How to Get Rid of Diarrhea with Medication? Your Complete Guide

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, most cases of acute diarrhea clear up within one to two days without medication. However, medication can offer faster relief from uncomfortable symptoms, and knowing how to get rid of diarrhea with medication? involves understanding the different types of drugs available and when it's appropriate to use them.

Quick Summary

Diarrhea treatment options range from common over-the-counter drugs like loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate to prescription medications for chronic or infectious causes. This guide examines how these medicines work, appropriate use, side effects, and the critical importance of rehydration therapy.

Key Points

Loperamide (Imodium A-D): An effective OTC medication that slows down the digestive system to reduce the frequency and looseness of bowel movements, best for general diarrhea.
Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): An OTC option that fights bacteria and can relieve accompanying symptoms like nausea and indigestion, but should not be given to children with viral illness.
Prescription Medications: Required for severe or chronic diarrhea, these drugs, including antibiotics and specialized treatments, address the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms.
Prioritize Hydration: Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte are the most important treatment, especially for children, to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea.
When to See a Doctor: Seek professional medical advice if diarrhea is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or signs of severe dehydration, or if it lasts more than two days.
Children's Diarrhea: For children, prioritizing hydration with ORS and avoiding OTC medications without a doctor's guidance is the safest and most recommended approach.

Understanding Diarrhea and Treatment Approaches

Diarrhea, characterized by frequent, loose, and watery stools, is a common ailment with numerous causes, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, food intolerances, and certain medications. Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Mild, short-term (acute) diarrhea often responds well to over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supportive care like hydration. Severe or chronic cases require a doctor's diagnosis and specific prescription medication.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Options

For most short-term cases, OTC options can provide quick relief by slowing the digestive system or reducing inflammation.

Loperamide (Imodium A-D)

This common anti-diarrheal slows gut movement, reducing the frequency of bowel movements and allowing more water absorption, resulting in firmer stool. Dosing varies by age and product form, starting with a larger dose after the first loose stool. High doses can lead to serious heart problems, and it's not for children under 2 years old.

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)

This medication helps with diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea. It balances fluid movement, reduces inflammation, and has mild antibacterial properties. Side effects can include temporary darkening of the tongue and stool. It should not be given to children or teenagers recovering from viral illnesses due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief

Combining loperamide with simethicone, this product helps with diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramps.

When OTC Medications Aren't Enough: Prescription Treatments

Severe, chronic (over four weeks), or diarrhea with other serious symptoms requires a doctor's evaluation. Prescription medications may be needed to treat the specific underlying cause.

For Chronic Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D): Medications like Eluxadoline (Viberzi) or Alosetron (Lotronex) can be prescribed to slow gut contractions. Rifaximin (Xifaxan), an antibiotic, is also used for IBS-D.
Bile Acid Diarrhea: Bile acid binders like Cholestyramine treat this type of diarrhea that can occur after gall bladder surgery.

For Infectious Causes

Antibiotics or Antiparasitics: For bacterial or parasitic infections, antibiotics (like Vancomycin for severe bacterial infections) or antiparasitic medication may be prescribed. Avoiding OTC anti-diarrheals with some infections is important as they can hinder the body's natural clearing process.

The Critical Role of Hydration

Medication helps reduce diarrhea frequency but does not replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration is a major risk, especially for young children and older adults.

Best fluid choices include:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Solutions like Pedialyte are balanced to maximize water absorption.
Water, Broth, and Diluted Juice: For adults, these help replenish fluids and electrolytes.

Fluids to avoid include:

High-sugar drinks: Can worsen diarrhea.
Caffeine and alcohol: Can cause further dehydration.

Treating Diarrhea in Children

Treatment for children differs. Most pediatric diarrhea is viral and resolves on its own.

Hydration is Key: ORS is the standard for preventing dehydration in children.
Avoid OTC Drugs: Generally avoid giving young children OTC anti-diarrheals without a doctor's guidance.
Specific Medications: A doctor might prescribe medication like racecadotril for severe cases under supervision.

Comparison of Common Diarrhea Medications


Feature	Loperamide (Imodium A-D)	Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)	Prescription Antibiotics/Other Rx
Mechanism	Slows intestinal movement and fluid loss.	Reduces gut inflammation and kills some bacteria.	Kills infection-causing bacteria or parasites.
Best For	Fast, general diarrhea relief; traveler's diarrhea.	Diarrhea with accompanying upset stomach, heartburn, or nausea.	Chronic diarrhea, severe infectious diarrhea, or complex cases.
Onset Time	Typically works within 1–3 hours.	Can take several hours and multiple doses.	Varies, often takes longer as it targets the root cause.
Availability	Over-the-counter (OTC).	Over-the-counter (OTC).	Requires a doctor's prescription.
Warnings	High doses carry a risk of serious heart problems.	Can cause Reye's syndrome in children/teens with viral illnesses; black tongue/stool is common.	Side effects depend on the drug; can disrupt healthy gut bacteria.

When to Call a Doctor

While most acute diarrhea can be managed at home, certain symptoms require medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

Diarrhea lasting over two days (adults) or 24 hours (children).
High fever (over 102°F).
Bloody, black, or tarry stools.
Signs of dehydration (thirst, reduced urination, dry mouth, dizziness).
Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
Diarrhea during or after a recent hospital stay, or while on antibiotics.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get rid of diarrhea with medication is important for self-care but doesn't replace addressing the cause or managing hydration. OTC medications like loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate offer rapid relief for acute cases, while chronic or severe diarrhea requires a medical diagnosis. Hydration with oral rehydration solutions is crucial for all cases, especially children. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent, severe, or complicated diarrhea. For more information, visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are effective, but they work differently. Imodium (loperamide) is generally considered faster for stopping diarrhea by slowing gut movement. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) also relieves diarrhea while addressing upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea, but may not act as quickly.

No, Pepto-Bismol is not safe for children and teenagers recovering from a viral illness like the flu or chickenpox, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Loperamide is also generally not recommended for children under 2 years old unless directed by a doctor.

The primary treatment for diarrhea in children is preventing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions (ORS), like Pedialyte. Most OTC anti-diarrheals should be avoided unless a doctor explicitly recommends them.

Consult a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than two days (in adults), if you have a high fever (over 102°F), severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, or signs of dehydration like dizziness or reduced urination.

Prescription drugs for chronic diarrhea, often caused by conditions like IBS, address the specific underlying issue. Rifaximin and Eluxadoline, for example, target gut bacteria or contractions, respectively, rather than just masking symptoms.

Focus on water, broths, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) that replenish lost electrolytes. Avoid drinks high in sugar (soda, undiluted juice), caffeine, and alcohol, as they can worsen symptoms and dehydration.

Yes, if misused. Taking more loperamide than directed can cause serious heart problems. Additionally, using anti-diarrheal medication in cases of infectious diarrhea can prolong the infection by preventing the body from flushing out the cause.