Diarrhoea Tablets
11 Diarrhoea Tablets treatments found
Overview
Anti-Diarrhoeal Tablets and Capsules
Anti-diarrhoeal tablets and capsules are designed to reduce the frequency of loose or watery bowel movements during an episode of acute diarrhoea. They can help you manage symptoms more quickly and regain a sense of normality, which is particularly important when diarrhoea is affecting your ability to work, travel or carry out daily activities.
The most widely used active ingredient in anti-diarrhoeal medicines is loperamide, which works by slowing down the movement of the gut. This allows more water to be absorbed from the bowel contents, resulting in firmer, less frequent stools. An alternative approach is available in the form of intestinal adsorbents such as Enterosgel, which work by binding to toxins and harmful substances in the gut rather than slowing gut motility.
Cloud Pharmacy stocks a range of anti-diarrhoeal tablets and capsules from trusted UK brands, including Imodium and generic loperamide, as well as Enterosgel. All products are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy team and delivered discreetly to your door.
Who Are These Treatments For?
Anti-diarrhoeal tablets available through Cloud Pharmacy are suitable for adults aged 18 and over. Some Imodium products may be suitable for children aged 12 and over; always check the individual product page and patient information leaflet for age-specific guidance.
These treatments may be appropriate if you are experiencing:
- Frequent, loose or watery stools caused by a stomach bug, food poisoning, change in diet or stress
- Traveller's diarrhoea while abroad or after returning from travel
- Diarrhoea with associated stomach cramps and bloating (Imodium Dual Action)
- Acute diarrhoea that is disrupting your daily routine, work or travel plans
Do not use loperamide-based products if you have bloody diarrhoea, a high fever, or suspect you may have a serious bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis or Clostridioides difficile infection. These symptoms require medical attention. If diarrhoea is severe, has lasted more than seven days, contains blood or mucus, or if you are unable to keep fluids down, see your GP or call NHS 111.
Important Safety Information
- Loperamide is intended for short-term use only, typically no more than two days for acute diarrhoea. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours of treatment, stop taking loperamide and seek advice from your pharmacist or GP
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. The MHRA has highlighted that high doses of loperamide can cause serious heart problems (cardiac adverse reactions). Always follow the dosing instructions on the packaging
- Do not use loperamide if you have bloody diarrhoea, a high fever, or if diarrhoea has started after a course of antibiotics (this may indicate a Clostridioides difficile infection)
- Tell your pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease, as loperamide may not be suitable
- Prioritise fluid and electrolyte replacement alongside anti-diarrhoeal medication. Dehydration is the most significant risk associated with diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea can affect how other prescription medicines are absorbed. If you take regular medication, speak to your pharmacist
Available Treatments
Imodium Original Capsules (Loperamide 2mg)
Imodium Original is the leading brand of loperamide capsule. Each capsule contains 2mg of loperamide hydrochloride, which slows the movement of the gut to reduce the frequency of loose stools. The standard adult dose is two capsules initially, followed by one capsule after each loose stool, up to a maximum of eight capsules in 24 hours. Available in packs of 6 and 12 capsules.
Imodium Classic Capsules (Loperamide 2mg)
Imodium Classic contains the same active ingredient and dose as Imodium Original. It provides the same relief from acute diarrhoea. Available in packs of 18 capsules.
Imodium Instant Melts (Loperamide 2mg)
Imodium Instant Melts are orodispersible tablets that dissolve on the tongue without the need for water. This makes them a convenient option when you are travelling or do not have easy access to a drink. Each tablet contains 2mg of loperamide. Available in packs of 12 and 18 tablets.
Imodium Instants (Loperamide 2mg)
Imodium Instants are another melt-on-the-tongue formulation, providing the same fast-acting loperamide relief without water. Available in packs of 6 tablets.
Imodium Dual Action Relief (Loperamide 2mg + Simeticone 125mg)
Imodium Dual Action combines loperamide with simeticone, an anti-foaming agent that helps relieve the bloating, cramps and trapped wind that often accompany diarrhoea. This dual-action formulation is suited to people whose diarrhoea is accompanied by uncomfortable abdominal symptoms. Available in packs of 6 and 12 tablets.
Loperamide 2mg Capsules (Generic)
Generic loperamide capsules contain the same active ingredient at the same dose as branded Imodium products. They work in exactly the same way and are available at a lower price point. Available in packs of 30 capsules.
Enterosgel Intestinal Adsorbent
Enterosgel is an intestinal adsorbent gel that works differently from loperamide. Rather than slowing the gut, it works by binding to toxins, bacteria and other harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract and removing them from the body. This can help reduce diarrhoea while also addressing bloating and discomfort. Enterosgel may be suitable for people who prefer not to use loperamide or who experience digestive discomfort alongside diarrhoea. It is available as a tube (225g) and as individual sachets (15g) for convenience when travelling.
Choosing the Right Product
Situation | Recommended Treatments | Why This Treatment |
| Acute diarrhoea - need to reduce frequency quickly | Imodium Original or Loperamide 2mg Capsules | Standard loperamide - effective and widely used |
| Diarrhoea with bloating and cramps | Imodium Dual Action Relief | Loperamide + simeticone targets both symptoms |
| Travelling or no access to water | Imodium Instant Melts or Imodium Instants | Dissolves on the tongue without water |
| Prefer a non-loperamide option | Enterosgel | Binds toxins without slowing gut motility |
| Budget-conscious, same active ingredient | Generic Loperamide 2mg Capsules | Same as Imodium at a lower price |
How to Buy Diarrhoea Tablets from Cloud Pharmacy
- Step 1: Browse the product range on this page
- Step 2: Select the product you need and add it to your basket
- Step 3: Complete a short online assessment so our pharmacy team can confirm the product is suitable for you
- Step 4: Once approved, your order is dispensed and dispatched with discreet, next-day delivery available
Our clinical team reviews every order before dispatch. All packaging is plain and unmarked; there is no indication of the contents on the outside of the parcel.
Sources and References
NHS - Diarrhoea and vomiting: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
NHS - Loperamide: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loperamide/
NICE - Clinical Knowledge Summary: Diarrhoea - adults' assessment
NICE - Clinical Knowledge Summary: Gastroenteritis
MHRA - Loperamide: reports of serious cardiac adverse reactions with high doses
FAQ
How quickly does loperamide work?
Loperamide typically begins to work within one to two hours of taking the first dose. It slows the movement of the gut, allowing more water to be reabsorbed and reducing the frequency of loose stools. Most people notice an improvement within the first day of treatment. If symptoms have not improved within 48 hours, stop taking loperamide and speak to your pharmacist or GP.
What is the difference between Imodium Original and Imodium Dual Action?
Imodium Original contains loperamide only, which reduces the frequency of diarrhoea. Imodium Dual Action contains loperamide plus simeticone, which also helps relieve the bloating, cramps and trapped wind that often accompany diarrhoea. If your diarrhoea is accompanied by abdominal discomfort, Dual Action may provide more comprehensive relief.
Is generic loperamide as effective as Imodium?
Yes. Generic loperamide capsules contain the same active ingredient (loperamide hydrochloride 2mg) at the same dose as branded Imodium products. They are equally effective and are regulated to the same standards. The choice between generic and branded is one of personal preference and price.
Should I take anti-diarrhoeal tablets alongside rehydration products?
Yes. Loperamide and oral rehydration solutions work in different ways and can safely be used together. Loperamide reduces the frequency of diarrhoea, while rehydration products replace the fluids, salts and minerals lost through loose stools. Using both together is often the most effective approach, particularly if diarrhoea is frequent or you are showing signs of dehydration.
When should I see a doctor about diarrhoea?
See your GP or call NHS 111 if your diarrhoea contains blood or mucus, has lasted longer than seven days, is accompanied by a persistent high fever, you are unable to keep fluids down, you have recently taken antibiotics, or if you have a weakened immune system or chronic bowel condition. In children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions, seek medical advice sooner, as dehydration can become serious more quickly.
How it works
Achieve your goals in just a few simple steps
Step 1
Start Free Consultation
Answer some questions so we can understand your needs.
Step 2
Review By Our Clinical Team
Our expert team will use your consultation as the basis of our recommendation and communicate with you.
Step 3
From Prescription to Doorstep
Orders are carefully reviewed by a prescriber before discreet dispatch.
Step 4
Achieve your health goals
A plan tailored to your needs for real, measurable results.
Need something else?
We stock over 1102 treatments for 90 conditions
