Diarrhoea

Most short-lived diarrhoea is caused by a stomach bug (gastroenteritis) and clears up on its own within about a week in adults. Food poisoning, some medicines and anxiety can also upset the bowel. The main job while it passes is staying hydrated, resting at home and letting your gut recover.

Drink plenty of fluids in small, frequent sips — rehydration sachets such as Dioralyte replace the water and salts you're losing, which matters most for older or frail people. If you need symptoms under control, loperamide (Imodium, or the plain loperamide capsules we stock) slows the bowel down. It isn't suitable for everyone, so check with our pharmacist first.

Yes — diarrhoea bugs spread very easily. Stay at home until you've had no diarrhoea or vomiting for 48 hours, wash your hands well with soap and water, and avoid preparing food for other people if you can. Wash any soiled bedding or towels separately on a hot wash.

Get advice if diarrhoea lasts more than seven days, there's blood in your poo, you have a high temperature, or you show signs of dehydration such as peeing much less or feeling dizzy. Babies, young children and older people dehydrate faster, so seek help sooner for them. Recently back from abroad? See our travellers' diarrhoea page too.