what treatment for diarrhea

What is the best over the counter treatment for diarrhea?

To help you cope with your signs and symptoms until the diarrhea goes away, try to do the following:

• Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. ...
• Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
• Ask about anti-diarrheal medications. ...
• Consider taking probiotics. ...

What medications help stop diarrhea?

When treatment is needed it may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to treat and prevent dehydration
• Anti-diarrheal medications Loperamide (Imodium) Diphenoxylate- atropine ( Lomotil) Bismuth subsalicylate ( Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)
• Antibiotics, if diarrhea is caused by certain bacterial infections

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What pill can stop diarrhea?

You should not use Imodium A-D if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:

• stomach pain without diarrhea;
• diarrhea with a high fever;
• ulcerative colitis;
• diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection; or
• stools that are bloody, black, or tarry.

What diet is suggested in the treatment of diarrhea?

• When you have diarrhea, avoid greasy, sugary, and spicy foods.
• Eat foods that are easy on the stomach like soup, boiled vegetables, crackers, and lots of liquids.
• The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) can help over short periods of time as well.

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What is the fastest way to cure diarrhea?

Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively. The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function.

What is best medicine for diarrhea?

Two types of meds relieve diarrhea in different ways:Loperamide (Imodium) slows the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid.Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract.

What helps with diarrhea in adults?

Treatment for Diarrhea Adults can take an over-the-counter medicine such as bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide, which you can get as liquids or tablets. You also need to stay hydrated. You should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. Choose electrolyte replacement drinks or soda without caffeine.

What antibiotic is used to treat diarrhea?

Table 2-11. Acute diarrhea antibiotic treatment recommendationsANTIBIOTIC1DOSEDURATIONAzithromycin 2,31,000 mgSingle or divided dose 4500 mg daily3 daysLevofloxacin500 mg daily1–3 days 4Ciprofloxacin750 mgSingle dose 44 more rows

What is the fastest working anti diarrhea medicine?

IMODIUM A-D Anti-Diarrheal Oral Solution (liquid) is the fastest single ingredient OTC...

What is the best natural remedy for diarrhea?

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they're starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.

How do I stop diarrhea from Covid?

Greenough also notes that foods such as bananas, rice and toast are good binding agents to help settle one's stomach when they are experiencing diarrhea. Greenough is available for comment on COVID-19, diarrhea and oral hydration.

What is the main cause of diarrhea?

The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your bowel (“viral gastroenteritis”). The infection usually lasts a couple of days and is sometimes called “intestinal flu.” Other possible causes of diarrhea can include: Infection by bacteria.

How long does diarrhea last?

Diarrhea is often your body’s way of dealing with disruptions in your gastrointestinal system. Acute diarrhea lasts less than 2 weeks and can come from many sources, such as: a viral infection. a bacterial infection. food poisoning.

What causes diarrhea in children?

food poisoning. recent antibiotic use. water contaminated with an infectious agent. Infectious diarrhea is common in young children and is often caused by a virus. Traveler’s diarrhea can occur if you travel to underdeveloped areas with contaminated water.

Why is it important to have good bacteria in your intestines?

They play an important role in protecting your intestines against infection. When your system is changed by antibiotics or overwhelmed by unhealthy bacteria or viruses, you can get diarrhea.

Is hydration important for children with diarrhea?

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding infants who are experiencing diarrhea. Over-the-counter oral pediatric hydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are the recommended fluids of choice for children with diarrhea. Small amounts of hydration solutions should be given frequently. These formulas also come in popsicle preparations.

Can you take over the counter medication for diarrhea?

Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Over-the-counter medications are not recommended for treatment in children, so it’s important to talk to your doctor. Infants under 3 months old who have diarrhea should be taken to the doctor right away.

Can you drink soda with diarrhea?

Studies. Trusted Source. have shown that for adults with mild symptoms of diarrhea, sports drinks and over-the-counter rehydration solutions are equally effective. Alcohol, milk, soda, and other carbonated or caffeinated drinks should not be used for hydration, as they may make your symptoms worse. 2.

Can you eat if you have diarrhea?

While it might sound counterintuitive to eat if you have diarrhea, eating certain foods can help alleviate your diarrhea symptoms and ensure your health doesn’ t worsen from not eating. Stick to low-fiber “ BRAT ” foods that will help firm up your stool. These include:

How to get dehydrated if you lose water?

Until you feel better, rest, drink enough fluids, and watch what you eat. Your body loses water with each trip to the bathroom. If you lose too much, you can get dehydrated.  It's important to keep drinking fluids. Drink clear liquids -- water, broth, or fruit juice -- during the day to stay hydrated.

Can you take more than one over the counter diahria pill?

Don't take more than the label recommends -- it won’t make the drug work better or faster. And don’t take more than one of these medicines at a time.  Over the counter diarrhea medications are also not recommended in patients who have bloody stools or fever. If you have any questions, call your doctor or pharmacist.

Does cabbage help with diarrhea?

Cabbage. Treatments. Most of the time diarrhea doesn't need to be treated. But some over-the-counter medicines can help you feel better. Two types of meds relieve diarrhea in different ways: Loperamide(Imodium) slows the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid.

How do doctors treat chronic diarrhea?

How doctors treat persistent and chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics and medicines that target parasites to treat bacterial or parasitic infections. Doctors may also prescribe medicines to treat some of the conditions that cause chronic diarrhea, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ...

How to reduce the chances of getting diarrhea?

You can reduce your chances of getting or spreading infections that can cause diarrhea by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 15 to 30 seconds. after using the bathroom. after changing diapers. before and after handling or preparing food.

How long does diarrhea last in a child?

Talk to a doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter medicine. If your child’s diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, see a doctor right away. You can give your child his or her usual age-appropriate diet. You can give your infant breast milk or formula as usual.

Can you take antibiotics for diarrhea?

If you are worried about travelers’ diarrhea, talk with your doctor before traveling. Doctors may recommend taking antibiotics before and during a trip to help prevent travelers’ diarrhea. Early treatment with antibiotics can shorten a case of travelers’ diarrhea.

How to reduce the chances of diarrhea?

There are a few ways you can decrease your chances of having diarrhea, including: Avoiding infections with good hygiene habits: Washing your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, as well as cooking, handling, and eating, is an important way to prevent diarrhea.

How to avoid diarrhea in developing countries?

Watch what you drink. Don’t drink tap water, use ice cubes, brush your teeth with tap water, or consume unpasteurized milk, milk products or unpasteurized juices.

Why does my stool get watery?

When you have diarrhea, your stool will be loose and watery. In most cases, the cause is unknown and it goes away on its own after a few days. Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria.

How long does diarrhea last?

Acute diarrhea: The most common, acute diarrhea is loose watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. This type doesn’t need treatment and it usually goes away after a few days. Persistent diarrhea: This type of diarrhea generally persists for several weeks – two to four weeks.

How long does it take for diarrhea to go away?

Diarrhea can happen for a wide variety of reasons and it usually goes away on its own in one to three days.

What is it called when you have a loose stool?

What is diarrhea? Going to the bathroom, having a bowel movement, pooping – no matter what you call it, stool is a regular part of your life. However, sometimes this process of getting waste out of your body changes. When you have loose or watery stool, it’s called diarrhea.

What happens when you have diarrhea?

When you have diarrhea, you lose water and electrolytes along with stool. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace what’s lost. Dehydration can become serious if it fails to resolve (get better), worsens and is not addressed adequately.

What does it mean when you have diarrhea?

What Is Diarrhea? When you have diarrhea, your bowel movements (or stools) are loose and watery. It’s common and usually not serious. Many people get diarrhea a few times a year.

What does a physical exam tell you about diarrhea?

They will give you a physical exam to look for signs of dehydration or belly pain. Certain tests can help pinpoint the cause of your diarrhea, including: Blood tests to look for certain diseases or disorders.

How do you know if you have a watery stool?

Weight loss. Fever. If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you're not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated. That can be a serious problem if it's not treated.

What is the procedure that looks at the lower colon?

They can also use this device to take a small sample of tissue. Or your doctor might need to do only a sigmoidoscopy, which looks at just the lower colon.

Why does my rectal area hurt?

Your rectal area may become sore because of all the bowel movements that diarrhea brings. You may have itching, burning, or pain when you go to the bathroom. For relief, take a warm bath. Afterward, pat the area dry (don’t rub) with a clean, soft towel.

How to treat diarrhea fast?

Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy. Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea.

What is the best diet for diarrhea?

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier.

How to stop diarrhea from yogurt?

Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea. Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria.

What to do if you have diarrhea after taking a new medication?

If you have diarrhea after starting a new medication, ask your doctor about an alternative drug or possibly lowering your dosage. You can also protect yourself by thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables before preparing.

How long does it take for a stool to firm up?

But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster.

Can artificial sweeteners cause diarrhea?

Artificial sweeteners. This is a lesser known cause of diarrhea. But if you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners, you may have a bout of diarrhea after eating foods or drinks containing these sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, sugar-free products, chewing gum, and even some candy.

Can antibiotics cause diarrhea?

Antibiotics. Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic. In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling. Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea must run its course. 5.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

Symptoms of chronic diarrhea. The main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for weeks. These stools may or may not be accompanied by a sense of urgency. You may have other symptoms as well, such as: abdominal cramps. bloating. nausea.

What to do if you have diarrhea and a blood test can't identify it?

alcohol abuse. If a blood test or a stool sample can’t identify the cause of diarrhea, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or CT scan of your abdomen, but only if you have other symptoms like pain or bloody stools. These imaging tests will check your organs for problems.

How long does diarrhea last?

Many people experience diarrhea at some point. These bouts are often acute and resolve in a couple of days with no complications. Other people, however, live with diarrhea that persists for more than two to four weeks.

Why does food pass through my colon?

Certain ingredients speed up the rate of digestion, causing food to pass rapidly through the colon. Common culprits include milk and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose). Other causes of chronic diarrhea may include: medications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, antacids. diabetes.

What to do if you don't have a medical condition?

If you don’t have a medical condition, keeping a food journal, watching your diet, and making lifestyle changes may also provide relief. The important thing is that you don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you can get relief. Last medically reviewed on September 25, 2017.

Can chronic diarrhea be prevented?

Chronic diarrhea caused by an underlying medical condition isn’t always preventable. But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water supply clean. For example:

Can IBS cause diarrhea?

If diagnostic tests don’t reveal an abnormality, your doctor may attribute chronic diarrhea to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. IBS can be chronic, but it doesn’t damage the large intestines.

Drugs used to treat Diarrhea

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Alternative treatments for Diarrhea

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Diarrhea. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Diarrhea.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

What is the best medicine for diarrhea?

These medicines include: Alosetron ( Lotronex) is for some women with really serious IBS-D. Your doctor may give it to you if nothing else works.

What is the best drug for diarrhea in kids?

Ask your doctor before you give anti-diarrheal drugs to younger kids. Popular over-the-counter (OTC) options include: Loperamide. Poop can’t move through your intestines as fast when you take this drug. It’ll come out less often and more solid when your body has time to absorb water. Bismuth subsalicylate.

Why does diarrhea come and go?

Some common causes include: Infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Medication, including antibiotics. Food allergies or sensitivities. Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Celiac disease.

Can you get anti-diarrhea pills without a prescription?

Diarrhea is a common condition. But there are anti-diarrheal drugs that can ease your symptoms. They help keep you from losing too much fluid. They also replace nutrients you may have lost. You can get them with or without a prescription.

Can IBS-D cause diarrhea?

Ask your doctor if there are more options you can try. Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause ongoing diarrhea. Your doctor will give you another kind of prescription to manage those conditions.

Can you take bismuth if you have a fever?

Talk to your doctor first if you have a fever or there’s blood in your poop. You may need an antibiotic or other medicine to get rid of bacteria or parasites. Don’ t take bismuth subsalicylate if you’re allergic to aspirin.