Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea

Posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : We went out to supper last night. At about 4:00 AM I had a bowl movement that came out loose solids at first then lots of fluid. After that nothing but fluid. Is there an OTC medication to take to cure this. I am also feeling weak.

Type 2 Diabetic A1c 6.3

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Food poisoning

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that you had a severe reaction to last nights dinner. This is typical of food poisoning. If you want to reduce the bowel movements I recommend using imodium OTC. Along with that use kaopectate. This will reduce your bowel movements and have less watery stools. Along with the medication be sure you drink plenty of fluids. You need to replenish your body of fluids when you have diarrhea to prevent dehydration. If you are not feeling better in 1-2 days then I recommend seeing your medical provider.

In summary
1. Food poisoning
2. Imodium to reduce number of stools and abdominal cramps
3. Kaopectate to firm up stools
4. Fluids to prevent dehydration
5. See Medical provider if lasts more than 2 days

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 hours later)

What food can I wear?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Eat clear liquids and soups for 1 day

Detailed Answer:
I would recommend only clear liquids and soup today. Avoid any dairy as dairy can cause increase diarrhea. Tomorrow you can go back to eating regular meals if you no longer have diarrhea.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar