Diarrhoea Treatment in Neath

Book an NHS Common Ailment Appointment Today

Why wait to see the GP when you can get expert advice from a pharmacist? At The Health Dispensary and Neath Pharmacy, you may be eligible for FREE NHS advice through the Common Ailment Scheme.

**Please Note** This service offers professional assessment and tailored advice. While NHS treatment is not routinely provided for diarrhoea under the Common Ailments Scheme, appropriate over-the-counter treatments such as oral rehydration salts or Loperamide/ Imodium can be purchased if needed.

Our pharmacists offer professional guidance, personalised care, and access to appropriate over-the-counter medicines. If NHS treatment isn’t suitable, we also offer OTC medicines in person or online.

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What Is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. It can occur suddenly and usually resolves within a few days, but if it persists, it may indicate something more serious.

Causes of diarrhoea include:

  • Infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic)

  • Food intolerances or allergies (e.g. lactose)

  • Medications, such as antibiotics, GLP-1 weight loss injections or NSAIDs

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Underlying medical conditions like IBS, coeliac disease or IBD

When to Seek Help from Your GP

You are best seeing your Doctor or Call NHS 111 if you:

  • Are vomiting and can’t keep fluids down

  • Have diarrhoea for more than 7 days

  • Experience fever, abdominal pain or weight loss

  • See blood or mucus in your stool

  • Recently travelled abroad

  • Are pregnant, immunocompromised, or aged under 4 weeks or over 65

Effective Treatment & Expert Advice

Diarrhoea can be disruptive and uncomfortable — but our pharmacists are here to help.

We can:

  • Assess your symptoms
  • Recommend oral rehydration solutions
  • Offer advice on safe use of anti-diarrhoeal medicines like loperamide (when appropriate)
  • Review any medications that may be causing the issue
  • Support you with dietary and lifestyle tips to manage and prevent symptoms

 

Self-Care Tips for Diarrhoea

Stay Hydrated

Drink water, squash, clear broths or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid fruit juice, fizzy drinks, and excessive caffeine or alcohol.

Eat Light

When you feel ready, stick to simple foods like soup, rice, chicken, or bananas.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.

Rest

Allow your body time to recover. Avoid strenuous activity until symptoms improve.

Could My Medication Be the Cause?

Many medications can cause diarrhoea, including:

  • Antibiotics

  • NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen)

  • Metformin

  • PPIs (e.g. omeprazole)

  • ACE inhibitors

  • SSRIs (e.g. citalopram)

Important Advice on Contraception

If you take the oral contraceptive pill and experience significant diarrhoea, it may reduce absorption. Use additional contraception (like condoms) until your next period.


Preventing the Spread of Infection

If your diarrhoea may be due to an infectious bug:

  • Stay off work/school until you’ve been symptom-free for 48 hours

  • Don’t prepare food for others

  • Avoid swimming pools for 2 weeks

  • Disinfect toilets, handles and surfaces regularly

  • Don’t share towels or utensils

NHS or Private – We’ve Got You Covered

We’re proud to offer this service as part of the NHS Common Ailments Scheme in Wales.  We offer OTC medications in person or online.

Check our Conditions page

Book an appointment online


Written by Ali Sparkes BScHons MScEcon IP FRPharmS, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist