Diarrhea can be caused by many different factors, including:
infections (viral and bacterial)
Food intolerances, such as lactose
Side effect of antibiotic treatment
Diseases like celiac, irritable bowel syndrome or crohn’s disease
Diarrhea is usually self limiting and does not require treatment, however treating diarrhea may shorten your recovery period and minimize the discomfort.
How to Treat Diarrhea
Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes (gastrolyte)
Avoid irritating foods such as milk, dairy, coffee, spicy foods, fried, fatty, greasy foods
Take medications to help control the symptoms
Over-The-Counter Medications for Diarrhea
Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)
Taken 2 tabs every 30 mins, to a maximum of 8 doses/day
Liquid 30ml every 30 mins, to a maximum of 8 doses/day
Should not be taken for more than 3 weeks
Can also relieve nausea, heartburn, indigestion and upset stomach
Common Side Effects
Black tongue
Dark stool
Nausea
Constipation
Who Should Not Take It
People allergic to ASA or aspirin
People with kidney disease
People who are pregnant
Children under the age of 2
Children currently with a flu infection or chicken pox
Loperamide (Imodium)
Used for mild to moderate symptoms (1-5 stools per day)
Severe cases need to be treated with antibiotic, speak with your doctor
Can use in children 2 years and up
Safe in pregnancy
How to Take
4mg (two tabs) asap then 1 tab (2mg) after each bowel movement
Maximum of 16mg/day
Children: 1-2 mg start, then 1-2 mg after each bowel movement
Max 3mg daily for 3-5 years
Max 4mg for 5-8 years
Max 6mg for 8-12 years
Common Side Effects
Abdominal cramps
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Skin rash
Probiotics (Lactobacillus)
Used for antibiotic associated diarrhea
Taken 2 hours after a dose of antibiotics for prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea
Not well studied for any other types of diarrhea
Take at least 5 Billion strength, higher doses has shown to have improved efficacy
Side Effects
Gas
Bloating
Constipation
When to talk to your Doctor
When you have frequent diarrhea - it may mean you have a medical conditions and need further treatment
When your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days without getting any better
You have a fever accompanying your diarrheal symptoms
You have 6 or more stools per day
Blood or white/clear mucus in your stool
What Can You Do To Prevent Getting Diarrhea
Peel and boil fruits and vegetables
Drink bottled water
Get vaccinated from common viral causes of diarrhea
Avoid intolerant food
For More Info Contact Your Local Pharmacist!
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