Let's get this diarrhea under control using OTC measures.
Diarrhea is a symptom. You have to take care of the underlying cause if possible.
Let's take a look at what is available over the counter for diarrhea management.
Oral Rehydration
This should be your first focus before thinking of medications. Most of the time this is enough to take care of diarrhea.
You should start preventing dehydration as soon as possible. Start as soon as you notice diarrhea coming on.
Good examples at the pharmacy are Pedialyte® or Rehydration packets you mix with water for electrolyte replacement.
Home mixture:
1 teaspoonful salt + 2 tablespoonfuls of sugar + 1 liter of water.
Be careful with mixing this. Too much sugar or salt may make diarrhea worse.
Try taking zinc or potassium supplements if you can while at it.
If you throw up while drinking this, wait for 5 to 10 minutes and start again slowly.
Loperamide
This is the first choice for over-the-counter management of diarrhea.
It works by decreasing the movement of the intestine which increases the length of time things stay in the intestine allowing more water to be absorbed.
There are situations where you cannot take this. Example:
- Diarrhea is bloody or there is blood in the stool.
- You also have a fever.
You must not take this if these two situations are present. You should be seeking urgent care.
Imodium® is a good example.
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Pepto-Bismol®. This is used both as an antidiarrheal and antacid.
It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions. They reduce inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. It coats irritated tissues thereby reducing the movement of fluids into the intestine.
Probiotics
This has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea by a day or two.
No yogurt until after the diarrhea. It may be hard to digest and can make the diarrhea worse if taken during diarrhea.
Last updated by pharmacist on :
03/26/2018
