Diarrhea

Self-care

Replacing fluids with a rehydrating solution taken by mouth, such as Pedialyte, can help prevent dehydration. Nonprescription antidiarrheal medicines include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).

When to seek immediate medical care

See a healthcare professional immediately if:

• No wet diaper in three hours or more.
• Fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or higher in infant or child.
• Bloody or black stools in infant or child.
• Diarrhea doesn't improve after 24 hours in infant or child.
• Listless or unresponsive.
• Dry mouth, cries without tears, or sunken look to eyes, cheeks or belly in infant or child.

When to make a doctor's appointment

Make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if:

• Diarrhea doesn't improve within two days in adults.
• Stool is bloody or black.
• Little to no urination, very dry mouth and skin, or other signs of dehydration.
• Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius).
• Belly or rectal pain.