical for you. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken. Don't eat certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Ask about antidiarrheal medicines.
You Could Have GI Issues, Including Diarrhea
So, how long does diarrhea last when starting metformin? It usually gets better within the first week to 10 days, Sisson says. The best way to decrease this side effect is to have some food already in your stomach when you take it.
You should worry about diarrhea in pregnancy and contact your doctor immediately if you have severe symptoms like blood/pus in stools, fever (≥100.4°F/38°C), severe abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, or signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, decreased urination). Also, seek urgent care if diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days, worsens, or if you suspect it's a sign of labor (contractions, pelvic pressure) or food poisoning.
Infections, certain medications, digestive conditions, and food intolerances could all potentially cause sudden diarrhea with no other symptoms. If this happens often, a person should speak with a doctor.
Diarrhea
Viral or bacterial infections. Certain medications, such as antibiotics. Digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Trigger foods such as eating or drinking dairy, caffeine, and additives or artificial sweeteners.
While taking metformin with a meal can help ease diarrhea symptoms, it's also a good idea to avoid taking it with meals that are overly greasy or sugary. These types of foods can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
If you take metformin without food you may end up with an upset stomach, especially if you are just starting treatment. Nausea and vomiting are some of the most common side effects with metformin and can occur in over 30% of patients.
They may recommend lowering your dose, switching to the ER formulation, or taking metformin right after a meal. They may also recommend ways to treat medication-induced diarrhea, such as with anti-diarrheal medications, while your body adjusts to metformin.
Replenish those electrolytes
Vomiting, fever and diarrhea can especially drain electrolytes, which are essential for hydration and energy. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages, like coconut water or sports drinks, to replenish your body's stores.
Yellow poop can indicate an infection such as gastroenteritis or giardiasis. Typically, these infections will clear up on their own without treatment. If they persist, however, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help your body heal from the infection.
The 7 Day Gut Reset is a clean-eating and lifestyle-based plan designed to: Eliminate common gut disruptors. Introduce healing, nourishing foods. Support your digestive system with hydration and rest. Improve the diversity of your gut bacteria.
Constipation that occurs after diarrhea may result from medication use or dietary changes. Some health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can also involve both diarrhea and constipation. Some people may have underlying conditions that affect their digestive system as well.
Many people believe they have emptied out their colons after multiple episodes of diarrhea or that they can keep their colons empty by avoiding food. However, since stool is made up in large part of bacteria, fecal matter is continuously being formed.
Eat the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, (white) rice, applesauce and toast. These foods help firm up your stool. Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, brussels sprouts and carbonated drinks. You should also avoid dairy because diarrhea can make you temporarily lactose intolerant.
But you may get low blood sugar when you take metformin and you exercise hard, drink alcohol, or do not eat enough food. Sometimes metformin is combined with other diabetes medicine. Some of these can cause low blood sugar.
Common side effects
It's best to take metformin tablets with, or just after, your evening meal to reduce the chance of getting side effects. Swallow your metformin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them. If you're taking metformin sachets, pour the powder into a glass and add water (about 150ml).
Chronic diarrhea associated with metformin has been described as watery, often explosive, and frequently causing fecal incontinence.
Foods to Avoid While Taking Metformin
Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea tend to resolve on their own once your body gets used to taking metformin. These common side effects are also less common on lower doses and with the extended-release versions of metformin.
Foods that cause diarrhea after eating
The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) is a gentle and effective diet for relieving diarrhea.