Diarrhea treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Yes. In most cases, a Maple doctor can diagnose diarrhea online by asking about your symptoms and conditions. 

Once you describe your symptoms to the doctor, they will be able to diagnose, prescribe appropriate medication, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. 

Treatments you may receive from a doctor on Maple may include Imodium (loperamide), which slows down intestinal motility and can quickly resolve cases of benign diarrhea. The doctor may also prescribe anti-vomiting medications such as Zofran (Ondansetron). These are highly effective medications that dissolve under your tongue and can provide full relief in as little as 30 minutes.

If your diarrhea is consistent with an acute infection, your doctor may recommend rapid treatment with antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin), and close follow up in an in-person clinical setting.

If the doctor suspects you have a more serious problem, they may suggest you go to a clinic for a thorough in-person examination.

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or we’ll deliver it right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Everyone has diarrhea occasionally — loose, watery and more frequent bowel movements. In most cases, diarrhea lasts several days. But if diarrhea lasts for weeks, it can indicate a serious disorder, such as a chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.

Diarrhea is often caused by a viral stomach infection such as an intestinal or stomach flu.

Other causes include:

• Allergy or intolerance to some foods
• Alcohol abuse
• Diabetes
• Difficulty absorbing nutrients
• Digestive system surgery
• Food that has upset the stomach
• Food poisoning
• Intestinal Diseases (Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis)
• Laxative abuse
• Overactive thyroid
• Some cancers
• Some medicines
• Radiation therapy
• Running

• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Loose, watery stools
• Bloating
• Blood in the stool
• Fever
• Nausea
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement

To prevent diarrhea, wash your hands often, especially:

• after using the bathroom;
• after changing diapers;
• after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose;
• before and after preparing a meal.

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and specialists via secure text, audio or video call. Sign in to your Maple account to start a visit. Learn more about how Maple works here.

A visit works a lot like an in-person appointment. A doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about your symptoms, review your health history and recommend a treatment plan that's right for you. Not every visit leads to a prescription. Sometimes, you might need to see someone in person. When that happens, we'll help you figure out what comes next.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to care online. Connect with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes via secure text, audio or video call.

Our membership costs $85/month. One membership. Care for your whole family. In eligible provinces, membership includes:

• Daily visits: one visit a day with a doctor or nurse practitioner for each family member in your household
• Pediatric care: covered pediatric primary care visits, available by appointment
• Second Medical Opinion: when you're unsure about a complex diagnosis, like cancer or MS, or want to understand all your options, you and your family can access an expert Second Medical Opinion
• Personal Health Check-Ins: personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to help you stay on top of your health
• iCBT courses: internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-assessments and courses
• Specialists: see a specialist in days, not months. No referral necessary.
• Specialist referrals: a referral to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed

Membership can't be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. A Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) may cover your membership fees. Check with your HSA provider for details.

Your Maple monthly membership covers virtual care for you, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 who share the same primary residence. Full disclaimer and refund policy here.

We accept all major credit cards, including AMEX, plus Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Privacy is at the core of how we deliver care. We follow Canadian privacy and healthcare laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA, to protect your personal and health information.

Our policies and consent processes are simple and easy to understand, so you stay in control. Strong security infrastructure and strict data policies protect every session. You keep control of your personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. We also work with privacy and security experts and review our policies regularly.

All doctors and nurse practitioners who deliver care through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their regulatory colleges. They must follow the telemedicine policies set by the medical regulator in each province.

Regulators across Canada recognize the value of virtual care. It helps improve access to care for patients and makes care delivery more efficient for practitioners and Canada's healthcare system.