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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

View by  Generic | Brand
Drug Name Avg. Rating Reviews
loperamide systemic (Pro)
Brand names: Anti-Diarrheal, Diamode, Imodium, Imodium A-D, Up and Up Anti-Diarrheal Solution
8.4
89 reviews
atropine / diphenoxylate systemic (Pro)
Brand name: Lomotil
8.2
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
9.1
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
7.6
39 reviews
saccharomyces boulardii lyo systemic
Brand names: Florastor, Florastor Kids
6.2
28 reviews
bismuth subgallate systemic
Brand name: Devrom
8.9
7 reviews
atropine / difenoxin systemic
Brand name: Motofen
10
3 reviews
loperamide / simethicone systemic
Brand name: Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief
10
2 reviews
lactobacillus rhamnosus gg systemic
Brand names: Culturelle Digestive Health, Culturelle Health and Wellness
9.0
2 reviews
lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus bulgaricus systemic
Brand names: BD Lactinex, Floranex
6.0
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).

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.