Loperamid
Imodium · Imosec
See pricesDiarrhea — 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 drugs
8,260
pharmacies available
In short: diarrhea usually improves with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. On HartaFarmacii there are 5 commonly used options: Loperamid, Diosmectită, Saccharomyces boulardii, Racecadotril, Saruri de rehidratare orala. For each one you can compare the price across the Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet chains and see which of the 8,260 pharmacies near you has it in stock, with prices updated daily. OTC treatment is suitable for mild, short-lived forms. See a doctor if signs such as diarrhea with blood or purulent mucus; fever above 38.5 degrees c appear. This information is for general guidance only, is not medical advice and does not replace a specialist consultation — for a diagnosis, or if symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.
OTC — no prescription
What you can take for diarrhea
Diosmectită
Smecta · Diosmectal
See pricesSaccharomyces boulardii
Enterol · Perenterol
See pricesRacecadotril
Hidrasec
See pricesSaruri de rehidratare orala
GES 45 · Humana Elektrolyt
See pricesInformational 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, consult 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.
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Ceai pufulita cu flori mici U89, 20 plicuri, Fares
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Ceai Laxativ, 50g, Fares
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Ceai Chimion, 50g, Fares
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Ceai Curatarea Colonului, 20 plicuri, Fares
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Biosun Symbio, 15 capsule, Sun Wave Pharma
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Enterolactis Plus, 30 capsule, Sofar
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Mastic Gum Solaray, 1000 mg, 45 capsule, Secom
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Omni Biotic Panda, 30 plicuri, Institut Allergosan
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Ceai Babycalm, 20 plicuri, Fares
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Ceai Hemorlax, 50g, Fares
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Ceai Gastric D62, 50g, Fares
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Linex Forte, 14 capsule, Sandoz
This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Search the pharmacy
Medicines for diarrhea
Beyond the OTC products listed above, you can search the comparator by active ingredient and see prices compared across Dr. Max, Catena, Tei, HelpNet and the rest of the chains in our network.
Step by step
How to find a pharmacy fast for diarrhea
Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For diarrhea most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.
If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for diarrhea runs over weeks.
See also
Related symptoms and conditions
Frequently asked
What else do you want 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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