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Diarrhea — what to take?

Diarrhea = 3+ loose/watery stools in 24h. Acute (under 14 days, usually viral) or chronic. The main risk is dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.

Also known as: loose stools enterocolitis watery stool
5 recommended OTC medicines
8,928 pharmacies available

In short: Diarrhea means three or more loose or watery stools within 24 hours, usually viral and self-limiting, yet the main risk remains dehydration, especially in children and the elderly. For rehydration and relief there are OTC options such as oral rehydration salts, loperamide, diosmectite, racecadotril or Saccharomyces boulardii — on HartaFarmacii you can compare their prices across Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet, with values updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice; see a doctor if your stools contain blood or mucus.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What can you take for diarrhea?

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, see a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Diarrhea with blood or purulent mucus
  • Fever above 38.5 degrees C
  • More than 6 stools per day in an adult
  • Signs of severe dehydration
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Duration over 5 days without improvement

Common causes

Viral (rotavirus, norovirus) — the most common. Bacterial (Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, Campylobacter) after contaminated food. Parasites (Giardia). Medications (antibiotics — can cause C. difficile colitis). Chronic syndromes: lactose intolerance, celiac disease, IBS.

OTC treatment

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) — the absolute essential. One sachet of GES 45 or Humana Elektrolyt dissolved in 200-250 ml of water. In adults: 100-200 ml after each stool. In children: 10 ml/kg after each loose stool.

Loperamide (Imodium) — reduces intestinal motility. Useful for mild diarrhea in adults. CONTRAINDICATED in bloody diarrhea, high fever, or in children under 12 without medical advice.

Diosmectite (Smecta) — absorbs toxins and water. Harmless, can also be given to children and pregnant women.

Probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus GG) shorten the duration of diarrhea by ~1 day. Racecadotril (Hidrasec) is an antisecretory agent useful in children.

Diet during diarrhea

  • BRAT: bananas, rice, grated apple, toast — easily digestible carbohydrates.
  • Avoid: dairy, coffee, alcohol, fats, insoluble fiber.
  • Small, frequent portions.
  • Water, weak tea, clear soup.

When to see a doctor

Invasive bacterial diarrhea (with blood, high fever) may require an antibiotic — but it is only prescribed after evaluation. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a health professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for diarrhea

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Night-time, weekends, public holidays

24/7 pharmacies for diarrhea

Diarrhea doesn't keep office hours. If you need a medicine at 2 a.m. or at the weekend, open the map with the 24/7 filter switched on and look for the nearest on-duty pharmacy. Large cities have dozens of pharmacies open around the clock — below you have direct access to the list for each city, with address, phone number and verified opening hours.

Call before you set off, especially at night — on-duty rotas change and stock of some prescription medicines can be limited between deliveries.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for diarrhea

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for diarrhea

Open the interactive map and allow location access — you will immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it is night or the weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-duty ones. For diarrhea many medicines are available over the counter, so you can go straight to the pharmacy without a prescription, but check availability on the price comparator first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active substance (for example paracetamol or ibuprofen), search for it in the comparator before you leave — you will see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it is in stock. If you have a repeat prescription, save your preferred pharmacy as a favourite in the app and turn on opening-hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially if treatment for diarrhea goes on for a while.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Vomiting

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents. The main risk is dehydration. In children and the elderly, it progresses more rapidly.

 Symptom

Nausea

Nausea is the sensation of impending vomiting. Causes: gastroenteritis, migraine, pregnancy, motion sickness, medications, reflux, anxiety, vestibular disorders.

 Symptom

Dehydration

Dehydration = a water deficit with a loss of more than 2% of body weight. Causes: exertion + heat, diarrhea, vomiting, decompensated diabetes, diuretics, insufficient intake. Children and the elderly are at higher risk.

 Symptom

Bloating

Bloating is the feeling of fullness and abdominal distension, often accompanied by gas. Causes: aerophagia, gas-producing foods, IBS, intestinal dysbiosis, constipation.

 Condition

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

GERD = pathological regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus, with symptoms and/or complications. It affects 10-20% of the population. Untreated, it can lead to esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, cancer.

Frequently asked questions

What else would you like to know?

Can I take Imodium for diarrhea with fever?
No — in diarrhea with fever or blood, loperamide is contraindicated. Use oral rehydration and consult your doctor.
How long is it normal for diarrhea to last?
Viral diarrhea lasts 3-5 days, mild bacterial diarrhea 5-7 days. Beyond 7 days requires medical evaluation.
Do probiotics help?
Yes — Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus GG shorten the duration by ~1 day. They are taken spaced apart from the antibiotic (2-3h).
What should I drink when I have diarrhea?
First: oral rehydration salts. Alternatives: water, clear soup, weak tea, coconut water. Avoid sugary juices.

See also

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