Diarrhoea Treatment

What are the best forms of diarrhoea relief?

Tablets

There can be loads of different causes of diarrhoea, but the treatment for diarrhoea relief is the same. Anti-diarrhoea medicine – such as tablets – can get to work fast to bring you the relief you need. You won’t always know what causes your diarrhoea. It could be from a stomach bug or food poisoning. If you find you have diarrhoea often, it might be caused by something else like a food intolerance or allergy, IBS, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or diverticular disease. If you’re at all worried, you can chat to our pharmacist, or get in touch with your GP.

Rehydration sachets

Diarrhoea can cause you to become dehydrated because you lose essential water, sugar, salts and minerals every time you go to the toilet. That’s why it’s really important to stay hydrated. Using rehydration sachets is a great way to stay on top of things. They contain essential electrolytes that you’ll have lost, and also glucose to help your body quickly absorb these electrolytes and water, too.

Probiotics

Probiotics can be a great way to prevent diarrhoea. Ones that contain saccharomyces boulardii are used to treat and prevent diarrhoea – even infectious types, like rotaviral diarrhoea in children. They can also treat and prevent diarrhoea caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria in your gut, and also the dreaded traveller’s diarrhoea (so that once-in-a-lifetime trip doesn’t get ruined).

What are the best diarrhoea relief brands?

Imodium

Imodium is probably one of the most well known brands of anti-diarrhoea tablets – and for good reason. They work really well to help stop diarrhoea. The tablets come in classic capsules and also instant melts, which dissolve on your tongue for on-the-go relief. They work by slowing down your bowel movement and can provide fast and effective diarrhoea relief within just one hour. We also stock Imodium Plus, which provides relief from diarrhoea, painful cramps, bloating and wind.

OptiBac

Taking probiotics can be an effective way to treat and even prevent diarrhoea. OpticBac have tablets for diarrhoea that contain saccharomyces boulardii, a type of probiotic that’s used to both treat and prevent different types of diarrhoea, including infectious types. It can also provide relief from diarrhoea symptoms caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria in your tummy, traveller’s diarrhoea or even diarrhoea associated with tube feedings. If you’re looking for a more natural anti-diarrhoea medicine, you can’t go wrong with OptiBac.

Dioralyte

When you have diarrhoea, you lose a lot of water, salts, sugar and minerals whenever you go to the toilet. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated and keep your electrolyte levels up. Dioralyte Relief tackles two at once: it keeps you hydrated, and it’s also clinically proven to reduce diarrhoea. The sachets contain essential electrolytes to help maintain your body’s wellness and also glucose to help your body quickly absorb these electrolytes and water.

Pepto-Bismol

You’ve probably heard of Pepto-Bismol for the treatment of heartburn and indigestion, but it can also be used for diarrhoea relief. It contains an active ingredient called bismuth subsalicylate, which forms a soothing, protective coating over your stomach and intestine. It comes in an oral suspension (liquid) or a chewable tablet, so you can choose which works best for you.

Should I let diarrhoea run its course?

Not if you can help it – there’s no advantage to letting diarrhoea run its course. When it strikes, you’ll generally feel weak and tired, because you’re losing essential water and nutrients. Taking diarrhoea relief tablets can control the symptoms and help you to feel better, sooner. They’ll also stop you from losing too much water and becoming dehydrated. Just bear in mind that you should still increase the amount you drink when you have diarrhoea to make sure your body is properly hydrated.

Why is it important to rehydrate after diarrhoea?

Even after you’ve got diarrhoea symptoms under control, you should still rehydrate. You’ll have lost important electrolytes, water, minerals, salt and sugars each time you go to the loo. You want to give your body the best chance of recovering and feeling better, so you need to be replenishing what’s been lost. Rehydrate by taking a rehydration sachet, or just sipping on some water, diluted squash or fruit juice. It’s best to stay away from fizzy drinks, tea and coffee (save the good stuff for when you’re feeling better).