AskDocDoc
/
/
/
medicines for loose motions
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Digestive Health
Question #14611
6 days ago
30

medicines for loose motions - #14611

Kimaya

I am in a bit of a panic here, had a really rough weekend! Out of nowhere, I got hit with what I think are loose motions, like every hour I was running to the bathroom. It started Saturday afternoon right after lunch, felt fine before that, but the food didn’t seem bad? I didn’t think much of it until I couldn’t stop going. I tried drinking lots of water, but honestly, I don’t know if that’s enough. I remember my grandma always swore by certain medicines for loose motions, but I can’t remember what they were. Yesterday a friend suggested something over the counter but I'm worried about side effects and if I should just let it run its course instead? Plus, before this, I didn’t have any stomach pain, just a bit of bloating. I even took a probiotic, but now I'm not sure if that's helping or making it worse?? I feel like an idiot not keeping better track of what works. Can I take those medicines for loose motions along with the probiotic? Like, are there specific medicines that are actually safe? I don’t wanna end up messing up my system more, ya know? Any advice would be mad helpful.

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

When it comes to tackling loose motions, starting with hydration is definitely a smart move. Continue to drink plenty of water – this is crucial in preventing dehydration, a common risk with diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are even better as they replenish electrolytes lost during frequent bowel movements. Over-the-counter options can also be helpful. Loperamide is a popular choice; it slows down gut movement, which helps reduce diarrhea frequency. But be cautious: don’t use it if you suspect an infection or have a fever, as it could worsen some infections by prolonging symptoms. For bloating and gas, simethicone can be useful, often found in over-the-counter anti-gas formulas. Regarding probiotics, they are generally safe and may help restore beneficial bacteria in the gut. You can continue taking them alongside, but if you’ve noticed they seem to make things worse or haven’t provided relief, adjusting the dose or trying a different strain could be wise. Be wary of red flags like blood in stool, persistent vomiting, high fever, or severe pain, which warrant immediate medical attention as they could indicate a more serious condition. If symptoms persist beyond a couple of days, or you’re badly dehydrated, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Some cases might require prescription medications or further exploration into underlying causes such as food intolerances or infections. While it’s generally safe to try over-the-counter remedies, ensure there’s no contraindication with any current medications or conditions. Returning to food, when you’re ready, start with bland, light foods like rice, bananas, or toast which are more easily digested. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and dairy till the situation improves. Keeping a food diary can also sometimes help identify if certain foods might be triggering these episodes, although diet isn’t always the culprit.

5019 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions