Antidiarrhoeals (anti-diarrhoea medicines)
Antidiarrhoeals are medicines that slow the gut to reduce watery stools. Loperamide is the best known. They do not treat the cause, and fluids matter most. They are not suitable for young children or for bloody diarrhoea.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Antidiarrhoeals (anti-diarrhoea medicines) work?
Antipropulsives such as loperamide act on the gut wall to slow the movement of its contents. This gives the bowel more time to absorb water, so stools become firmer and less frequent.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Antidiarrhoeals (anti-diarrhoea medicines). They are listed A to Z.
- Loperamide: Loperamide is a medicine that slows the gut to treat sudden (acute) diarrhoea, including travellers' diarrhoea.
Common questions
What matters most during diarrhoea?
Replacing lost fluid. Drink plenty of fluids, and use oral rehydration solution (ORS) if there are signs of dehydration such as dark urine, a dry mouth or passing little urine. An anti-diarrhoea medicine does not replace fluids.
When should I not use an anti-diarrhoea medicine?
Do not use one in young children, and ask a doctor first if the diarrhoea has blood or mucus, comes with fever, or lasts longer than 2 days. Slowing the gut can be harmful in some infections.
Is there a risk from taking too much?
Yes. Taking more loperamide than the label allows can cause serious heart rhythm problems and can be fatal. Never take more than the label or your doctor advises, and get medical help urgently if you have taken too much.
Sources
- Loperamide. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Diarrhoea and vomiting. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: A07DA03 loperamide. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)