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 What is Diarrhoea sections.
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
- Norovirus
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® Original capsules 6 | Yes | No |
| IMODIUM® Classic capsules 8, 12, 18 | No | Yes |
| IMODIUM® Instants 6 instant melt tablets | Yes | No |
| IMODIUM® Instant Melts 12 instant melt tablets | No | Yes |
| IMODIUM® Plus Caplets 6 | Yes | No |
| IMODIUM® Plus Caplets 6 and 12 | No | Yes |
For more information, visit our Which IMODIUM® do I need? section.
IMODIUM® is widely available without prescription
| Product | Available on the shelf in most pharmacies and supermarkets | Available over the counter in pharmacies |
| IMODIUM® Original capsules 6 | Yes | No |
| IMODIUM® Classic capsules 8, 12, 18 | No | Yes |
| IMODIUM® Instants 6 instant melt tablets | Yes | No |
| IMODIUM® Instant Melts 12 instant melt tablets | No | Yes |
| IMODIUM® Plus Caplets 6 | Yes | No |
| IMODIUM® Plus Caplets 6 and 12 | No | Yes |
No. 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 how it works.
Although diarrhoea is often caused by bugs (bacteria or viruses), in many cases the cause can be non infectious such as stress and anxiety, IBS or menstrual symptoms. If an infection is present, the body’s immune system will normally get rid of it in a day or so. But in the meantime, IMODIUM® products can relieve your diarrhoea, help you feel better and carry on as normal. If symptoms persist, you should seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist...
Only people 12 years of age and over can use IMODIUM® products. Children below 12 years can use oral rehydration solutions to help prevent dehydration during diarrhoea.
Oral rehydration solutions are designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes (‘salts’) from the body to prevent dehydration. Most do not control the symptoms of diarrhoea. Therefore you can use a diarrhoea treatment such as IMODIUM® products to control symptoms when needed.
For more information, visit our Causes of diarrhoea and Diarrhoea treatment sections.
It is not recommended to use IMODIUM® products during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should ask your doctor or midwife for advice on alternative treatment.
Constipation is unusual with IMODIUM® as it works with the body to help restore ‘harmony’ to your digestive system, providing effective relief from diarrhoea. It is important you follow the recommended dosage.
IMODIUM® Original (6), IMODIUM® Classic (8, 12, 18), IMODIUM® Instants (6) or IMODIUM® Instant Melts (12) 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.
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.
Overeating and drinking can upset our digestive system and lead to 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 your body back in harmony again.
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.
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.
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® products.
To find out more, visit our Diarrhoea during your period section.
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 can offer you the right 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.
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® product.
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.
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.
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® products can help in some of these cases, but it’s important to get advice from your pharmacist or doctor first.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness in the UK. If you catch the virus you may experience diarrhoea and vomiting at the same time. Norovirus can spread quickly to others if you touch surfaces without washing your hands sufficiently. This is why you often hear of outbreaks occurring in crowded, contained places such as cruise ships and hospitals.