which medicine to take for loose motion - #13110
I am really trying to figure out which medicine to take for loose motion coz I’ve been dealing with this for a couple of days now. It started out of nowhere after eating at a new restaurant, and I thought maybe it was just a one-time thing, but nope! I’ve been running to the bathroom way more than I’d like, like a total of 10 times yesterday. My stomach feels like a roller coaster and I’ve tried drinking water, but it feels like the loose motion just keeps coming. I asked my friend who works in a pharmacy, and they mentioned some over-the-counter stuff, but I’m not sure if that’s the best route to take. What’s weird is that I had a pretty hearty dinner the night before all this started, and now I’m avoiding solid food because, well, who wants to make it worse, right? I’ve heard things like Imodium or Pepto Bismol could be helpful, but I dunno... are those actually good options? I’m just worried I might be making the wrong choice on which medicine to take for loose motion, especially since it’s been affecting my sleep and work too! Any advice on what medication might work best or any home remedies to counteract this? I would really appreciate any insights you guys might have.
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Doctors’ responses
If you’ve been dealing with loose motions, also known as diarrhea, for the past few days, it’s important first to keep hydrated. Drinking fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths are ideal to replace lost electrolytes and fluids. Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce the frequency of diarrhea by slowing down gut movement, but they should be used cautiously. Particularly if there’s any suspicion of an infection, it’s best to not use these medications hastily as they may mask symptoms and potentially make matters worse. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is another option that can help with mild diarrhea and is generally safe for short-term use, but be aware it may cause darkened stools or a black tongue temporarily. If the loose motion is accompanied by high fever or blood in stools, these are red flag symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. Now, considering you suspect this started after a meal at a new restaurant, it could be food-related and thus self-limiting. Avoid fatty, spicy, or greasy foods during recovery and opt for a bland diet including bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Probiotics may also support gut health and hasten recovery. If symptoms persist for over 48 hours, or if you experience significant dehydration, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation. Sustained diarrhea could signify underlying conditions, such as infections or inflammatory diseases, needing prompt professional attention.
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