Over-the-counter medications, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), can help control diarrhea. Your provider might also prescribe a bile acid binder, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite), colestipol (Colestid) or colesevelam (Welchol). Bile acid binders can cause bloating.
For people whose main symptom is diarrhea, fiber supplements often are the first treatment recommended. Fiber can add form to stool and make it less loose or watery. Anti-diarrheal products, such as loperamide, also work to decrease diarrhea.
First-line drug therapy includes antispasmodics and peppermint oil for the treatment of abdominal pain. Loperamide and laxatives can be tried for the treatment of diarrhoea or constipation, respectively, although evidence for their efficacy is limited.
As noted above, chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of chronic illnesses like IBS and IBD.
For diarrhea-predominant IBS, 2 to 4 mg of loperamide up to four times a day can be effective. [Evidence level A, systematic review of RCTs] Loperamide slows intestinal transit, increases intestinal water absorption, and increases resting anal sphincter tone.
Unless recommended otherwise by your doctor, you should stop taking Imodium as soon as your diarrhea resolves. But if your diarrhea doesn't get better within 2 days of starting Imodium, see your doctor. And don't take Imodium for longer than 48 hours unless directed by your doctor.
The best IBS tablets for you will depend on your specific symptoms. If you are suffering with diarrhoea, then Imodium is your best bet. If you're suffering from stomach cramps, then Buscopan is a great option. For trapped wind and spasming, Colpermin could alleviate your symptoms.
Most people's IBS symptoms will flare up for 2-4 days, after which your symptoms may lower in severity or disappear completely. Many people experience IBS in waves, in which symptoms may come and go over several days or weeks.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tenapanor (Ibsrela)—a 50 mg, twice daily oral pill—for the treatment of individuals with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), according to a press release issued by its manufacturer, Ardelyx.
Share on Pinterest Causes of explosive diarrhea can include viral infections, bacterial infections, and food allergies. The viruses most often responsible for diarrhea include norovirus, rotavirus, or any number of the viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis. This condition is what many people call the “stomach flu.”
IMODIUM® helps take control of your medically diagnosed IBS diarrhoea. These capsules are filled with a liquid that relieves IBS diarrhoea and can help restore your body's natural rhythm.
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is another option other than Imodium A-D (loperamide). If you are experiencing other symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, and indigestion in addition to diarrhea, Petop-Bismol may be the medication for you.
Some infections, food allergies and intolerances, digestive tract problems, abdominal surgery, and long-term use of medicines can cause chronic diarrhea. Some infections from bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea do not go away quickly without treatment.
Pepto-Bismol is an OTC medication used to treat diarrhea in people ages 12 and older. Unlike Imodium A-D, it's also used to relieve other symptoms, including heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. Pepto-Bismol is available as a regular or chewable oral tablet, capsule, and liquid.
Imodium A-D can interact with clarithromycin, omeprazole, and antidepressants like fluoxetine and citalopram. It can also interact with tonic water and grapefruit or grapefruit juice. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects and serious heart rhythm problems.
Most people find that the bowel is most active in the morning and so Loperamide will help most if taken before breakfast. The medicine starts to work within half an hour of taking it, and is effective for 8-12 hours.
Fiber pill supplements or a powder mixture that contains psyllium (like Metamucil) can help some people with IBS control their diarrhea. “Some individuals may use a fiber preparation, which some people find useful to bind and increase the bulk of the stool for those who have diarrhea,” recommends Gilinsky.
Most people define diarrhea as loose stools or watery stools. Others think of diarrhea as frequent bowel movements. The key symptom of IBS is abdominal pain. The pain is associated with a change in the frequency or consistency of stool.
IBS that causes increased diarrhea is often called IBS-D. If you have IBS-D, you have belly pain and other IBS symptoms plus frequent bowel movements. Your stool might be loose, though not always. You also might have sudden urges to use the bathroom.
You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS.