Common medications include bismuth subsalicylate, commonly sold as Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate, as well as loperamide The Cleveland Clinic suggests a dosage of 2 tbsp 2 3. of bismuth subsalicylate after each bowel movement 3.

Some antidiarrheals work by slowing down intestinal contractions, increasing the time it takes for the contents of the bowel to be excreted. This allows more water to be absorbed from the bowel back into the body, reducing the water content of the stool. Others work by bulking up the stool, increasing its volume with fiber-like substances.