Antidiarrheals are used for acute, non-life-threatening situations, such asviralgastroenteritis(stomach flu).

Over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medications are found in most supermarkets, drug stores, and pharmacies.

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For most adults, diarrhea happens occasionally and goes away on its own.

A hand holding 2 white pills

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In these cases, the cause probably remains a mystery, and medical intervention usually isn’t necessary.

People with IBD should follow their healthcare provider’s advice to manage symptoms.

When stool contains too much water it causes loose bowel movements.

You have diarrhea if you experience runny stools three or more times in one day.

Diarrhea is a common condition that can have a wide variety of causes.

Dehydration can be a consequence of diarrhea.

Possible symptoms include:

Focus on getting extra fluids (water, sports drinks) when sick.

If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, try sucking on ice chips.

They are primarily used to treat fairly routine illnesses, like food poisoning.

In most cases, medical treatment isn’t necessary and the cause isn’t diagnosed.

Some people with J-pouches use this medication regularly and might get a prescription for it from a healthcare provider.

Bismuth subsalicylate slows diarrhea by reducing the amount of water entering the bowels.

Side effects ofPepto-Bismolcan include constipation, black stools, a black tongue, and (rarely)tinnitus.

Overdoses of Pepto-Bismol can be dangerous, so only take the prescribed amount and don’t double up doses.

Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate and their generic equivalents are two standard products.

Alternatively, you’re free to tryImodium, which slows intestinal contractions and reduces bouts of diarrhea.

Yes, constipation is one side effect of Imodium.

Other potential side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

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