About Diarrhoea & DysenteryDiarrhoea is loose, watery stools three or more times a day, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection from contaminated food or water. Dysentery means diarrhoea with blood or mucus, often caused by amoebae or Shigella.Symptoms include frequent loose stools, cramps, fever and, in dysentery, blood or mucus in the stool.Medicines used for Diarrhoea & DysenteryThe most important treatment is oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc for children. Antibiotics or anti-parasite medicines such as metronidazole, diloxanide or ciprofloxacin are used only when a doctor diagnoses a bacterial or amoebic cause. Probiotics may shorten some episodes.When to see a doctorGet urgent help for signs of dehydration, blood in the stool, high fever, or diarrhoea in a young baby.This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.
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