Diarrhoea

There are many causes of diarrhoea, but the most common cause for New Zealanders is from a bacterial or viral infection.

What is diarrhoea?

A clinical definition of diarrhoea is when someone has three or more loose bowel motions in a day. This is often accompanied with sharp cramping stomach pain before the motion is passed and a desperate need to find a toilet quickly.

The most common cause of diarrhoea is a bacterial or viral infection. This is more common over the summer months when food may not be stored at temperatures low enough to prevent these organisms multiplying. The usual organisms that cause diarrhoea in New Zealand are Campylobacter and Salmonella; generally from poorly cooked or stored meat, especially chicken.

What is traveller’s diarrhoea?

Traveller’s diarrhoea is common in countries where water quality is poor, and the organisms responsible for these infections are often Giardia and amoeba. Prolonged infection with these organisms may cause dysentery, which is acute diarrhoea accompanied with mucus and blood in the motions. Dysentery results in inflammation of the intestines and is persistent and often has serious consequences.

If you are travelling abroad it is advisable to bring diarrhoea treatments with you in case you need them. This can include rehydration treatments and treatments to reduce the frequency of the diarrhoea episodes.

Shop diarrhoea treatment

What is chronic diarrhoea?

In some cases diarrhoea can be a chronic condition. In these cases the sufferer has frequent loose bowel motions for extended periods of time and may be a result of medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Treatments for chronic diarrhoea and the conditions like IBS must be discussed and prescribed by a doctor.

Some medications may also cause loose motions, either as an intended effect, such as from laxatives, or as an unwanted side effect.

Shop treatment for Chronic Diarrhoea

Treatment for diarrhoea

The most common result of diarrhoea is fluid depletion, or dehydration. This is because water and minerals are removed from the body faster than you can replace them. It is important, particularly for children, to replace fluids and electrolytes quickly. Rehydration products are available from all pharmacies to treat diarrhoea. It is helpful to have a packet of rehydration sachets available at home, so that treatment may start as soon as the diarrhoea occurs.

As a rule of thumb, one sachet of rehydration powder, made up to 200ml with water, should be taken after each loose motion for adults.

Other products are also available to help with the symptoms of diarrhoea, but the best first treatment should always be rehydration. Our pharmacists can give you advice about changing your diet to help manage the symptoms of diarrhoea and speed up your recovery.

Shop rehydration treatments

More support for diarrhoea

If there is blood in a bowel motion, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Bleeding from the bowel can be a sign of more serious conditions, or may be from haemorrhoids (piles), which also need diagnosis and treatment.

Consult our community pharmacists as they can advise you and give you information about the best treatment and prevention for diarrhoea.

Contact our pharmacy

diarrhoea PRODUCTS

Imodium Capsules

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Imodium Capsules provide effective relief of diarrhoea in easy to swallow capsules. Dosage Adults and Children 12 years and over: 2 capsules initially, followed by 1 capsule after each loose...

Price $31.99

Inner Health Gastro Relief 30 Capsules

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Inner Health Gastro Relief • Provides relief & reduces the occurrence of diarrhoea in adults & children• Provides relief of gastrointestinal pain in children• Supports gastrointestinal syst...

Price $47.99

Nodia Diarrhoea Relief Caplets 16

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Nodia Caplets contain loperamide hydrochloride, a medicine that makes the stools more solid and less frequent. It does this by restoring the muscle contractions of the intestine to normal. This all...

Price $15.99

Hydralyte Drink Sol Orange1 L

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Hydralyte Orange Electrolyte Liquid is your go-to solution for replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, intense exercise, or excessive alcohol intake. T...

Price $18.99

Lacteeze Lacteeze Extra Strength Tablets

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Lacteeze Extra Strength tablets are recommended for people who suffer from: Lactose intolerance Lactose malabsorption Inability to digest lactose in dairy Gas, bloating, abdominal cramps and diarrh...

Price $49.99

Hydralyte Ice Block Lemonade 16Pk

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Hydralyte Electrolyte Ice Blocks Colourfree Lemonade Flavoured relieves symptoms of dehydration and helps replace water and electrolytes lost due to vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, vigorous ex...

Price $19.99

Diarelieve 10 Sachets 3.25G

Life Pharmacy Orewa

DiaRelieve¶© absorbs water to help improve stool consistency and provide symptomatic relief of diarrhoea. ƒ?½ DiaRelieve¶© contains a natural clay (diosmectite) with a high surface area. ƒ?½ DiaRel...

Price $25.99

Hydralyte Efferves. Orange20

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Hydralyte Orange Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets are designed to efficiently replenish water and electrolytes lost due to vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, vigorous exercise, or excessive alcoh...

Price $18.99

Payment Options