Is it better to let diarrhea run its course or to take Pepto-Bismol?

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate)
Takedown request View complete answer on mountsinai.org

Should I take Pepto for diarrhea or let it go?

Only take Pepto-Bismol when you need it. You can take it for occasional heartburn, indigestion, diarrhoea or feeling sick (nausea). If your symptoms have not improved within 2 days, speak to your doctor.
Takedown request View complete answer on nhs.uk

How quickly does Pepto-Bismol stop diarrhea?

It takes 30 minutes to an hour for Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) to start working and help relieve diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. Sometimes referred to as "the pink stuff," Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is safe and effective for short-term use.
Takedown request View complete answer on verywellhealth.com

What is the fastest way to stop diarrhea?

Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.
Takedown request View complete answer on verywellhealth.com

When is the best time to take anti diarrhea?

Adults—At first, 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, dose is usually not more than 16 mg (8 capsules) per day.
Takedown request View complete answer on mayoclinic.org

Should you let diarrhea run its course?

How long should you let diarrhea run its course?

In general, these illnesses should be allowed to run their course for a day or more. Diarrhea that lasts more than 48 hours or is accompanied by signs of dehydration should be treated. If you have diarrhea that persists for weeks or recurs frequently, see your doctor.
Takedown request View complete answer on verywellhealth.com

How long should you let diarrhea run its course before taking Imodium?

Take IMODIUM™ straight after your first bout – it can relieve diarrhea in just one hour so your body can start to recover sooner. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and/or taking a rehydration treatment.
Takedown request View complete answer on imodium.com.ph

What stops diarrhea in its tracks?

The most common and convenient solution for alleviating acute diarrhea is OTC medications, such as: Loperamide (Imodium): This medication slows down digestion so that the body can draw more water from the intestines. This helps to firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
Takedown request View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com

What calms diarrhea?

Two types of meds relieve diarrhea in different ways:
  • Loperamide (Imodium) slows the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract.
Takedown request View complete answer on webmd.com

What are the best things to drink to get rid of diarrhea?

The bottom line

The best things to drink when you have diarrhea are clear liquids (like water), electrolyte drinks, and soup broth. Avoid caffeinated drinks, sugary drinks and alcohol when you have diarrhea. Diarrhea usually gets better on its own within a few days.
Takedown request View complete answer on goodrx.com

How many doses of Pepto does it take to stop diarrhea?

adults and children 12 years and over: 2 caplets (1 dose) every ½ hour or 4 caplets (2 doses) every hour as needed for diarrhea. 2 caplets (1 dose) every ½ hour as needed for overindulgence (upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, nausea)
Takedown request View complete answer on dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Should I take Imodium or Pepto?

Loperamide (Imodium) – Slows the movement of the intestines so your body has more time to absorb water and electrolytes from the stool. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol; Maalox) – Reacts with your stomach acid to improve stool consistency, reduce stool frequency, and relieve abdominal cramping.
Takedown request View complete answer on safemedication.com

How many doses of Pepto before diarrhea stops?

adults and children 12 years and over: 2 tablets (1 dose) every 1/2 hour or 4 tablets (2 doses) every hour as needed for diarrhea. 2 tablets (1 dose) every 1/2 hour as needed for overindulgence (upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, nausea)
Takedown request View complete answer on dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

How long is too long for diarrhea?

Schedule a doctor's visit for an adult with these symptoms:

Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration. Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
Takedown request View complete answer on mayoclinic.org

What happens if diarrhea doesn't go away with Pepto-Bismol?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for diarrhea, like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol® or Kaopectate®), often help people feel better quickly. You'll need to see a healthcare provider for diarrhea that doesn't improve or that happens alongside symptoms of severe diarrhea.
Takedown request View complete answer on my.clevelandclinic.org

What 12 foods stop diarrhea?

One of the most familiar anti-diarrhea strategies is the BRAT diet (which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). But there are other foods that are just as useful, including soft-cooked eggs, low-fat yogurt, clear broths, plain pasta, and saline crackers.
Takedown request View complete answer on verywellhealth.com

Do bananas help with diarrhea?

Eat foods that are high in pectin, such as applesauce, bananas, and yogurt. Pectin, a water-soluble fiber, helps reduce diarrhea. Eat foods that have a lot of potassium, such as fruit juices, sports drinks, potatoes without the skin, and bananas. Potassium is often lost through diarrhea.
Takedown request View complete answer on breastcancer.org

What makes diarrhea not to stop?

Some health problems can make diarrhea last longer or keep coming back. These include inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. If another health problem is causing your diarrhea, follow your healthcare provider's advice for treating that problem.
Takedown request View complete answer on hopkinsmedicine.org

What causes explosive diarrhea in adults?

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.”
Takedown request View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com

Is peanut butter good for diarrhea?

Peanut butter's high-fat content may exacerbate diarrhea symptoms in acute or mild cases. However, peanut butter can serve as a valuable source of nutrition for those grappling with digestive disorders or chronic diarrhea.
Takedown request View complete answer on nchc.org

Should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks. Eat some high potassium foods, such as bananas, potatoes without the skin, and fruit juices.
Takedown request View complete answer on medlineplus.gov

Does diarrhea flush out virus?

Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus. However, in some cases, diarrhea is caused by a malfunction of the gut, as is the case with inflammatory bowel disease. Many viruses can cause diarrhea. One of the more common causes is norovirus.
Takedown request View complete answer on nebraskamed.com

Will Pepto-Bismol prolong a stomach virus?

There are non-prescription products, such as Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate that can decrease the frequency or increase the density of bowel movements. However, it's best to consult with a health care provider before taking any of these products. Antidiarrheals sometimes can prolong an illness.
Takedown request View complete answer on health.cornell.edu

Why do I have diarrhea but not sick?

Causes of diarrhea that are not due to acute illness include eating certain foods, food allergies and intolerances, some medications, caffeine intake, laxative use, alcohol use, digestive problems and diseases (celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, small intestinal ...
Takedown request View complete answer on emedicinehealth.com

What stops diarrhea fast naturally?

Diarrhea causes loose, watery stools and generally resolves after two days. You can treat diarrhea at home with remedies, such as eating bland foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and trying ginger or probiotics. Consult a healthcare provider before taking an OTC medicine or supplement for diarrhea.
Takedown request View complete answer on health.com

Want to ask your own question?

It takes just 2 minutes to sign up (and it's free!). Just click the sign up button to choose a username and then you can get expert answers for your own question.