Finding Relief for Diarrhoea: A Guide to Medications from an Online Pharmacy in Singapore

Finding Relief for Diarrhoea: A Guide to Medications from an Online Pharmacy in Singapore

Diarrhoea can be defined as having more frequent than normal or at least 3 loose or liquid stools in a day.

Diarrhoeal disease is a common condition and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is known to be the 3rd leading cause of death in children below the age of 5, killing almost 450,000 children every year.

Finding effective relief for diarrhoea is important, and luckily, the advancement of technology has enabled convenient access to effective diarrhoea remedies through online pharmacies in Singapore. Glovida-Rx, an established reliable online pharmacy, offers an extensive range of antidiarrheal medications and complimentary consultations with pharmacists, ensuring tailored patient care.

Understanding Diarrhoea: A Comprehensive Overview

Causes of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

Infections

Viruses, bacteria and parasites may cause infections, leading to diarrhoea. One of the most common viruses leading to diarrhoea is norovirus which is responsible for gastroenteritis.

Food poisoning

Traveler’s diarrhoea, the most common illness in travellers, can be caused by consuming contaminated water or foods.

Medications

Several medications may cause diarrhoea as a side effect. For example, antibiotics are used to kill harmful bacteria and in doing so, may also kill off the”good” bacteria in the gut, causing an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Other medications such as antacids containing magnesium and chemotherapy medications may also cause diarrhoea.

Lactose intolerance

Some individuals may be lactose intolerant, which means that they lack the enzyme required to break down lactose. Consuming foods high in lactose such as milk and cheeses may cause diarrhoea in such individuals.

Diseases

Several conditions may cause diarrhoea due to irritation and inflammation in the intestines. These conditions include:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

Associated symptoms and complications

Other symptoms that are associated with diarrhoea may include:

  • Abdominal pain or cramps
  • Bloating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Blood in stool
  • Mucus in stool
  • Urgent need to pass stools

Diarrhoea may also cause dehydration due to the loss of water and electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate from the increased frequency of liquid stools. It may present together with other symptoms such as thirst, fatigue and lightheadedness which may significantly impact one’s daily activities and well-being. 

In cases of severe dehydration, there could be potential organ damage, shock, loss of consciousness or even coma. As such, it is extremely crucial to receive timely treatment for diarrhoea.

Loperamide: The First Line of Defense Against Diarrhoea


Loperamide is a medication that is used to treat diarrhoea and works by slowing down the movement of stools through the intestines. It also decreases fluid secretion and increases fluid and electrolyte absorption from the gut, making the stools firmer and less watery.

In cases of acute diarrhoea, it is recommended to take two 2mg tablets once, followed by one 2mg tablet after each loose stool, with a maximum of 16mg of loperamide a day. This medication should be taken only when necessary and according to the dosage recommended by your healthcare provider.

As with all medications, loperamide may cause some side effects. Common side effects include but are not limited to:

  • Dizziness
  • Passing gas
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Constipation

If any of these side effects become serious, or intolerable, or if you experience fever, notice any blood in your stools, irregular heartbeat or fainting, do consult your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Charcoal Pills: A Natural Remedy for Diarrhoea


Besides loperamide, activated charcoal can also be used as a natural remedy to treat diarrhoea. It works by binding to the toxins within the gut, preventing them from being absorbed into the rest of your body.

Benefits of charcoal pills include:

  • Adsorption of toxins
    •

    Charcoal pills adsorb and remove toxins from the gut. They are also useful in the emergency removal of toxins such as in situations of acute poisoning.


  • Relief of abdominal discomfort
    •

    Charcoal pills are also sometimes used to provide relief of bothersome symptoms such as bloatedness.

    For the treatment of diarrhoea, you may take Activated Charcoal 200mg Tablets as directed by your healthcare professional. It is recommended to take the tablets on an empty stomach with sufficient water and space 2 hours apart from other medications if possible. Milk should not be used as it may reduce the efficacy of charcoal. Nevertheless, when in doubt, do consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

    Activated charcoal is generally well-tolerated but some people may experience some side effects including but not limited to:

    • Constipation
    • Black stools
    • Vomiting
    • Abdominal swelling
    • Bowel obstruction

    If any of these side effects become serious or intolerable, do inform your healthcare provider immediately.

     

    The Advantages of Using an Online Pharmacy in Singapore for Diarrhoea Treatment

    Online pharmacies provide easy and convenient access to medications. The rise of online pharmacies has allowed for private consultations with trusted expert pharmacists from the comfort of your home, saving you time from having to take a trip down to the clinic.

    It is important to select a reputable online pharmacy when purchasing medications online to ensure that the quality, safety and efficacy are upheld to the highest standards. Glovida-Rx, a reliable online pharmacy, offers an extensive range of medications, including antidiarrheal medications like loperamide and activated charcoal. 

    Glovida Rx: Your Trusted Partner in Diarrhoea Management


    Approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore, Glovida-Rx is an established online pharmacy that delivers care, convenience and cost-savings.

    As a leading online pharmacy in Singapore, Glovida-Rx believes in providing comprehensive care for our customers, which is why all customers can easily contact our expert pharmacists for free consultations to understand more about their conditions and receive individualised health-related advice. Our pharmacists can guide you through the selection of medications for the treatment of diarrhoea and provide you with useful tips.

     

    Home Care Tips for Managing Diarrhoea

    While medications can help in coping with diarrhoea, it is also beneficial to adopt some home care practices to manage and prevent recurrences. Here are some tips you may consider:

    Hydration and replenishment

    Diarrhoea causes excessive fluid loss, leading to dehydration. It is important to maintain adequate hydration by drinking more water or clear fluids such as clear soups or try sucking on ice chips in the case of nausea.


    Oral rehydration salts (ORS) contain a mixture of electrolytes and carbohydrates dissolved in water. They are useful in managing dehydration and restoring electrolyte balance in the body due to diarrhoea.

    Food choices

    Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine which may worsen diarrhoea. Additionally, foods high in fat, oil, fibre, or dairy in the case of lactose intolerance, are not encouraged due to their propensity to irritate the stomach.

    Ensure that foods that you consume are thoroughly cooked and maintain good hygiene throughout food preparation. It is best to avoid raw food such as raw meat, fish and seafood unless they are freshly prepared.

    Hygiene

    For good hygiene, always ensure that your hands are washed thoroughly with soap or sanitizer before and after meals.

    Rest and stress management

    Ensure that you receive sufficient rest and avoid stressing the body as stress can cause diarrhoea. It is important to identify and avoid stress triggers as well as set aside time to relax and unwind.

    When to seek further medical attention


    In the case where diarrhoea does not improve in a few days or worsens, please seek medical attention from a healthcare professional. You should also seek medical attention when:

    • Diarrhoea lasts for more than 3 days despite medication use
    • Dehydration
    • Intolerable pain in the abdominal or anal area
    • Presence of blood in stools and black tarry stools
    • Fever exceeding 39°C

    Conclusion

    Diarrhoea has many causes and is experienced by many people. It can be extremely disruptive and may significantly impair one’s quality of life. Fortunately, medications such as loperamide and charcoal pills are available to manage diarrhoea and restore normal bowel movements effectively. 

    Utilising reputable online pharmacy services such as Glovida-Rx allows for reliable and convenient access to antidiarrheal medications. Glovida-Rx is committed to providing comprehensive and personalised care to all our customers. Our pharmacists possess the knowledge to guide you through the selection of medications from our extensive catalogue, tailored to your individual needs and preferences. 


    Visit our website for your healthcare needs and do not hesitate to contact us at +65 8101 5555 for a free consultation service or if you have any queries.

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