Common Diarrhoea Questions & Answers

Diarrhoea is a symptom of disruption to your digestive system, and you might be surprised how easy it is to tip the sensitive balance.

When your digestive system is in its normal rhythm, food and fluid pass regularly from the stomach into the small intestine. Food is then broken down and nutrients are absorbed along with most of the fluid. The remaining waste and some water pass into the colon (large intestine) where more water is absorbed and finally the waste is passed in the form of stools.

When your small intestine or colon are irritated, the relaxed and regular movement of your intestines can become overactive. Essential salts and fluids end up being passed through the colon too quickly with less fluid being absorbed by the body. The result is loose or watery stools, commonly known as diarrhoea.

Yes. According to a survey, 84% of us feel weak and tired when suffering from diarrhoea. This is no surprise when you consider the resulting loss of important fluids and salts from our body. So why leave it untreated when you can relieve diarrhoea?

IMODIUM^® contains an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works with your body to help restore its natural rhythm, slowing digestion back down to a normal pace.

Here’s what you can do if you get diarrhoea:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and/or taking a rehydration treatment
• Take IMODIUM^® straight after your first bout
• Avoid fatty or spicy foods
• As your appetite increases, eat small, light meals

If you have longer lasting or persistently recurrent diarrhoea, it might indicate an underlying medical condition, so you should talk to your doctor. Do not take Imodium for longer than 48 hours.

See a doctor and and stop taking Imodium® if:

• Your diarrhoea is severe
• Your symptoms last longer than 48 hours
• You develop a fever
• You have blood or mucus in your stools

Read the Imodium label for full information.

NHS Choices also recommends you should consult your GP if:

• there is blood in your poo
• you are vomiting persistently
• you've lost a lot of weight
• you have passed a large amount of very watery diarrhoea
• it occurs at night and is disturbing your sleep
• you have recently taken antibiotics or been treated in hospital
• you have symptoms of dehydration
• your poo is dark or black – this may be a sign of bleeding inside your stomach

Imodium should not be used when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or caring for a newborn, diarrhoea can be the last thing you need. But while you can't use IMODIUM®, you can try to look after yourself by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water and speak to your pharmacist about oral rehydration therapy. Resting can also help. If you're concerned, it's best to ask your GP for advice

Oral rehydration solutions replace lost fluids and electrolytes, and help prevent dehydration but do not relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea. However, to help stop diarrhoea you can also use IMODIUM^® together with an oral rehydration solution. Speak to your pharmacist, who may suggest an oral rehydration solution if you are at risk of dehydration.

Most IMODIUM^®* products can be used to treat diarrhoea associated with IBS in the UK, if it has been diagnosed by your doctor.

*Excluding IMODIUM® Dual Action Relief Tablets

Overeating and drinking can upset your digestive system and lead to diarrhoea. So always try to eat sensibly and avoid excess. However if diarrhoea does occur, IMODIUM can quickly relieve the symptoms within one hour and can help you get your body back in harmony again.

Here are some everyday eating habits that can upset your digestive system:

• Eating too quickly. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full, so eating more slowly means you’re likely to eat less and so have less to digest.
• Gulping down food. When you gulp, you swallow air, which can lead to trapped wind and poor digestion.
• Eating big, heavy meals. These take longer to digest and make your system work harder.
• Eating late at night. Your digestive system is at its least efficient at the end of the day, so try to eat your last meal at least 3 hours before bedtime.
• Eating too many fatty or spicy foods or drinking too much alcohol. These are common trigger foods, which can set off diarrhoea or worsen symptoms for people with IBS.

IMODIUM® Dual Action tablets work to relieve diarrhoea effectively, while also soothing painful cramps, uncomfortable bloating and embarrassing wind. They contain an additional ingredient called Simeticone, which helps to ease excess gas.

If you're someone who suffers from diarrhoea, rest assured you're not alone.

Diarrhoea is one of the most common complaints your pharmacist will deal with, and he or she is trained to offer you the best treatment possible. Many UK pharmacies now contain a consultation room intended for private conversations.

You can find all our patient information leaflets (PILs) on the electronic Medicines Compendium at www.medicines.org.uk/EMC.