Stopping Laxative-Induced Diarrhea

Laxatives are medicines used to produce bowel movements. While they are meant to cause diarrhoea, taking too much of a laxative can cause diarrhoea that is problematic. Laxative overdose can occur accidentally or on purpose, and it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in children. To stop laxative-induced diarrhoea, it is important to first identify the cause and severity of the diarrhoea and then take appropriate measures. This may include seeking medical advice, rehydration, dietary changes, or over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Drink 8-10 glasses of clear fluids per day

Drinking 8-10 glasses of clear fluids per day is a crucial step in treating and preventing diarrhea. This is because watery stools can deplete your body's water and electrolyte stores, affecting its ability to function normally. Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, which can have serious consequences, especially for young children.

To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to drink at least one cup of fluid after each bout of diarrhea. Clear fluids are recommended, as they are easily absorbed by the body and help to replace lost water and electrolytes. Water is the best option, but other clear fluids can also be consumed, such as broths, caffeine-free soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks. These drinks contain electrolytes, which are essential for maintaining the body's fluid balance and supporting proper organ function.

It is important to note that while clear fluids are easily tolerated by the body and help prevent dehydration, they may not be sufficient to fully treat diarrhea. A combination of other treatments, such as over-the-counter medications, dietary adjustments, and rest, may also be necessary to effectively alleviate diarrhea.

In addition to clear fluids, oral rehydration solutions can be used to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea. These solutions are available over the counter at most drugstores or can be made at home using salt, sugar, and water. It is important to follow the preparation instructions carefully to ensure the correct balance of ingredients.

For babies and young children with diarrhea, it is important to ensure they continue to receive adequate fluids. Breast milk, cow's milk, or formula are suitable options, depending on the child's age and feeding stage. If diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours in children or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.

Avoid carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks

Carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks can worsen diarrhea and increase the risk of dehydration.

Caffeine is a known trigger for diarrhea in some people. It is found not just in coffee and tea but also in many soft drinks and energy drinks. Caffeine makes you urinate more often, which leads to further fluid loss. If you can't go without caffeine, limit yourself to a single cup of coffee or tea per day until your diarrhea has passed.

Alcoholic drinks can also make diarrhea worse. They increase the frequency of urination, which can lead to dehydration. Alcohol also prevents the large intestine from retaining water and causes direct damage to the gut lining. This can prolong recovery time as your gut is already inflamed.

Carbonated drinks, including sodas and seltzers, can also have a laxative effect and worsen diarrhea.

Eat low-fibre, starchy foods

Eating low-fibre, starchy foods is a good way to help stop laxative diarrhoea. This is because low-fibre foods are easier to digest, reducing the likelihood of triggering diarrhoea. Starchy foods are also binding, which can bulk up stools and help to stop diarrhoea.

The BRAT diet is a well-known group of bland, starchy, low-fibre foods that can help to stop diarrhoea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Bananas are particularly helpful as they can restore the potassium lost through frequent bowel movements.

The BRAT diet is extremely restrictive and may not provide adequate nutrition, so it should only be followed for a short period. As symptoms improve, you can start to add in other bland, easy-to-digest foods such as baked, skinless chicken breasts and chicken soup with saltine crackers.

It is important to note that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases does not recommend following a restrictive diet to treat diarrhoea. However, this does not mean that all foods should be consumed. It is best to stick to bland, low-fibre, and fermented foods.

Take over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrhoeal medications can help you feel better and relieve discomfort. They are easily accessible at your local pharmacy and can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. Here are some of the most well-known OTC anti-diarrhoeal medications:

Imodium A-D (Loperamide)

Imodium A-D is an anti-diarrhoeal medication that helps reduce the frequency of bowel movements and may shorten the duration of diarrhoea. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. The standard dose for adults and children aged 12 and older is 2 pills after the first loose stool, followed by 1 pill after each subsequent loose stool. It is important not to exceed the maximum daily dose listed on the package, as taking more than recommended can lead to serious side effects. Imodium A-D is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness.

Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate (Bismuth Subsalicylate)

Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate are popular choices for treating diarrhoea. They contain the same active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, which helps to balance fluid movement in the intestines, reduce inflammation, and prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhoea. These medications can also be used to treat an upset stomach and heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate may cause a harmless darkening of the stools and tongue, which should go away within a few days of stopping the medication. It is important to note that bismuth subsalicylate should not be given to children under 12 years of age and should be avoided by those allergic to aspirin or other salicylate medications.

Probiotics

Probiotics are tiny living organisms that can be found in dietary supplements and fermented foods like yogurt. They contain "good bacteria" similar to those found in our digestive tracts. While there is limited data on the effectiveness of specific types of probiotics for treating diarrhoea, experts believe they may aid in digestion, vitamin production, and immune system support. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for guidance on taking probiotics for diarrhoea.

Take probiotic supplements

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can be found in supplement form or in certain foods. They are a popular natural treatment for digestive issues, including diarrhea. Probiotics can help prevent and treat diarrhea by repopulating the gut with beneficial bacteria and correcting imbalances in the gut microbiota.

Probiotics contain microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast that are thought to reach the bowel and suppress the germs causing diarrhea. They can also help the body fight these germs. Probiotics can be found in natural yogurt and other dairy products, as well as in dietary supplements.

Research has shown that probiotic supplements can prevent and treat certain types of diarrhea in both children and adults. A review of 63 studies found that probiotics reduced the duration of diarrhea and stool frequency. On average, the groups treated with probiotics experienced diarrhea for nearly 25 hours less than the control groups.

Probiotics may be especially helpful in preventing and treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea. Taking probiotics before, during, and after antibiotic treatment can cut your chances of having diarrhea.

Probiotics may also be beneficial for travellers' diarrhea, which is caused by consuming contaminated food or water. While there is conflicting research on the effectiveness of probiotics for this type of diarrhea, some studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics can help prevent and treat it.

When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for products with specific types of bacteria that have been tested and proven effective. Ensure the product has a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) seal and claims to be effective through the end of its shelf life rather than just at the time of manufacture. It is also important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Frequently asked questions