Diarrhoea is one of the everyday conditions our pharmacists treat through our free NHS minor illness service — advice and treatment without a GP appointment.
Speak to our pharmacist in the private consultation room. Where appropriate we can supply treatment free of charge under the local NHS minor ailments scheme, or recommend the best over-the-counter option.
Free NHS treatment is available if you are registered with a participating local GP and do not pay for prescriptions; everyone else can still get expert advice and low-cost treatment. Use our one-minute eligibility checker and our pharmacist will be in touch to arrange your consultation — or just walk in.
What it is, what to look out for, and what actually helps — from the pharmacists who treat it every day.
Diarrhoea is passing loose, watery stools more often than normal, usually caused by a gut infection — viral 'stomach bugs' like norovirus, or bacteria from food. In adults it typically settles within five to seven days; the main job while it runs its course is staying hydrated.
Our pharmacists can supply oral rehydration sachets, advise when loperamide is appropriate (and when it isn't), and crucially spot the situations that need medical attention — young children, older adults, blood in the stool, or diarrhoea after travel or antibiotics.
Written by our pharmacy team — practical detail on treatment, timing and when to get help.
All health articles →Diarrhoea is covered by the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme. If you are exempt from prescription charges and registered with a Black Country GP, our pharmacist can supply the medicine free of charge — no GP appointment needed.
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