First steps
- Take small, frequent sips of safe fluids. If vomiting continues, pause briefly and restart with small sips.
- Prepare ORS exactly as directed on the sachet, using the stated volume of safe water.
- Keep the packet or photograph its instructions so a clinician can see what was taken.
- Seek urgent care if a warning sign appears or the person cannot drink.
What pharmacy products do
| Product | Purpose | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Oresol / oral rehydration salts (ORS) | Replace fluid and electrolytes | Mix only with the water volume shown on that sachet |
| Loperamide | May reduce stool frequency for some adults short-term | Do not use for bloody stool or high fever; do not give to a child without medical advice |
| Paracetamol | May reduce pain or fever when suitable | Follow the label; if dengue is possible, ask a clinician before taking medicine |
| Azithromycin or another antibiotic | Used only for selected bacterial infections | A clinician decides whether it is needed and which course is appropriate |
ORS replaces water and salts; it does not stop every cause of diarrhoea. Ask a pharmacist to confirm the sachet's mixing instructions. Never guess the volume because sachets can differ. Antibiotics are not routine treatment for every episode and may be inappropriate.
When loperamide is not appropriate
Do not use loperamide as self-treatment when there is blood in the stool or a high fever. It can hide worsening symptoms. For children, ask a clinician before using anti-diarrhoeal medicine.
Get urgent medical help
| Sign | Why not to wait |
|---|---|
| Blood in stool or vomit | May indicate a serious illness or bleeding |
| Unable to keep fluids down | Dehydration can worsen |
| Very little urine, severe weakness, dizziness or fainting | Possible significant fluid loss |
| Severe or worsening abdominal pain | Needs assessment beyond routine diarrhoea care |
| Child is unusually sleepy, has sunken eyes or no tears | Children can become severely dehydrated quickly |
Contact a clinician earlier for an infant, an older adult, a pregnant person or anyone with a chronic condition. Call emergency services for collapse, confusion or breathing problems.
Eating and drinking while recovering
Keep offering fluids. Eat small portions of familiar food as tolerated. Avoid alcohol. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing food. Use safe water for drinking, brushing teeth and mixing ORS.
What to say at a pharmacy
Show the pharmacist the symptom, when it began, whether there is fever or blood, and any medicines already taken. You can say: “Tôi bị tiêu chảy” (I have diarrhoea), “Tôi bị sốt” (I have a fever), and “Tôi cần dung dịch bù nước” (I need oral rehydration solution). Ask them to point out the exact water volume on the packet.
Questions and answers
What should I buy first for diarrhoea?
An ORS sachet can replace fluid and salts. Mix it exactly as the packet directs and seek care if warning signs appear.
How much water goes into an Oresol packet?
Use the exact amount printed on that packet. Sachets may have different instructions.
Can I take an antibiotic right away?
Do not self-start one. A clinician decides whether a bacterial infection needs antibiotics.
Does loperamide help if there is blood in the stool?
Do not use it for bloody diarrhoea or high fever without medical advice. Seek care.
When do I need a hospital?
Go urgently for blood, inability to keep fluids down, fainting, severe pain or serious dehydration signs.