FAQ

• What is diarrhoea?

  When your digestive system is working normally, food and fluid pass from the stomach into the small intestine and then into the colon. The small intestine and colon are lined with cells, which absorb the nutrients and water that the body needs. The rest of the food and water then pass through the body, in the form of stools.
  
  When these cells become irritated, the normally slow, wavelike movement of the intestines can become overactive, moving food and fluids through the colon too quickly, so less is absorbed by the body. This results in watery stools – better known as diarrhoea.
  
  To find out more, visit our Causes of diarrhoea and Diarrhoea treatment sections.

• What causes acute (short-lived) diarrhoea?

  Acute diarrhoea can be caused by lots of different things. Here are some of the main causes:
   

  • Viral or bacterial infection
  • Allergy or intolerance to certain foods
  • Eating too much rich or spicy food
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Stress
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Menstruation

  
  For more information on acute diarrhoea and how to treat it, visit our Diarrhoea facts section.

• Should I treat diarrhoea?

  You can treat short-lived bouts of diarrhoea yourself, unless you are experiencing any additional symptoms such as fever or blood or mucus in your stools, when you should see a doctor. Symptoms of diarrhoea can be relieved by using IMODIUM®, IMODIUM® Instants or IMODIUM® Plus, which can often provide relief in just one dose. IMODIUM® has a range of products to suit you:

   

  Product	Available on the shelf in most pharmacies and supermarkets	Available over the counter in pharmacies
  IMODIUM® 6 capsules	Yes	No
  IMODIUM® 8, 12, 18 capsules	No	Yes
  IMODIUM® Instants 6 instant melt tablets	Yes	No
  IMODIUM® Instant Melts 12 instant melt tablets	No	Yes
  IMODIUM® Plus Caplets 6 and 12	No	Yes

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  For more information, visit our Which IMODIUM® do I need? section.

• Do I need a prescription for IMODIUM®?

  No. IMODIUM® 8, 12, 18 capsules; IMODIUM® Instant Melts 12; and IMODIUM® Plus 6 and 12 Caplets are available over the counter in pharmacies. IMODIUM® Capsules and IMODIUM® Instants 6 instant melt tablets are more widely available, on the shelf in pharmacies and supermarkets.

• Isn't it better to let diarrhoea run its natural course to get rid of the bugs?

  Some people believe that diarrhoea is the body's way of 'flushing out' the bugs that they think are causing the diarrhoea, and that anti-diarrhoea medicines act like a cork, keeping the bugs inside.
  However, in reality, this is not the case.

  Although bugs, or rather bacteria, can cause diarrhoea, for many people, the cause is simply stress or anxiety, or just a change in climate. If bacteria are present, the body will usually get rid of it in a day or so. But in the meantime, IMODIUM® can help you feel better and carry on as normal. By using IMODIUM®, you can help prevent the loss of watery stools that take vital fluids and nutrients from the body. But if symptoms persist, you should seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
   

• Can children use IMODIUM®?

  Only people above 12 years of age can use IMODIUM® with medical advice. Children below 12 years can use oral rehydration solutions to help prevent dehydration during diarrhoea.

• Do oral rehydration solutions treat diarrhoea?

  Oral rehydration solutions are only designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes (‘salts’) from the body to prevent dehydration. They do not control the symptoms of diarrhoea.

  For more information, visit our Causes of diarrhoea and Diarrhoea treatment sections.
   

• Can I use IMODIUM® if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

  It is not advisable to use IMODIUM® during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should ask your doctor or midwife for advice on alternative treatment.

• Can IMODIUM® cause constipation?

  Constipation is very rarely caused by IMODIUM®. As long as you follow the recommended dosage, IMODIUM® can provide you with fast, effective relief from diarrhoea, often in just one dose.

• Can I use IMODIUM® for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

  IMODIUM® (8, 12, 18) or IMODIUM® Instant Melts (12), available from pharmacies, can be used to treat short-lived bouts of IBS-related diarrhoea. However, it is important that you see your doctor first for a proper diagnosis.
  
  To find out more, visit our IBS Treatment section.
   

• Why do I suffer from diarrhoea on holiday?

  Poor hygiene, contaminated food or water and general change in climate, all combine to make holiday diarrhoea an extremely common complaint. It can even be triggered simply by a change in diet. Diarrhoea can really spoil a well-earned holiday, so make sure you pack some diarrhoea treatment in your suitcase.
  
  IMODIUM® Instants 6 and IMODIUM® Instant Melts 12 are specifically formulated for fast, effective relief with a convenient, instant melt tablet. It melts on the tongue with no need for water and has a fresh minty flavour.
  
  To find out more, visit our Travellers’ diarrhoea section.
   

• Why do I always seem to suffer from diarrhoea when I eat and drink large amounts?

  Overeating and drinking tends to make our digestive system work too quickly, causing diarrhoea. So, always try to eat sensibly and avoid excess! However, if diarrhoea does occur, one dose of IMODIUM® can quickly relieve the symptoms and help you get back to normal again

• When I have to make speeches, I get so nervous that I get an upset stomach. Why is this?

  Diarrhoea caused by having to perform in public is such a well recognised problem, it even has its own name – Performance Anxiety Diarrhoea (PAD). If you know you’re a sufferer, having a pack of IMODIUM® Instants to hand and taking it at the first sign of diarrhoea, can give you the confidence you need to perform at your best.

  To find out more, visit our Stress and diarrhoea section.
   

• When I experience diarrhoea, I also get cramps, feel bloated and suffer from wind. What can I take to treat all these symptoms?

  Many people find that diarrhoea comes with other unpleasant symptoms, such as stomach cramps, wind and bloating. These are caused by excess gas in the gut. IMODIUM® Plus has an added ingredient to tackle this, as well as treating the diarrhoea, so it provides a more complete relief than other IMODIUM® products. IMODIUM® Plus is available in easy to swallow caplets.

• My stomach can be sensitive to spicy foods. What can I do about it?

  Spicy food is a common cause of diarrhoea – some digestive systems are simply not made to handle the heat. If you otherwise enjoy spicy food and would rather not avoid it, make sure you have some diarrhoea treatment ready! One dose of IMODIUM® can quickly relieve your symptoms.

• Why do I often get diarrhoea during my period?

  Unfortunately, many women suffer from diarrhoea during menstruation. It is thought to be caused by changes in your hormonal balance. But you don’t have to let it ruin your month; you can treat it quickly and effectively with IMODIUM®.
  
  To find out more, visit our Diarrhoea during your period section.
   

• I’m embarrassed about asking for a diarrhoea treatment at the pharmacy. What can I do?

  Diarrhoea can make you feel uncomfortable in more ways than one – especially if you are at the chemist’s with several people queuing behind you. Just remember that diarrhoea is one of the most common complaints your pharmacist deals with. They’re trained to provide professional advice and understanding, and can offer you the right IMODIUM® treatment. If you feel particularly embarrassed, why not ask to speak to the pharmacist in private?

  To find out more, visit our Where to buy IMODIUM® section.
   

• What do I do if my children get diarrhoea?

  Children are less able to cope with losing body fluid through diarrhoea than adults; so the most important step is to replace fluids quickly. Your pharmacist can provide oral rehydration treatments to help with this, but if the problem continues, or the child is under 5 years old, it is advisable to see your doctor.

  Children over the age of 12 can be treated quickly with the most appropriate type of IMODIUM®.
   

• What treatment can I take if I am hopeless at swallowing tablets?

  Don’t worry, you can still get rapid relief when diarrhoea strikes with IMODIUM® Instants and IMODIUM® Instant Melts. They’re made to dissolve on your tongue in seconds, without the need for water.

• What should I do if I’m unsure about what’s causing my recurring diarrhoea?

  If you have diarrhoea symptoms which are persistent, recurrent or accompanied by blood or other symptoms, you should see your doctor – particularly if you have recently been abroad to a less well-developed country.
  If there is no apparent reason for your diarrhoea and you don't seem to have any of the causes described on this website, it could be down to food intolerance, or possibly just stress. IMODIUM® can help in some of these cases, but it’s important to get advice from your pharmacist or doctor first.