Food Poisoning

What is Food Poisoning?¹

Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, is an infection or irritation of the digestive tract after consuming contaminated food or drinks. Contaminants could be in the form of harmful chemicals or germs such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Oftentimes it happens when the food or drinks are not handled, prepared or stored properly.

Symptoms²

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headache

Medications available at the pharmacy

Food poisoning is often self limiting and may be resolved in less than a week. But in some cases, it can last longer or lead to serious complications.³ There are some medicines that are available at the pharmacy to treat these minor symptoms.⁴

1. Activated Charcoal Tablet⁵
It is one of the most commonly used medicines to treat diarrhea, flatulence and most importantly eliminate the toxins caused by food poisoning.

Dosage:
Adults: 3-4 tablets 3 times a day. (Children, half of adult dose)
*Space at least 2 hours before or after other medications or supplements.

2. Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) Powder⁶
Dehydration is common during food poisoning episodes where a person experiences diarrhea or vomiting. This causes loss of electrolytes and fluid and this could be life threatening in severe cases.

ORS contains sugar and electrolytes which helps to prevent and treat dehydration. contains sugar and electrolytes. If there is nausea and vomiting, try sipping the solution in small amounts.

Dosage:
>6 years old: 1 sachet 4 times for the 1st 2 hours, up to 12 times daily.
2 to 5 years old: 1 sachet 3 times for the 1st 2 hr, up to 6 times daily
<2 years: 1 sachet for 1st 2 hours, up to 3 times a day.
*Each time mix 1 sachet of ORS with a glass of water (250mL)

3. Loperamide 2mg Capsule⁷
It’s a stronger anti-diarrhea medicine compared to Activated charcoal and it has to be dispensed by a pharmacist at the dispensing counter.

Dosage:
Adults: 2 capsules now followed by 1 capsule after each subsequent loose stool until diarrhea is controlled. Maximum 8 capsules a day.

When to see a doctor²

See your doctor or healthcare provider if you have symptoms that are severe, including:

• Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• High fever (temperature over 38.9°C).
• Severe dehydration (caused by frequent vomiting or diarrhea).