Digestive Health

Relief for heartburn, reflux, constipation, IBS cramps, diarrhoea and piles, with pharmacist advice on matching the remedy to the symptom. Gaviscon, Rennie, Nexium Control, Fybogel, Senokot, Dulcolax, Imodium, Buscopan, Colpermin, Dioralyte and Anusol.

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Matching the remedy to the symptom

Heartburn and reflux

Occasional burning after a big meal: an antacid such as Rennie works in minutes, and an alginate such as Gaviscon forms a raft that stops acid rising, which is better at night. Heartburn several times a week: a 14-day course of an acid reducer (Nexium Control or Emazole Control, both esomeprazole) taken each morning. If you still need it after two weeks, or you are over 55 with new symptoms, see a GP.

Constipation

Start with fibre and fluid: Fybogel once or twice a day with a full glass of water, and give it three days. Senokot and Dulcolax are stimulant laxatives for a short-term push; take at night for a morning result and do not rely on them for more than a week. Dulcolax 5 mg tablets act in six to twelve hours.

Diarrhoea

Imodium (loperamide) stops it fast for adults, which is handy for travel or work, but let a stomach bug run its course for 24 hours if you can. Dioralyte replaces the fluid and salts you have lost and is the priority for children and older people. Diarrhoea with blood, high fever, or lasting more than a few days needs a GP.

Cramps, wind and IBS

Buscopan relaxes gut spasm and suits cramping pain. Colpermin (peppermint oil capsules) eases IBS bloating and cramps over a few weeks. Rennie Deflatine and Fybocalm target wind and bloating. For ongoing IBS, Alflorex probiotic has the best evidence; see our probiotics guide.

Piles

Anusol cream, ointment or suppositories soothe and shrink haemorrhoids; the HC version adds a mild steroid for a week of stronger relief. Add fibre to soften stools. Bleeding that is dark, heavy or new over 50 needs a GP.

See a doctor if you have: unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, a change in bowel habit lasting over three weeks, or severe abdominal pain.

Common questions about digestive health

Gaviscon or Rennie for heartburn?

Rennie neutralises acid quickly for mild heartburn. Gaviscon adds an alginate that floats on the stomach contents and physically blocks reflux, so it lasts longer and is better for night-time and pregnancy heartburn.

Can I take Nexium Control every day?

For up to 14 days without advice. If symptoms return after the course, see your GP rather than continuing indefinitely, as long-term use needs monitoring and persistent reflux should be assessed.

What is the gentlest laxative?

Fybogel, a bulk-forming fibre, is the gentlest and safe long term. Take it with plenty of water and allow two to three days. Senokot and Dulcolax are stronger and for short-term use only.

Should I take Imodium for a stomach bug?

If you need to function, Imodium is safe for adults for a day or two. Otherwise, fluids and Dioralyte are more important. Avoid Imodium if there is blood in the stool or a high fever, and do not give it to children under 12 without advice.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.