Some people think that leaving diarrhoea to run its course will flush out harmful toxins, or that treating it will only ‘clog’ things up. But the truth is, there is usually no good reason to put up with diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become loose, watery and frequent. And while it’s often the butt of jokes, it can cause distress and potential embarrassment when you’re the one suffering from it.

• Diarrhoea can be caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites that get into your digestive system from unwashed vegetables, raw eggs, undercooked chicken and poorly-stored food.
• Travellers are particularly prone to diarrhoea due to a change in environment and food.
• The use of some medications can change the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, and also lead to diarrhoea.

DIARRHOEA SYMPTOMS
Diarrhoea is not only marked by frequent toilet trips – other symptoms include:

• An uncomfortable feeling in the stomach.
• Gurgling and passing wind.
• Frequent loose watery stools, sometimes of an ‘explosive’ nature.
• Stomach pains and cramps.

SHOULD YOU TREAT DIARRHOEA?
Diarrhoea should usually be treated. Some people, however, assume that diarrhoea is the body’s way of flushing out harmful bugs and toxins, but evidence shows this isn’t always the case.

Diarrhoea is a symptom of a disturbance in the digestive system – just as a runny nose may be a symptom of a cold virus and not your body trying to ‘flush’ the virus out.

You can therefore help treat the symptoms as soon as they start.

WHAT IS IMODIUM?
When diarrhoea occurs, less fluid is absorbed into the body, leading to excess fluid being expelled in loose, watery stools.

Imodium Caplets provide fast and effective relief from diarrhoea by normalising the muscle contractions of the intestine. This gives the bowel time to absorb water and produce a more solid stool.

Imodium controls the symptoms of diarrhoea, meaning less disruption to daily life.

IMODIUM ADVANCED GOES FURTHER
Imodium Advanced tablets are the only anti-diarrhoeal treatment that include Simethicone, which in addition to restoring a more solid stool, disperses stomach and bowel gas to relieve abdominal discomfort.

With some Imodium in the cupboard you can be armed and ready when diarrhoea strikes, because there usually is no good reason to let it run its course.

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Pharmacy Medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the label carefully and use only as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your healthcare professional. Each Imodium caplet contains 2mg Loperamide Hydrochloride and each Imodium Advanced tablet contains 2mg Loperamide Hydrochloride and 125mg Simethicone. Incorrect use may be harmful. Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland. ®Registered Trademark. TAPS NA301

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