Over-the-counter medications
When your diarrhea is not severe, a variety of over-the-counter medications may be helpful. Among these medications are:
- Bismuth subsalicylate ( Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol)
- Loperamide (Imodium)
This medication may relieve diarrhea symptoms but does not address the underlying cause.
It is not recommended that you use these medications without the consent of your doctor if you have chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than 14 days. It is caused by various factors.
When your child has diarrhea, you should be extra cautious. When young children experience diarrhea, they are at risk of dehydration. Excessive dehydration is potentially life-threatening.
Children are not supposed to take medication over-the-counter, so your doctor should be consulted. The doctor should be contacted right away if you have a child under 3 months old with diarrhea.