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What is infectious diarrhoea? - IMODIUM®

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Managing Infectious Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the main symptom of a common stomach condition known as bacterial gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines - it affects approximately 20% of people in the UK every year.

What causes infectious diarrhoea?

The most common causes of gastroenteritis are:

  • Food poisoning. If you get gastroenteritis in this country, you might put it down to food poisoning. You should always be careful that food is cooked properly, you don’t leave food lying around and you wash your hands before eating.
  • Travellers’ diarrhoea. If you get gastroenteritis when abroad, it might be what’s called travellers’ diarrhoea. This can be caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. You can also get diarrhoea due to eating unfamiliar rich or spicy foods.
  • Norovirus. Sometimes known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is a common viral cause of gastroenteritis in the UK and therefore a common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting.

How to treat diarrhoea

It’s important to stay hydrated with infectious diarrhoea. You can use oral rehydration therapy to help prevent dehydration. If you have severe diarrhoea, blood in your stools or a fever, or if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours consult your doctor and do not take Imodium®.

Find out more about IMODIUM®

IMODIUM® Original

IMODIUM® Original capsules can stop diarrhoea in one dose.

IMODIUM® IBS Relief

IMODIUM® IBS Relief helps take control of your medically diagnosed IBS diarrhoea.

IMODIUM® Instants

IMODIUM® Instants dissolve instantly on your tongue, so they’re great for when you’re on the go.

IMODIUM® Dual Action

IMODIUM® Dual Action Tablets not only helps stop diarrhoea, but also soothe painful cramps, bloating and wind.

Where to buy IMODIUM®

Where to buy IMODIUM®

It’s easy to find IMODIUM® in supermarkets, chemists and many other shops. You don't need a prescription, so you can buy it over the counter as well as online.