Key takeaways:
Diarrhea usually gets better on its own within a few days. But over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as Imodium A-D (loperamide), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate), and probiotics can help ease symptoms in the meantime.
Imodium A-D may work slightly better for controlling diarrhea on its own. Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate are more helpful if you’re also dealing with nausea or an upset stomach. Choosing the right product depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing.
It’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid taking more anti-diarrhea medicine than recommended. If your diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, or you develop a fever or notice blood in your stool, seek medical care for further guidance.
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When you’re experiencing diarrhea — whether from a virus, something you ate, or a medication you’re taking — fast relief is typically top of mind. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration. And in many cases, diarrhea will go away on its own within a week or so. But an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrhea medication (antidiarrheal) can help manage your symptoms in the meantime.
With several OTC options available, it can be hard to know what to take for diarrhea. Below, we’ll review four common OTC anti-diarrhea medications to help you determine which is best for you.
Good to know: OTC antidiarrheals aren’t recommended for young children or if you have bloody stools or a fever. Seek advice from a healthcare professional in these cases.
1. Imodium A-D
How it works: Imodium A-D (loperamide) works by slowing down the movement of food through your intestines. This helps reduce the number of bowel movements you experience.
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Loperamide works well for occasional diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea. It can also help with diarrhea related to irritable bowel syndrome and some chemotherapy treatments.
Dosage information: Imodium A-D comes as an oral tablet, capsule, and solution (liquid). There’s also a version of Imodium A-D that combines loperamide with the gas-relief medication simethicone. This product, called Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief, may help if you’re experiencing both diarrhea and uncomfortable gas.
The table below shows the standard Imodium A-D dosages for adults and children ages 12 and older.
| Medication image | Medication name and strength | Directions | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Imodium A-D tablet or capsule (2 mg each)
Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief tablet (2 mg loperamide / 125 mg simethicone) |
Take 2 pills after the first loose stool. Then, take 1 pill after each loose stool that follows. | Don’t take more than 4 tablets (8 mg) in 24 hours. |
 |
Imodium A-D solution (1 mg/7.5 mL) | Take 30 mL after the first loose stool. Then, take 15 mL after each loose stool that follows. | Don’t take more than 60 mL in 24 hours. |
The Imodium A-D dosage for children between the ages of 2 and 12 is based on body weight. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to get the proper dosage information in this case. Imodium A-D isn’t recommended for children under age 2.
Risks and side effects: Imodium A-D side effects are usually mild and may include constipation, dizziness, and tiredness. But taking more than recommended can cause dangerous changes in your heart rhythm. So pay close attention to the maximum daily dose on the package. Check with your healthcare team before taking Imodium A-D if you have an irregular heartbeat or take medications for a heart condition.
2. Pepto-Bismol
How it works: Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) helps reduce the amount of fluid in your stool. It can also prevent certain bacteria from growing in your gut. Salicylate helps reduce inflammation in your gut.
Pepto-Bismol treats heartburn, upset stomach, and nausea, as well as diarrhea. So it’s a good option if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms. Pepto-Bismol can also help prevent and treat traveler’s diarrhea, since it helps prevent bacterial growth in your gut.
Treating kids with diarrhea: Over-the-counter diarrhea medications aren’t an option for young kids. Here are safer ways to manage diarrhea in children.
When is diarrhea a problem? Learn common causes of diarrhea and when to seek medical care.
The worst foods for diarrhea: Here’s what to avoid eating when you have diarrhea, and safer options for your stomach.
Dosage information: You may recognize Pepto-Bismol and its generic forms on pharmacy shelves by their familiar pink packaging. The liquid form of Pepto-Bismol is most well known. But it also comes as a capsule, tablet, and chewable tablet.
Pepto-Bismol isn’t recommended for children under age 12. The standard Pepto-Bismol dosages for people ages 12 and older are listed below.
| Medication image | Medication name and strength | Directions | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pepto-Bismol capsule, caplet, or chewable tablet (262 mg each) | Take 2 pills every 30 minutes as needed. Or take 4 pills every hour as needed. | Don’t take more than 16 pills in 24 hours. |
|
Pepto-Bismol suspension (525 mg/30mL) | Take 30 mL every 30 minutes as needed. Or take 60 mL every hour as needed. | Don’t take more than 240 mL (8 fl oz) in 24 hours. |
Risks and side effects: Pepto-Bismol can darken your stools and tongue. This common side effect is harmless and should go away within a few days of stopping the medication, but it can be alarming if you aren’t expecting it. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is also a temporary side effect you might experience.
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The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is related to aspirin. So it may raise your risk of bleeding, especially if you’re taking other medications that can increase this risk. Ask your prescriber before taking Pepto-Bismol if you’ve had stomach ulcers or take a blood thinner. It may not be the best option for you in either of these cases.
3. Kaopectate
How it works: Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) is another popular choice to treat diarrhea. It contains the same active ingredient as Pepto-Bismol but has different dosage forms and instructions.
Dosage information: Kaopectate comes as caplets and an oral liquid with several different flavor options. Kaopectate liquid also comes in a maximum-strength version. So be sure to read the package instructions carefully to ensure you’re taking the right dose.
The chart below shows the standard Kaopectate dosages for children and adults ages 12 and older.
| Medication image | Medication name and strength | Directions | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Kaopectate caplet (262 mg) | Take 2 caplets every 30-60 minutes as needed. | Don’t take more than 16 caplets in 24 hours. |
|
Kaopectate suspension (262 mg/15mL) | Take 30 mL every 30-60 minutes as needed. | Don’t take more than 240 mL (8 fl oz) in 24 hours. |
|
Kaopectate Max suspension (525 mg/15mL) | Take 30 mL every 60 minutes as needed. | Don’t take more than 120 mL (4 fl oz) in 24 hours. |
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are found in some fermented foods, such as yogurt and kombucha. They’re also available as dietary supplements. Probiotic products contain “good bacteria'' that are similar to what’s naturally found in your digestive tract. Experts think these bacteria may help you digest food, make vitamins, and support the immune system.
But can taking probiotics help treat diarrhea? Maybe. A large review of clinical studies found that taking probiotics may help diarrhea resolve about 1 day faster. Other studies show probiotics may help reduce the risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea if you start them within 2 days of your first antibiotic dose. But other studies show that probiotics don’t have any effect on diarrhea. So it’s unclear if probiotics truly make a difference and which type is best.
That being said, probiotics are generally well tolerated, and they aren’t likely to make diarrhea worse. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist for a recommendation if you’re interested in giving probiotics a try.
Is one OTC anti-diarrhea medication better than the others?
An older study from 1990 suggests that Imodium A-D works better than bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate). But we don’t have any more recent evidence to back this up.
As mentioned, bismuth subsalicylate products may be a better option if you’re experiencing nausea or indigestion along with diarrhea.
Keep in mind that all OTC diarrhea medications have side effects and interactions to consider. These may determine which is the best option for you. Your prescriber or pharmacist can review your medication list to help you find the right fit.
When should you see a healthcare professional for diarrhea?
If you have a fever or bloody stools along with diarrhea, avoid OTC anti-diarrhea medicine and seek medical care. You should also contact your healthcare team if you need antidiarrheals for more than 2 days in a row. There could be a more serious or chronic cause for your diarrhea that needs further evaluation.
Other symptoms that indicate it’s time to see a medical professional include:
Severe stomach or rectal pain
Black, tarry stool
Dizziness
Dark urine
Extreme weakness or fatigue
Sudden weight loss
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most cases you’ll still poop after taking Imodium A-D. It just won’t be as loose or as frequent. And keep in mind that you may need to take a few doses of Imodium A-D before you notice a difference.
Don’t take more Imodium A-D than recommended. It is possible to experience constipation after taking Imodium A-D. In this case, focus on hydration, and your stools should return to normal on their own. You can also try drinks and foods that can help you poop, such as coffee, beans, and fruits. Exercise can help, too.
Some antidiarrheals come in liquid forms. But there aren’t any nonmedicated drinks that will stop diarrhea.
That being said, when you have diarrhea, you’re at risk for becoming dehydrated. The best way to prevent this is to consume plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Most adults should drink at least 1 cup of fluid, such as water or a sports drink, after each loose stool.
When you have diarrhea, it’s best to avoid greasy or fried foods and caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic drinks. Dairy products and spicy foods can also make diarrhea worse. In general, it’s best to stick to simple foods — such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, also known as the BRAT diet — until diarrhea resolves.
Yes, in most cases you’ll still poop after taking Imodium A-D. It just won’t be as loose or as frequent. And keep in mind that you may need to take a few doses of Imodium A-D before you notice a difference.
Don’t take more Imodium A-D than recommended. It is possible to experience constipation after taking Imodium A-D. In this case, focus on hydration, and your stools should return to normal on their own. You can also try drinks and foods that can help you poop, such as coffee, beans, and fruits. Exercise can help, too.
Some antidiarrheals come in liquid forms. But there aren’t any nonmedicated drinks that will stop diarrhea.
That being said, when you have diarrhea, you’re at risk for becoming dehydrated. The best way to prevent this is to consume plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Most adults should drink at least 1 cup of fluid, such as water or a sports drink, after each loose stool.
When you have diarrhea, it’s best to avoid greasy or fried foods and caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic drinks. Dairy products and spicy foods can also make diarrhea worse. In general, it’s best to stick to simple foods — such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, also known as the BRAT diet — until diarrhea resolves.
The bottom line
Most of the time, diarrhea will resolve on its own within a few days. But in the meantime, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrhea medicine can help. Common options include Imodium A-D (loperamide), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate), and probiotics. Keep in mind that these products aren’t recommended for young children unless directed by a healthcare professional.
There’s some evidence that Imodium A-D may work a bit better than bismuth subsalicylate products for diarrhea alone. But Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate may work better if you have nausea and indigestion along with diarrhea.
Be sure to follow the dosage instructions for your antidiarrheal product carefully, and don’t take more than recommended, even if you’re still experiencing diarrhea. If you need OTC anti-diarrhea medication for more than 2 days, or you have a fever or bloody stools, it’s best to seek medical care.
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References
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