Conditions and symptoms
What Is C. diff-Associated Diarrhea? Antibiotic Warning
Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea · say it: klos-TRID-ee-OY-deez dif-uh-SEEL uh-SOH-see-ay-tid dy-uh-REE-uhAlso written: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, C. diff diarrhea, CDAD, C. difficile infection, CDI
Short answer
Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea is a bowel infection, often after antibiotics, in which this germ overgrows and inflames the colon.
What it means
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a germ that can live in the bowel. Antibiotics can upset the usual balance of gut bacteria and let C. diff overgrow and release toxins, causing watery diarrhea, cramps and sometimes fever. It can range from mild to serious; severe or bloody diarrhea, a swollen painful belly or signs of dehydration need prompt medical help.
Almost every antibiotic label warns about it, because nearly any antibiotic can trigger it, sometimes weeks after the course ends. Labels advise contacting a doctor rather than taking anti-diarrhea medicine on your own, because a stool test can confirm it and specific treatment exists.
The germ was formerly called Clostridium difficile, which is why both names appear. It is different from the short, mild loose stools that many people get while taking antibiotics.
Where you may see it
- 'Warnings and precautions' sections of antibiotic labels
- Antibiotic leaflets under 'Serious side effects'
- Stool test results and hospital infection-control notes
📄 How it looks on a report
Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Not every case of diarrhea on antibiotics is C. diff.
- It can start weeks after you finish the antibiotic, not only during it.
- It does not mean you should stop your antibiotic on your own; speak to your prescriber first.
🎯 Check yourself
Which of these is the right meaning of “Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea”?
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Amoxicillin
a penicillin-class antibacterial medicine that works against bacteria
- Ampicillin Sodium
a penicillin-type antibacterial medicine
- Ceftriaxone
A broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic, as described on the official FDA label
- Cephalexin
a cephalosporin antibacterial medicine (an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections)
- Clindamycin Phosphate
A lincosamide antibacterial medicine
- Doxycycline
a tetracycline-class antibacterial medicine (an antibiotic)
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.