The best buys at your local pharmacy

AILMENT: DIARRHOEA
DRUGS IMODIUM AND GASTROLYTE
LOWDOWN Imodium makes those liquid stools less frequent by normalising the muscle contractions of the intestine, giving the bowel time to absorb the water in there and produce a more solid specimen. Take two tablets with the first runny poo, then one every time you pass another runny motion until it eases up. In the meantime, mix a sachet of Gastrolyte with 200ml water. “It’s filled with salt and nutrients to replace what you’ve lost down the loo,” says Bell.
ALTERNATIVE Gastro-Stop for Imodium; Hydralyte for Gastrolyte.
FINE PRINT “Sometimes it’s better just to let the diarrhoea run its course,” says Bell. “But use the Imodium if this isn’t a possibility.”
SEE A DOCTOR If it’s still going after 48 hours or if you develop a temperature.

Photo by Women's Health Aug 2, 2011