Gastroenterologist Questions Gastroenterologist

What is the best medicine for diarrhea?

I am a 32 year old male with diarrhea for the last 24 hours. What is the best medicine for diarrhea?

5 Answers

Loperamide slows the gut movement but try to take oral rehydration salts as a first measure .
Imodium works to slow down diarrhea. Kaopectate might help too.
Take activated charcoal, 2-3 capsules. Clear fluids only. If no better in 24 hours, see your PCP ASAP before you get dehydrated.
In general, it is best to let diarrhea run it’s course. As long as you are not seeing large amounts of blood, you can replace your fluid loss with Gatorade. If the diarrhea does not Improve significantly in 72 hours, see your doctor.
The best over the counter medicine is good old Pepto-Bismol. Take it as directed on the package. If you start to run fevers, have bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain make sure to see a physician or get to an urgent car or ER. Also make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Yogurt can also be helpful.

P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO