Diarrhea treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with doctors and other healthcare providers via text, audio, or video. After you log in to your Maple account, you can request an online consultation.

Consultations work similarly to in-person appointments — the doctor can complete an assessment by asking questions about your symptoms, going through your health history, and determining what treatment is right for you. If they think your condition is more serious, they may tell you to go to a clinic for an in-person examination.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to virtual primary care online and more. You can connect with our network of providers via text, audio, or video call within minutes.

Our membership costs $79.99/month and covers virtual care for patients and their families, including the primary account holder's spouse and any dependents.

For patients in eligible provinces, our membership includes:

• Access to daily primary care provider visits: One daily visit with a primary care provider for each family member in their household.
• Paediatric care: Covered paediatric primary care visits, available by appointment.
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Regulators across Canada support and recognize the value of services like ours, and the way in which they can benefit patients, physicians, and Canada’s broader healthcare system by improving access to care and increasing efficiencies in the delivery of care.

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.

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.

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

Diarrhea does not usually require prescription medication, and will go away on its own.  Drinking water or beverages with electrolytes (sports drinks) can help replace your fluids and keep you hydrated.

Having said that, taking over the counter medications like Imodium (loperamide) can greatly reduce the severity of symptoms, and the frequency of bowel movements.

If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasites, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.