Diarrhea or loose motion refers to a condition in which you pass stools that are loose and watery. It is common to have watery bowel movements and usually not that serious, but it may make your body to lose minerals and water, which may lead to certain complications in some cases. Excessive loss of water can lead to dehydration, which in turn may make you lose appetite and feel weak. Most people experience diarrhea at least once every year, but it affects children more frequently. Sometimes, your diarrhea is the outcome of an underlying health condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It is therefore important to find the underlying cause to select the right medicine for loose motion.

Possible Causes of Loose Motion

You need to pay attention to the possible causes of diarrhea to be able to find the most suitable medicine for loose motion. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• You may experience diarrhea because of a bacterial infection. Various types of diarrhea-causing bacteria are found in food and water, and some of the most common ones include campylobacter, salmonella, and E. coli.
• A viral infection may also cause diarrhea. Rotavirus, herpes simplex virus, and Norwalk virus are some common examples of viruses that cause loose motion.
• You may end up having loose motions if parasites have entered your digestive system through water or food and caused infections.
• Intolerance to some foods may also result in diarrhea. Some people cannot digest certain food components, so they experience loose motions when they eat that food.
• Your diarrhea may be the outcome of taking certain medications. You may react to antibiotics and some medications used specifically to treat high blood pressure.
• Several conditions can affect your intestine and trigger diarrhea. Some of the most common examples are inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.
• In addition, you may end up passing loose, watery stools due to irritable bowel syndrome or hormone disorders, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Bowel cancer may be the underlying cause of diarrhea in rare cases as well.

Medicine for Loose Motion

Once you know the cause, it is always easier to find the medicine for loose motionthat proves effective in your case. Here are some common choices for you to consider:

1. Oral Rehydration Salts

You may start vomiting or develop diarrhea if you eat something that doesn't suit your stomach. This often results in loss of excessive fluid and vital minerals. You can replace these minerals and salt through oral rehydration salts, which are usually available under names such as Electral or ORS.

2. Anti-Diarrheal Medicine

Diarrhea is usually the outcome of indigestion or an infection of your gastrointestinal tract. Besides replacing the fluid loss, it is important to take anti-diarrheal medicine to reduce your loose motions. You can take loperamide sold under the brand name of Eldoper, but visit your doctor if your diarrhea persists. If you are diagnosed with an infection, then antibiotics may be needed.

3. Bismuth Subsalicylate

You can take this medicine for loose motion because it serves as an antiemetic and treats vomiting and nausea. It reduces inflammation by regulating how fluid moves through your intestines. It also helps prevent bacteria and viruses from growing in your intestines and stomach.

Side Effects and Interactions of Medication for Loose Motion

It is easy to find medicines for loose motion but like all other medicines, they can create some side effects. If you're using Loperamide—an anti-diarrheal medicine, you may notice side effects such as constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, or dizziness. The use of bismuth subsalicylate may cause blackened stools, constipation, and ringing sound in your ear.

Some diarrheal medicines may interact with other drugs. For instance, you should not be using loperamide with antibiotics, prescription pain medicines, and antiviral medicines for HIV. Bismuth subsalicylate may not work that well when used with blood-thinning medicines or medicines for arthritis, gout, or diabetes. It is therefore important to consult with your doctor before you start taking any medicine for loose motion.

More Relief Options for Loose Motion

1. Home Remedies

If you don't want to use any medicine or you think your diarrhea is not that severe, you can always consider making use of some home remedies as the first line of treatment. For instance:

2. Try Therapies

Some people get great results by trying alternative therapies. Some of the most common options include the following.

• Acupuncture: Stimulating certain points in your body will help reduce abdominal discomfort and improve digestion as well.
• Aromatherapy: Using specific essential oils (like peppermint, geranium, ginger and orange oil) may help relieve different ailments, including digestive problems.
• Meditation: Relaxing your mind will have a relaxing effect on your body that will reduce stress and anxiety.
• Yoga: Trying certain yoga poses may help strengthen your intestines and stomach.

3. Eating the Right Food During Loose Motion

If diarrhea has already developed, you need to be very careful about what you eat. Your diarrhea may alleviate by using a diet that includes garlic, ginger, carom seeds, cumin, buttermilk, fennel, and bananas. You may also consider drinking pomegranate or orange juices for relief. Foods like toast, rice, bananas, yogurt, applesauce, and tea will help make your stool firmer. At the same time, it is important to avoid food high in spices, sugar, and oil.