Pharmacist advice
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is loose or watery stool. The first job is to replace fluids. Most short bouts settle on their own.
A pharmacist cannot prescribe for this from this page.
What usually helps
- Use an oral rehydration solution, especially for children and older adults.
- Eat simple foods when you are hungry. Keep drinking fluids.
- Loperamide is an ingredient some adults use for a short time. A pharmacist should check that it is suitable. It is not for young children.
Talk to a pharmacist first
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The person is under 12, unless the note below gives a different age.
- You take other medicines, or you have a long-term condition.
- Diarrhea in a child under 12, or in a baby.
See a doctor or call 911
- Blood or black stool, a high fever, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine or dizziness.
- Severe belly pain, or diarrhea that lasts more than two days in an adult.
- Call 911 if the person is confused, hard to wake, or has chest pain or trouble breathing.
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Reviewed by a BC pharmacist.