Antidiarrheals
What are Antidiarrheals?
Antidiarrheals are the name given to certain types of medicines that stop or slow diarrhea. Antidiarrheals only relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, such as an increased frequency and urgency when passing stools, they do not eliminate the cause of it. This means that as soon as you stop taking an antidiarrheal, diarrhea will return unless whatever has caused it has run its course.
Some antidiarrheals work by slowing down intestinal contractions, increasing the time it takes for the contents of the bowel to be excreted. This allows more water to be absorbed from the bowel back into the body, reducing the water content of the stool. Others work by bulking up the stool, increasing its volume with fiber-like substances.
Oral rehydration agents may also be termed antidiarrheals; however, these do not stop or slow diarrhea, rather they ensure excessive fluid lost during diarrhea is replaced. Other agents used to help relieve the symptoms of diarrhea include antimotility agents or antispasmodic agents. Antibacterial agents can occasionally be used to treat diarrhea caused by specific infections, such as campylobacter or giardia; however, are not routinely recommended or needed.
List of Antidiarrheals
Drug Name |
Avg. Rating |
Reviews |
loperamide systemic (Pro) Brand names: Anti-Diarrheal, Diamode, Imodium, Imodium A-D, Up and Up Anti-Diarrheal Solution |
|
89 reviews |
atropine / diphenoxylate systemic (Pro) Brand name: Lomotil |
|
67 reviews |
lactobacillus acidophilus systemic (Pro) Brand names: Acidophilus, Acidophilus Extra Strength, Acidophilus Probiotic Blend, Bacid (LAC), Dofus, Flora-Q, Florajen, Intestinex, Lacto-Key-600, Risa-Bid, RisaQuad, Superdophilus |
|
50 reviews |
bismuth subsalicylate systemic Brand names: Bismarex, Bismatrol, Bismatrol Maximum Strength, Kaopectate, Kola-Pectin DS, Peptic Relief, Pepto-Bismol, Percy Medicine, Pink Bismuth, Soothe Caplets |
|
39 reviews |
saccharomyces boulardii lyo systemic Brand names: Florastor, Florastor Kids |
|
28 reviews |
bismuth subgallate systemic Brand name: Devrom |
|
7 reviews |
atropine / difenoxin systemic Brand name: Motofen |
|
3 reviews |
loperamide / simethicone systemic Brand name: Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief |
|
2 reviews |
lactobacillus rhamnosus gg systemic Brand names: Culturelle Digestive Health, Culturelle Health and Wellness |
|
2 reviews |
lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus bulgaricus systemic Brand names: BD Lactinex, Floranex |
|
1 review |
kaolin systemic
| | No reviews |
crofelemer systemic (Pro) Brand name: Mytesi | | No reviews |
brewer's yeast systemic
| | No reviews |
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
See also
Medical conditions treated or associated with antidiarrheals:
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer