Get all the facts on Diarex: how it works, when to use it, who should avoid it, and the science behind its effectiveness for diarrhea relief.
Diarrhea treatment: fast, practical steps you can use now
Running to the bathroom more than usual? Diarrhea is annoying and can be dangerous if you get dehydrated. Start with simple, effective steps: replace fluids, watch what you eat, and use short-term medicines only when needed.
Immediate steps: rehydrate and rest
Dehydration is the main risk. Sip clear fluids often — water, broths, or an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Quick homemade ORS: 1 liter clean water + 6 teaspoons sugar + 1/2 teaspoon salt. Drink small amounts every 10–15 minutes if you're vomiting.
Avoid sugary sodas, fruit juices, and caffeine — they can make diarrhea worse. Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods when you feel ready: rice, bananas, applesauce, plain toast, or boiled potatoes. Stop dairy, high-fat foods, and spicy meals until you recover.
Medicines and supplements that help — and when to avoid them
For adults with bothersome but non-bloody diarrhea, loperamide (Imodium) can slow things down. Typical OTC dosing: 4 mg first, then 2 mg after each loose stool (do not exceed 8 mg/day OTC). Don’t use it if you have high fever or bloody stools — that can hide a serious infection.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) helps mild traveler's diarrhea and upset stomach. It can darken your stool and tongue; avoid it if you’re allergic to aspirin or on blood thinners.
Probiotics can shorten diarrhea in some cases. Common helpful options are Saccharomyces boulardii (often 250–500 mg twice daily) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (look for supplements with billions of CFU; follow the label). Start them early and continue while symptoms run their course.
Antibiotics are not routine. They’re useful for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial causes (severe traveler’s diarrhea, high fever, bloody stool). Azithromycin is a common choice for certain travel-related infections; rifaximin can work for noninvasive E. coli. Only take antibiotics after a clinician recommends them — wrong antibiotic use can cause harm.
Kids and older adults need caution. Don’t give loperamide to young children. Infants, the frail elderly, or people with immune problems should see a clinician quickly when diarrhea starts.
When to see a doctor: signs of severe dehydration (little/no urine, very dry mouth, dizziness), high fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F), blood in stool, severe belly pain, diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, or diarrhea after recent travel to high-risk areas. If you’re on antibiotics, check interactions and avoid alcohol while treating serious infections.
Prevention tips: wash hands, drink safe water, avoid raw or undercooked food when traveling, and keep food well refrigerated. If you travel a lot, consider carrying ORS packets and a probiotic you trust.
Want deeper reads from DoctorSolve? Check our guides on using azithromycin safely, why you should avoid alcohol with antibiotics, and travel tips for respiratory and digestive health.