Medication For Diarrhea

What's A Good Medication For Diarrhea?

Medication for diarrhea is available in both prescription and over-the-counter form. Your decision of which medicine for diarrhea is best for you depends on a number of variables, and it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about it - especially if your diarrhea is severe. Your pharmacists can also answer many of your questions about medication for diarrhea. But keep in mind, diarrhea may be a symptom of colon cancer or another disease or condition, not just a result of something you ate that "didn't agree with you." So a call to your doctor is probably advisable if your diarrhea is severe or persistent.

There are also natural cures for diarrhea to consider. Some of these are detailed below.

Here are some general guidelines on using medication for diarrhea.

If you have a mild case, try using an absorbent medicine for diarrhea. These are formulated to reduce liquid content in the intestines. There are several very familiar brand names that are available over-the-counter. Kaopectate is probably the best known.

Another over-the-counter medication for diarrhea is Loperamide, which is found in Imodium A-D and some brands. Loperamide slows down movement of the intestines and decreases the frequency and urgency of stools. It also limits liquid loss and helps relief cramping and stomach discomfort.

You can also try medicine for diarrhea that combines anti-gas and anti-diarrhea formulas. Imodium Advanced is a good example of this type. It's available over-the-counter, and it also reduces bloating sensations and cramps.

If your diarrhea is more in the mild to moderate range, look for brands that contain bismuth subsalicylate. The most popular medication for diarrhea of this type is Pepto-Bismol, but you can also find bismuth subsalicylate in many generic and less expensive products. Bismuth subsalicylate has an additional advantage: it also works for heartburn and upset stomach. Be careful, however, if you've recently had influenza, chicken pox or have an allergic reaction to aspirin. Products with bismuth subsalicylate are not a choice in such cases.

Some conditions cause you to have alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. When this happens, you might consider products containing polycarbophil. Polycarbophil is a medication for diarrhea that is similar Kaopectate in that it absorbs liquids in the intestines. The best known brand name medicine for diarrhea in this category is FiberCon. It is available over-the-counter and can be found in many grocery stores and pharmacies.

In some cases, probiotics or "friendly bacteria" products can help return your intestinal tract to normal. L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. johnsonii, LGG, S. boulardii, Bifidus, Florastor (Bicodex) are among these. Specialized liquid supplements like Subdue, Peptamen, and Optimental may also be useful.

There are a number of prescription medications that can help you when you have diarrhea. It's best to discuss these with your doctor because some have side effects. Some of the better known types include Amoxicilin, Ciprofloxacin, and Doxycycline.

Natural cures for diarrhea are mostly diet-related. Here's a quick list of natural cures for diarrhea, including an explanation of how they work and why they may be helpful.

Apple peels contain pectin, which is a natural medication for diarrhea that's used in commercial products, including Kaopectate. Pectin is a soluble fiber that adds bulk to watery stools. Apple juice, however, is not recommended because it adds liquid to the intestines.

The roots and leaves of both blackberry and blueberry plants act as astringents, which can relieve diarrhea. These are best when made into tea.

Carob is a chocolate substitute containing tannins. Those interested in natural cures for diarrhea add carob powder to applesauce or similar foods that are easy on the digestive tract.

Carrots and garlic have long been recognized as natural cures for diarrhea.

Peppermint has an antispasmodic agent that reduces cramping.

Grapefruit seed extract is often taken by individuals who are traveling overseas. The seed, pulp, and inner rind of grapefruit not only help combat bacterial parasitic infections, but can also kill salmonella, shigella, V.cholerae, and candida.

In summary, there are plenty of natural cures for diarrhea available along with medications for diarrhea you can find in your local stores and pharmacies. But it's still a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for diarrhea, especially if you have other health conditions that may be influenced or impacted negatively.

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