Medication Information Leaflet
Anti-diarrhoeals help to relieve diarrhoea. They may include medications such as:
Activated charcoal, kaolin and dioctahedral smectite work by binding to the toxins in your stomach. Lactobacillus Acidophilus has been suggested to work by protecting the gut lining and maintaining healthy bacteria in your stomach. Loperamide and diphenoxylate work by slowing your stomach movement. They may be found in liquid, powder, capsule or tablet form. Oral rehydration salts may also be used to replace water and salts lost through diarrhoea.
Anti-diarrhoeals may be taken when required for a short period of time. This means you no longer have to take them if you do not have any more symptoms. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately.
Anti-diarrhoeals may cause the following side effects:
These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop these medications and consult your healthcare professional.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop these medications and see your doctor immediately.
Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop these medications and see your doctor immediately.
Activated charcoal, kaolin and dioctahedral smectite may reduce the absorption of other medications. They must be taken apart from other medications by two hours.
As other anti-diarrhoeals may interact with other medications, let your healthcare professional know if you are taking, or planning to take any other herbal products, supplements or medications.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep these medications away from children.
Pack these medications into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
The information above is solely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medicine or other treatment. Always speak with your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking any medicine or supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. Under no circumstances will the National Medication Information workgroup be liable to any person for damages of any nature arising in any way from the use of such information.
Last updated on September 2023
This article was last reviewed on Wednesday, August 28, 2024