Over the counter medication or drugs for Diarrhea

Diarrhea

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Over The Counter Drugs Diarrhea

Intorduction for Diarrhea
OTC Medications for Diarrhea
When to Seek Medical Help for Diarrhea

Intorduction for Diarrhea

Diarrhea refers to the passing of frequent, loose, watery stool. Mild cases of diarrhea can be effectively treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications while a consultation from a doctor is necessary in moderate-to-severe cases.

It should also be noted that these medicines are not advised for children below 2 years of age and used with caution or under medical guidance in children. Pregnant women should take medical advice before taking any of these medications.^1,2

OTC Medications for Diarrhea

The common OTC medications for diarrhea contain:^1–4

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate)
Loperamide

Read more about Over The Counter Drugs for Diarrhea

When to Seek Medical Help for Diarrhea

Prompt medical attention should be sought in the following cases:

Diarrhea associated with fever, pain in the abdomen (which is not relieved after passing stool), mucus or blood in stools.
Presence of other underlying disorders.
If diarrhea persists for more than 2 days.
Diarrhea following travel to a different place, or having contaminated food.

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: March 21, 2012

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References

Semrad Ce, Powell DW. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D (eds). Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd edn. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2007.
Pray WS, Pray JJ. The 2003 Antidiarrheal Final Rule. US Pharmacist. 2005; 30(1).
American Academy of Family Physicians. Antidiarrheal Medicines: OTC Relief for Diarrhea. Leawood, KS: American Academy of Family Physicians. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center/otc-medicines/855.html. Accessed on: 6 August 2008 [homepage on the Internet].
Yates J. Traveler’s diarrhea. Am Fam Physician. 2005; 71(11): 2095–2100.