Diarrhoea Treatment

Diarrhoea is a common condition characterised by frequent, loose or watery bowel movements. It affects most people from time to time and is usually caused by a stomach bug (gastroenteritis), food poisoning, a change in diet, stress or a reaction to medication. In most cases, acute diarrhoea clears up on its own within five to seven days without the need for medical treatment.

However, diarrhoea can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience, and if it is not managed properly, it can lead to dehydration, particularly in older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is an essential part of managing diarrhoea, alongside treatments that help to reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Cloud Pharmacy stocks over 210 diarrhoea treatments, including anti-diarrhoeal tablets and rehydration products from trusted UK brands. All products are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy team and delivered discreetly to your door. If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, our pharmacists are available to offer guidance through our free online consultation service.

Most diarrhoea treatments available through Cloud Pharmacy are suitable for adults aged 18 and over. Some products may also be suitable for children and adolescents; always check the individual product page and patient information leaflet for age-specific guidance.

These treatments may be appropriate if you are experiencing:

• Frequent, loose or watery stools
• Stomach cramps or abdominal discomfort associated with diarrhoea
• Bloating or wind alongside loose bowel movements
• Signs of mild dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth or darker urine
• Traveller's diarrhoea while abroad or after returning from travel

If your diarrhoea is severe, has lasted more than seven days, contains blood or mucus, is accompanied by a high fever, or if you are unable to keep fluids down, you should seek medical advice from your GP or call NHS 111. Persistent or recurrent diarrhoea may indicate an underlying condition that requires investigation.

All medicines can cause side effects, including over-the-counter diarrhoea treatments. Before taking any product, you should:

• Read the patient information leaflet supplied with the product
• Do not use anti-diarrhoeal medicines (such as loperamide) if you have bloody diarrhoea, a high fever, or suspect you may have a serious bowel condition - these symptoms require medical attention
• Prioritise fluid and electrolyte replacement, especially if diarrhoea is frequent or prolonged - dehydration is the most significant risk associated with diarrhoea
• Tell your pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a long-term health condition such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease or HIV/AIDS
• Inform your pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, as diarrhoea can affect how other medications are absorbed
• Do not exceed the recommended dose stated on the packaging

If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours of starting treatment, stop taking the medicine and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Cloud Pharmacy offers diarrhoea treatments across two main categories. Each serves a different purpose, and in many cases, both types should be used together for the most effective management.

Anti-Diarrhoeal Tablets and Capsules

Anti-diarrhoeal medicines work by slowing down the movement of the gut, which allows more water to be absorbed from the bowel contents and reduces the frequency of loose stools. The most widely used active ingredient is loperamide, which is available in several formats.

Imodium is the leading brand and is available as standard capsules (Imodium Original and Imodium Classic), instant melt tablets that dissolve on the tongue without water (Imodium Instant Melts), and dual-action tablets that combine loperamide with simeticone to also relieve bloating and cramps (Imodium Dual Action). Generic loperamide capsules are also available and contain the same active ingredient at a lower price point.

Enterosgel is an alternative approach; it is an intestinal adsorbent gel that works by binding to toxins and harmful substances in the gut, helping to reduce diarrhoea without slowing gut motility. It may be suitable for people who prefer not to use loperamide or who experience diarrhoea alongside symptoms of bloating and discomfort.

Anti-diarrhoeal tablets are most effective for short-term, acute episodes of diarrhoea. They should not be used as a long-term treatment unless directed by a doctor.

Rehydration

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are designed to replace the water, salts and minerals lost through diarrhoea. They are one of the most important treatments for managing diarrhoea, particularly when episodes are frequent or prolonged.

Dioralyte is a well-known rehydration sachet that is dissolved in water and taken as a drink. It contains a precise balance of sodium, potassium, glucose and citrate to promote effective fluid absorption. It is available in blackcurrant and citrus flavours.

O.R.S Hydration Tablets offer a convenient alternative; they are effervescent tablets that dissolve in water and come in flavours such as blackcurrant and lemon. They are easy to carry and ideal for use at work, while travelling, or on the go.

Rehydration products can and should be used alongside anti-diarrhoeal medicines. Even if you are taking loperamide to reduce stool frequency, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is essential to prevent dehydration.

Use the table below as a guide to help identify which treatment may be most suitable for your situation. For personalised advice, contact our pharmacy team.

Ordering diarrhoea treatments from Cloud Pharmacy is straightforward:

• Step 1: Browse the product range on this page or use the category filters to narrow your search (diarrhoea tablets or rehydration products)
• Step 2: Select the product you need and add it to your basket
• Step 3: Complete a short online assessment so our pharmacy team can confirm the product is suitable for you
• Step 4: Once approved, your order is dispensed and dispatched with discreet, next-day delivery available
  Our clinical team reviews every order before dispatch. If a product is not suitable for you based on your assessment, our pharmacist will contact you to discuss alternatives. This is not an automated process; a qualified pharmacist checks every order.

To help our pharmacy team process your order safely, please have the following information ready:

• How long have you been experiencing diarrhoea, and how frequently
• Whether there is any blood or mucus in your stools
• Whether you have a fever or are feeling significantly unwell
• A list of any other medicines you are currently taking
• Any known allergies or sensitivities to medicines or ingredients
• Whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any long-term health conditions (such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, or a weakened immune system)

If you are unsure whether a product is right for you, our pharmacists are available to help through the consultation process.

NHS - Diarrhoea and vomiting: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
NHS - Loperamide: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loperamide/
NHS - Dehydration: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/
NICE - Clinical Knowledge Summary: Diarrhoea - adults' assessment
NICE - Clinical Knowledge Summary: Gastroenteritis
MHRA - Loperamide: reports of serious cardiac adverse reactions with high doses