To stop diarrhea quickly, take an over-the-counter medication like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), drink fluids with electrolytes to prevent dehydration, and follow a bland diet such as the BRAT diet. Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fiber or spicy foods during recovery.

Fast-Acting Diarrhea Medications

Before starting any fast-acting medication for diarrhea, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. While over-the-counter options like loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate can provide quick relief, proper dosing and safety depend on your individual health needs and the cause of your symptoms. These medications can help stop diarrhea, but do not treat the underlying cause. Once the effects wear off, the diarrhea may return.

Loperamide (Imodium)

Loperamide slows down gut movement, allowing more water to be absorbed and stools to firm up. It usually begins working within 1–3 hours. However, do not use loperamide if you have a fever, blood or mucus in your stool, or suspect a bacterial infection, as it can worsen certain infections or cause complications. You should also consult a healthcare professional if you have a history of liver or heart problems. Side effects of loperamide may include:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach cramps
• Dry mouth

Rarely, loperamide can cause serious heart rhythm changes if taken in excess or by people with pre-existing heart problems.

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Bismuth subsalicylate is especially effective for mild, non-bloody diarrhea, travelers’ diarrhea, or mild foodborne illness. It works by reducing inflammation and fighting certain bacteria. It typically works within 4 hours. Side effects can include black stools or tongue, constipation, and, rarely, ringing in the ears or allergic reactions. It should be avoided in children recovering from viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Atropine / diphenoxylate (Lomotil)

Atropine/diphenoxylate (Lomotil) is a prescription medication that acts directly on the smooth muscle inside the bowel wall to prolong the transit time of bowel contents. It is not an innocuous drug and may not be suitable for everybody, especially seniors. It should not be used in children aged less than 6 and recommended dosages should be followed strictly. Most patients see improvement within 2 days.

Natural and Home Remedies

Several natural and home remedies can help soothe your digestive system and prevent dehydration during an episode of diarrhea. These approaches, ranging from dietary adjustments to specific natural substances, are often effective for mild to moderate cases. Keep in mind that for more severe cases, natural remedies alone may not be enough.

Hydration

The most significant risk associated with diarrhea is dehydration due to the loss of fluids and essential electrolytes. Therefore, the first and most important step in managing diarrhea at home is to stay well-hydrated. Drink clear fluids, oral rehydration solutions, or electrolyte drinks. Broths and diluted juices can also help. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages, as they can worsen diarrhea.

BRAT Diet

The BRAT Diet is a classic recommendation that consists of bland, low-fiber foods that are gentle on the gut. It stands for:

• B - Bananas: Rich in potassium, an electrolyte often lost during diarrhea.
• R - Rice: White rice is easy to digest and helps bind the stool.
• A - Applesauce: A source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can help absorb excess water in the intestines.
• T - Toast (plain, white bread): A simple carbohydrate that's easy on the stomach.

While the BRAT diet can be a good short-term option when you're struggling to keep food down, it's not a nutritionally complete or long-term solution. It's also no longer routinely recommended for children as it can be too restrictive.

Herbal Teas

Chamomile and ginger tea may soothe the digestive tract, though evidence is limited. Avoid tea with caffeine, which can make diarrhea worse.

Foods That Can Help Stop Diarrhea

When battling a bout of diarrhea, turning to the right foods can make a significant difference in your recovery. Opting for bland, easy-to-digest items can help firm up stool and soothe an irritated digestive system. The key is to focus on foods that are gentle on your stomach while providing necessary nutrients and hydration.

Besides the BRAT diet, other recommended foods to eat when you have diarrhea include:

• Boiled Potatoes: Similar to bananas, potatoes are a good source of potassium. They are best consumed plain, without butter or other rich toppings.
• Oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, which can help absorb water and add substance to your stool. Prepare it with water rather than milk.
• Clear Broths: Chicken or beef broth can help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. They are also gentle on the digestive system.
• Baked Chicken or Turkey: Lean proteins, such as skinless, baked chicken or turkey, can be introduced as your appetite returns. Avoid fatty or fried preparations.
• Crackers: Plain crackers are easy for your stomach to digest.
• Cooked Eggs: Soft, cooked eggs or egg whites are another plain food that is easy on your stomach.

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Foods To Avoid

Just as important as knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid. Certain foods can exacerbate diarrhea and further irritate your digestive system. These include:

• Spicy Foods: Can irritate the digestive tract.
• Fatty and Greasy Foods: These can be difficult to digest and may worsen diarrhea.
• High-Fiber Foods: While normally beneficial, insoluble fiber found in whole grains, raw vegetables, and fruits with skins can worsen diarrhea.
• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Excess sugar can draw water into the intestines, making stools looser.
• Dairy Products: Even if you're not lactose intolerant, you may have temporary difficulty digesting lactose when you have diarrhea.
• Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can act as diuretics and may stimulate the intestines, worsening symptoms.

It's important to reintroduce a wider variety of foods gradually as your symptoms improve. If diarrhea is severe, lasts for more than a couple of days, or is accompanied by a high fever or severe pain, consult a healthcare professional.

Diarrhea from Medications or Conditions

Diarrhea is a common side effect of many different medications and conditions. Some examples of medications that may cause diarrhea include:

• Antibiotics: Can disrupt gut bacteria and cause diarrhea. Sometimes, stopping the antibiotic (under medical supervision) is necessary, especially if C. difficile infection is suspected.
• Metformin: Commonly causes diarrhea, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Taking with food or switching to extended-release forms may help.
• Iron Supplements: Can cause diarrhea in some people, possibly due to gut irritation or changes in gut bacteria

If you need these medications for chronic conditions, do not stop them without consulting your healthcare provider. Adjustments or supportive treatments may be possible.

In addition to medications, the following medical conditions can raise your risk of diarrhea:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Irritable bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Hyperthyroidism

Speak to your healthcare provider to learn more about long-term strategies to manage diarrhea if you have one of the medical conditions listed above.

When to Seek Medical Help

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days (adults) or 24 hours (children)
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stools
• High fever (≥102°F/39°C)
• Signs of dehydration: dizziness, dry mouth, little or no urine
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting

Vulnerable groups—such as infants, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals—should seek care sooner, as complications can develop rapidly.

Special Considerations

Certain situations require extra care when managing diarrhea, as standard treatments may not be safe or effective for everyone. Special considerations apply to infants, children, and people experiencing diarrhea after alcohol consumption or medical procedures. Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize when diarrhea may be caused by toxin-producing bacteria, as using anti-diarrheal medications in these cases can be harmful.

Infants/children

• Use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) for hydration.
• Avoid anti-diarrheal medications unless prescribed.
• Call a pediatrician if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting or signs of dehydration.

After Alcohol or Colonoscopy

Experiencing diarrhea after consuming alcohol or undergoing a colonoscopy is a common yet uncomfortable issue.

• Alcohol can disrupt the normal functioning of your digestive system, leading to diarrhea. It can speed up the movement of contents through your intestines, hinder water absorption in the colon, and irritate the stomach lining.
• Diarrhea following a colonoscopy is primarily a result of the extensive bowel preparation required to cleanse the colon for the procedure. This cleansing process flushes out the entire digestive tract, and it can take some time for your bowel movements to return to their normal consistency.

Diarrhea associated with alcohol or a colonoscopy is usually self-limited, but maintain hydration and avoid irritants.

Toxin-Producing Bacteria

If diarrhea is caused by bacteria that release toxins (e.g., E. coli), do not use anti-diarrheal medications, as they can trap toxins and worsen illness. Seek medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or bloody diarrhea.

Summary

In summary, the fastest way to stop diarrhea is to use appropriate over-the-counter medications, maintain hydration with electrolyte-rich fluids, and stick to a bland, low-fiber diet. Always seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or accompanied by warning signs.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. 1997. A Synopsis of the American Academy of Pediatrics’Practice Parameter on the Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Young Children. In: Pediatrics in Review. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.18-7-221
2. Budisak P, Patel P, Abbas M. Bismuth Subsalicylate. [Updated 2024 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560697/
3. Canadian Paediatric Society. n. d.  Dehydration and diarrhea in children: Prevention and treatment. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/dehydration_and_diarrhea
4. Centre for Gastrointestinal Health. Causes of Diarrhea After Alcohol. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://centreforgastrointestinalhealth.com.au/resources/diarrhea-after-alcohol/
5. Daher, R., Yazbeck, T., Jaoude, J. B., & Abboud, B. (2009). Consequences of dysthyroidism on the digestive tract and viscera. World journal of gastroenterology, 15(23), 2834–2838. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.15.2834
6. Jain M, Wylie WP. Diphenoxylate and Atropine. [Updated 2024 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559300/
7. Lomotil [package insert]. Updated 2025. Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f170584a-1072-4fd7-b1dc-6756703483b9
8. Loperamide tablet [package insert]. Updated 2025. L.N.K. International, Inc. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=547c4197-f573-4b30-9e39-2ab11d343609
9. MedlinePlus. 2024. Black Tea. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/997.html
10. MedlinePlus. n. d. Diarrhea. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html
11. National Health Service. 2024. About loperamide. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loperamide/about-loperamide/
12. Nemeth V, Pfleghaar N. Diarrhea. [Updated 2022 Nov 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082/
13. Sahi N, Nguyen R, Patel P, et al. Loperamide. [Updated 2024 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557885/
14. Schiller, L.R., et. al. 1984.  Mechanism of the Antidiarrheal Effect of
15. Loperamide. In: Gastroenterology. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085%2884%2980161-4/pdf
16. Shore Gastroenterology Associates. n.d. BRAT Diet. Accessed on June 12, 2025 at https://shoregastro.com/information/brat-diet/
17. Sorathia SJ, Chippa V, Rivas JM. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546634/

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