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Diarrhea, Mild

Care at Home

Reassurance: In healthy adults, new onset diarrhea is usually caused by a viral infection of the intestines, which you can treat at home. Diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of the infection. Here are some tips on how to keep ahead of the fluid losses.
Fluids:
- Drink more fluids, at least 8-10 glasses (8 oz) daily.
- For example: sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, soft drinks.
- Supplement this with saltine crackers or soups, to make certain that you are getting sufficient fluid and salt to meet your body's needs.
Nutrition:
- Maintaining some food intake during episodes of diarrhea is important.
- Ideal initial foods include boiled starches/cereals (e.g., potatoes, rice, noodles, wheat, oats) with a small amount of salt to taste.
- Other acceptable foods include: bananas, yogurt, crackers, soup.
- As your stools return to normal consistency, resume a normal diet.
Diarrhea Medication - Bismuth Subsalicylate (e.g., PeptoBismol):
- Helps reduce diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.
- Adult dosage: two tablets or two tablespoons by mouth every hour (if diarrhea continues) to a maximum of 8 doses in a 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 2 days.
Diarrhea Medication - Imodium AD:
- Helps reduce diarrhea.
- Adult dosage: two caplets or four teaspoonfuls initially by mouth. May take an additional caplet or 2 teaspoonfuls with each subsequent loose BM. Maximum of 4 caplets or 8 teaspoonfuls each day.
- Do not use if there is a fever greater than 100 F or if there is blood or mucus in the stools.
- Do not use for more than 2 days.
- Read and follow the package instructions carefully.
Expected Course: Viral diarrhea lasts 4-7 days. Always worse on days 1 and 2.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.