Common Medications for Diarrhea

1. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) - First priority

• Examples: Electral, WHO-ORS, Pedialyte
• Why: Diarrhea causes fluid and electrolyte loss. ORS replaces them and prevents dehydration.
• Use for: Everyone - adults, children, elderly.
• Drink small sips frequently.

2. Loperamide (Anti-motility)

• Brand names: Imodium, Lopamide
• How it works: Slows intestinal movement, reducing stool frequency.
• Use for: Acute non-infectious diarrhea in adults.
• Avoid if: You have fever, blood in stool, or suspected bacterial/amoebic infection - it can worsen those conditions.
• Dose: 2 mg after each loose stool, max 8 mg/day (adults only).

3. Racecadotril (Enkephalinase inhibitor)

• Brand names: Redotil, Hidrasec
• How it works: Reduces excess fluid secretion in the gut without stopping motility.
• Safer than loperamide in some cases, especially in children.

4. Zinc Supplements

• Recommended especially for children under 5 with diarrhea (WHO guideline).
• Helps reduce severity and duration.
• Dose: 10-20 mg/day for 10-14 days.

5. Probiotics

• Examples: Enterogermina (Bacillus clausii), Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor)
• Help restore gut flora, useful alongside other treatments.
• Good for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

6. Antibiotics (only if prescribed)

• Used when diarrhea is caused by bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella) or parasites.
• Common options: Metronidazole (amoebic), Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin - only on doctor's prescription.
• Do not self-medicate with antibiotics.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

• Blood or mucus in stool
• Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urination, dizziness)
• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days in adults or 24 hours in a child
• Severe abdominal pain