How to Stop Diarrhea: Best Over-the-Counter Medications
- Joyce Vallo
- Mar 4, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 10, 2024
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Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than normal. Having diarrhea for an occasional day is usually not a cause for concern. However, ongoing and persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Fortunately, there are many effective over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies that can provide fast relief from diarrhea. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about stopping diarrhea quickly and safely with OTC meds and lifestyle changes.
Quick Look at the Best Over-the-Counter Medications for Diarrhea
Diatabs-click here👉 Loperamide
Pepto Bismol Chewables-click here👉 5 Symptom Stomach Relief
HYDRITE-click here👉 Oral Rehydration Salt
BIO-IG Probiotic-click here👉 Professional Grade Probiotics
What Causes Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors that disrupt the normal digestive process and lead to loose, watery stools. Understanding the underlying cause can help guide appropriate treatment and management strategies.
Infections
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are common causes of acute diarrhea. Some examples include:
Viral infections: Norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, and viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Bacterial infections: Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Shigella (food poisoning or traveler's diarrhea)
Parasitic infections: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Certain foods can trigger diarrhea in individuals with intolerances or allergies, such as lactose intolerance (dairy products), fructose intolerance (fruits, honey, and high-fructose corn syrup), gluten intolerance or celiac disease (wheat, barley, and rye products), and food allergies (e.g., shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts).
Medications
Diarrhea can be a side effect of various medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, antacids containing magnesium, and laxatives or other medications that stimulate bowel movements.
Chronic Digestive Disorders
Certain chronic conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, pancreatic disorders, and the surgical removal of part of the intestine, can cause or contribute to diarrhea.
Other Causes
Additional factors that can lead to diarrhea include excessive alcohol consumption, stress and anxiety, radiation therapy for cancer treatment, and artificial sweeteners (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol).
Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhea
The primary symptom of diarrhea is loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. Other common signs and symptoms may include:
Abdominal cramps or pain
Bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Fever (in cases of infectious diarrhea)
Dehydration (if diarrhea persists and fluids are not replenished)
Risk Factors to Watch Out For
While diarrhea can affect anyone, some individuals are at a higher risk of developing the condition or experiencing more severe symptoms. Risk factors include:
Age (infants, young children, and older adults are more vulnerable)
Weakened immune system (due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment)
Recent antibiotic use (which can disrupt the gut microbiome)
Travel to developing countries (increased risk of traveler's diarrhea)
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or other chronic digestive disorders
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, diarrhea resolves on its own within a few days and can be managed with OTC medications and home remedies. However, there are certain situations where it's important to seek medical attention:
Severe or Persistent Diarrhea: If diarrhea persists for more than two days, or if you experience severe symptoms such as frequent, watery stools (more than 10 per day), it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Dehydration Signs: Diarrhea can cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss, leading to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth and tongue, fatigue and dizziness, decreased urination or dark-colored urine, headache, and dry skin.
Blood in the Stool: The presence of blood in your stool (either bright red or dark and tarry) can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal bleeding, or colon cancer.
Fever and Chills: If diarrhea is accompanied by a high fever (over 102°F or 38.9°C) or chills, it may indicate a bacterial or parasitic infection that requires medical treatment.
Severe Abdominal Pain: Severe, persistent abdominal pain or cramps can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a bowel obstruction.
Diarrhea in Infants and Young Children: Diarrhea in infants and young children can lead to rapid dehydration and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if accompanied by fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration.
Best Over-the-Counter Anti-Diarrheal Medications
Over-the-counter oral diarrhea medicines can provide fast and effective relief.
They typically work in one of two ways:
Reducing intestinal motility: Slows down the movement of stool through the intestines, allowing more water to be absorbed.
Absorbing fluid in the intestines: Sponges up excess fluid through absorption or gelling/solidifying mechanisms.
The most commonly used OTC medications for diarrhea treatment are:
Diatabs Loperamide
Diatabs contain the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride which helps stop diarrhea by slowing digestion.
Pros:
Very effective at stopping diarrhea
Starts working within 1 hour
Easy to take tablets
Cons:
May cause constipation
Not suitable for children under 12 years old
Best For: Adults with acute diarrhea who need quick relief.
"These Diatabs tablets really helped resolved my diarrhea fast. Took 2 and symptoms stopped within a few hours." - Ryan, Shopee customer
Pepto Bismol Chewables
These cherry flavored chewable tablets provide relief from diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.
Pros:
Tastes better than liquid Pepto
Relieves multiple digestive symptoms
Fast acting
Cons:
Leaves a temporary black tongue residue
Best For: Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach relief. Safe for ages 12 and up.
"I take Pepto chewables whenever I have an upset tummy and they help settle it quickly. Taste isn't bad too." - Mary, Lazada customer
Hydrite Oral Rehydration Salts
Hydrite contains electrolytes and minerals to rehydrate and replace fluids lost due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Pros:
Helps replenish fluids and electrolytes
Easy to mix powder sachets
Suitable for adults and children
Cons:
Doesn't stop diarrhea itself
Best For: Rehydration maintenance alongside anti-diarrheal meds.
"I use Hydrite when having stomach flu to prevent dehydration. It really helps rehydrate quickly." - Nicole, Mercury Drug customer
Bio-IG Probiotics
These probiotic capsules contain beneficial gut bacteria to improve digestion and immunity. Can provide diarrhea relief.
Pros:
60 capsule bottle for better value
May improve gut health over time
No refrigeration needed
Cons:
More expensive
Takes days to work for diarrhea
Best For: Maintaining digestive health and preventing diarrhea episodes.
"I take these probiotics daily and feel it has improved my bowel movements and immunity." - Sara, Shopee customer
Buyer's Guide for Diarrhea Medicines
When choosing diarrhea relief:
Loperamide is effective at quickly stopping diarrhea but may cause constipation.
Oral rehydration salts help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
Look for probiotics to improve long term gut health and possibly reduce diarrhea.
Upset stomach relievers like Pepto can provide additional nausea and cramp relief.
Always follow dosage guidelines, especially for children. Consult a doctor for persistent diarrhea.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies to Help Stop Diarrhea
In addition to OTC medications, several home remedies and lifestyle changes can help manage diarrhea symptoms and support recovery.
Dietary Changes
Adjusting your diet during episodes of diarrhea can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
BRAT Diet: The BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can be easy on the digestive system and help firm up stools.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of foods that may exacerbate diarrhea, such as dairy products, spicy or greasy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks or coconut water, to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Probiotics
In addition to probiotic supplements, incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet can help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria.
Yogurt: Look for yogurt varieties that contain live and active cultures, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
Kefir: This fermented milk beverage is rich in various probiotic strains and can help soothe the digestive system.
Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and miso are examples of fermented foods that contain probiotics.
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbs and spices have been traditionally used to alleviate diarrhea symptoms:
Chamomile Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea can help soothe the digestive system and reduce diarrhea.
Ginger: Fresh ginger or ginger tea can help calm the stomach and reduce nausea and vomiting associated with diarrhea.
Peppermint: Peppermint tea or peppermint essential oil capsules can help relax the intestinal muscles and alleviate cramps and bloating.
Rest and Stress Management
Diarrhea can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Getting adequate rest and managing stress can support recovery.
Get Plenty of Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to rest and heal.
Practice Stress Relief: Engage in activities that help you relax, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or light yoga.
How to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is a common condition that affects up to 60% of travelers, particularly those visiting developing countries. It is typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water containing harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. To reduce your risk of traveler's diarrhea, follow these tips:
Drink only bottled or purified water: Avoid drinking tap water, using ice cubes made from tap water, or brushing your teeth with tap water.
Be cautious with food: Stick to foods that are cooked and served hot, and avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and seafood. Peel fruits and vegetables yourself before eating them.
Use caution with dairy products: Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream.
Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food.
Consider taking a probiotic supplement: Some studies suggest that taking a probiotic supplement, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, can help prevent traveler's diarrhea.
When Diarrhea May Signal a Serious Underlying Condition
While diarrhea is often a self-limiting condition, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Severe or persistent diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, or dehydration may indicate a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, or a bacterial or parasitic infection.
Blood in the stool: The presence of blood in your stool can be a sign of conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or colon cancer.
Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss accompanied by diarrhea may be a symptom of malabsorption disorders, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease.
Recurrent diarrhea: Frequent episodes of diarrhea that come and go over an extended period may be a sign of a chronic condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or microscopic colitis.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Conclusion
Diarrhea is a common and often self-limiting condition, but it can be uncomfortable and disruptive. By understanding the underlying causes and taking appropriate measures, you can effectively manage diarrhea symptoms and prevent potential complications.
Over-the-counter medications, such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), can provide relief by slowing down the movement of food through the intestines. Additionally, probiotics and oral rehydration solutions can help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria and prevent dehydration, respectively.
Incorporating home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as adjusting your diet, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and managing stress, can also support recovery and alleviate symptoms.
However, it's crucial to seek medical attention if diarrhea persists for more than two days, is accompanied by severe symptoms like fever or blood in the stool, or leads to significant dehydration. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can help address the underlying cause and prevent complications.
Remember, while diarrhea can be uncomfortable, it's often a temporary condition that can be effectively managed with the right approach.
References:
"Diarrhea," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/diapedia/diarrhea.html
"Treatment of Diarrhea," UpToDate, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-diarrhea
"Traveler's Diarrhea," National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/travelers-diarrhea
Call to Action: If you're experiencing persistent or severe diarrhea, or if you have any concerns about your symptoms, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance and treatment to help you manage your condition effectively.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Try Recommended Products: Explore the recommended OTC products mentioned in this guide.
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