Digestive issues happen to the best of us, and if you don't know what products are available or how to read the box, asking a shop clerk can be embarrassing. We've got a list for you of the most common medicines available in Japan for lower GI issues.
Select a category from the tabs below or scroll through to see the whole list of the most popular digestive medicines in Japan.
If you take an MAOI, warfarin, blood pressure medication, or any other regular medication for a mental or physical disease or condition, are pregnant, nursing, or simply not sure, consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.
Japanese OTC labels often do not provide medication-specific warnings, so if you're unsure of drug interactions, be safe and ask your doctor before taking anything.
Anti-diarrheals
Stoppa Anti-Diarrheal Ex
Active ingredients (per 1 tablet):
- Scopolia extract (anti-spasmodic) 60mg
- Berberine tannate (anti-diarrheal) 100mg
Inactive ingredients:
D-mannitol, cellulose, crospovidone, corn starch, gum arabic, magnesium stearate, aspartame (L-phenylalanine), l-menthol, fragrance
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: Chew or allow to melt in mouth 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, up to 3 times a day. Stop taking when diarrhea symptoms stop. Children under 15 should not take this medicine.
Japanese source: https://stoppa.lion.co.jp/product/stoppa/index.htm
The company that makes this product does not provide information on its products in English.
Stoppa L Anti-Diarrheal EX
Active ingredients (per 1 tablet):
- Scopolia extract 60mg
- Berberine tannate (anti-diarrheal) 100mg
- Peony extract 24mg
Inactive ingredients:
D-mannitol, cellulose, crospovidone, corn starch, gum arabic, magnesium stearate, aspartame (L-phenylalanine), l-menthol, fragrance
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: Chew or allow to melt in mouth 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, up to 3 times a day. Stop taking when diarrhea symptoms stop. Children under 15 should not take this medicine.
Japanese source: https://stoppa.lion.co.jp/product/stoppa_l/index.htm
The company that makes this product does not provide information on its products in English.
Loperamac Satto
For treatment of diarrhea · Same active ingredient as Imodium
Active ingredient (per 2 tablets):
- Loperamide HCl (anti-diarrheal) 1mg
Inactive ingredients:
Erythritol, D-mannitol, povidone, sodium saccharin, polyethylene glycol, magnesium stearate, silicic anhydride, fragrance (l-menthol)
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: Take one tablet every 4-6 hours, up to 2 times per day. Stop taking this medication when your diarrhea stops. Children under 15 should not take this medicine.
The company that makes this product does not provide information on its products in English.
Biofermin Antidiarrheal
For treatment of vomiting and diarrhea
Active ingredients (per 9 tablets):
- Berberine tannate (antidiarrheal) 300mg
- Geranium maculatum extract 420mg
- Scopolia extract 33mg
- Peony extract 125mg
- Lactobacillus bifidus (probiotic) 30mg
Inactive ingredients:
Corn starch, powdered sugar, calcium croscarmellose talc, magnesium stearate
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 and over: Take 3 tablets after meals, 3 times per day. Do not exceed 9 tablets per day. Children age 11 to 14, take 2 tablets after meals, 3 times per day. Do not exceed 6 tablets per day. Stop taking this medicine when your symptoms stop. Children under 11 should not take this medicine.
Japanese source: https://www.biofermin.co.jp/products/geridome/info/
Probiotics
These probiotic medicines help restore healthy gut flora, supporting digestion and intestinal health.
New Biofermin S
For treatment of diarrhea, constipation · For intestinal health
Active ingredients (per 9 tablets):
- Lactobacillus bifidus 18mg
- Enterococcus faecalis 18mg
- Lactobacillus acidophilus 18mg
Inactive ingredients:
Corn starch, dextrin, lactose, calcium carbonate, powdered sugar, white sugar, magnesium stearate
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: take 3 tablets after meals, 3 times per day. Do not exceed 9 tablets per day. Children 5 to 14 years, take 2 tablets after meals, 3 times per day. Do not exceed 6 tablets per day. Children under 5 should not take this medicine.
Japanese source: https://www.biofermin.co.jp/products/biofermin_s/info/
Biofermin VC
For treatment of constipation and bloating
Active ingredients (per 6 tablets):
- Lactobacillus bifidus 18mg
- Lactobacillus acidophilus 18mg
- Vitamin C 500mg
- Vitamin B2 6mg
- Vitamin B6 12mg
Inactive ingredients:
Corn starch, reduced maltose syrup, calcium croscarmellose, erythritol, magnesium stearate, aspartame (L-phenylalinine), anhydrous silicic acid
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: Take 2 tablets after eating 3 times per day. Do not exceed 6 tablets per day. Children under 15 should not take this medicine.
Japanese source: https://www.biofermin.co.jp/products/biofermin_vc/info/
Gas Pitan
For treatment of gas block and bloating
Active ingredients (per 3 tablets):
- Enterococcus faecalis 24mg
- Lactobacillus acidophilus 54mg
- Lactobacillus bifidus 24mg
- Cellulase AP3 (enzyme) 180mg
- Dimethicone 180mg
Inactive ingredients:
Lactitol, cellulose, anhydrous silicic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, carmellose sodium, fragrance
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: Chew or allow to melt in mouth 1 tablet before meals, 3 times daily. Do not exceed 3 tablets per day. Children under 15 should not take this medicine. Stop taking this medicine when your symptoms stop. If you experience itching, redness, or hives on your skin when using this medicine, stop use immediately and consult a physician.
Japanese source: https://www.kobayashi.co.jp/seihin/gpt/index.html
Hemorrhoid Treatment
The following products are available over-the-counter in Japan for relief of hemorrhoid symptoms including pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding.
Borraginol A — Individual Applicators
Pre-dosed ointment applicators · Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per applicator):
- Prednisolone acetate 1mg
- Lidocaine 60mg
- Allantoin 200mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 50mg
Inactive ingredients:
White petrolatum, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride, glyceryl monostearate.
Due to application method, a small amount of medicine will be left behind in each applicator. Applicators are filled accounting for this loss, to ensure you get the full dose of the ointment.
Instructions for use:
For internal hemorrhoids: Remove the cap from one applicator, and insert into anus. Squeeze the applicator until empty. Adults and children 15 years and over: Use one applicator at onset of symptoms. Up to 2 applicators can be used per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
For external hemorrhoids: Remove the cap from one applicator, and squeeze contents onto finger. Spread the ointment onto the affected area. Adults and children 15 years and over: Use one applicator at onset of symptoms. Up to 3 applicators can be used per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
English source: https://www.borraginol.com/en/products/chunyunanko_a/
Japanese source: https://www.borraginol.com/products/choice/
Borraginol A Suppositories
Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per suppository):
- Prednisolone acetate 1mg
- Lidocaine 60mg
- Allantoin 20mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 50mg
Inactive ingredient: hard fat
Instructions for use: Remove 1 suppository from its casing, and insert into cleaned anus. If the suppository comes back out, push it further. The suppository will settle higher up by itself.
Adults and children 15 years and over: Use 1 suppository to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms up to 2 times per day.
If suppositories melt or become soft from heat, they may be refrigerated to re-solidify.
English source: https://www.borraginol.com/en/products/zazai_a/
Japanese source: https://www.borraginol.com/products/zazai_a/
Borraginol A Ointment
Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per 1g):
- Prednisolone acetate 0.5mg
- Lidocaine 30mg
- Allantoin 10mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 25mg
Inactive ingredients:
White petrolatum, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride, glyceryl monostearate
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: Squeeze an amount of ointment onto your finger and spread on the affected area, up to 3 times per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
English source: https://www.borraginol.com/en/products/nanko_a/
Japanese source: https://www.borraginol.com/products/nanko_a/
Borraginol M Suppositories
Relieves pain and itching of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
Active ingredients (per suppository):
- Lidocaine 60mg
- Enoxolone 30mg
- Allantoin 20mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 50mg
Inactive ingredient: hard fat
Instructions for use:
Remove 1 suppository from its casing, and insert into cleaned anus. If the suppository comes back out, push it further. The suppository will settle higher up by itself.
Adults and children 15 years and over: Use 1 suppository to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms up to 2 times per day.
If suppositories melt or become soft from heat, they may be refrigerated to re-solidify.
English source: https://www.borraginol.com/en/products/zazai_m/
Japanese source: https://www.borraginol.com/products/zazai_m/
Borraginol M Ointment
Relieves pain and itching of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
Active ingredients (per 1g):
- Lidocaine 30mg
- Enoxolone 15mg
- Allantoin 10mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 25mg
Inactive ingredients:
White petrolatum, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride, glyceryl monostearate
Instructions for use:
Adults and children 15 years and over: Squeeze an amount of ointment onto your finger and spread on the affected area, up to 3 times per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
English source: https://www.borraginol.com/en/products/nanko_m/
Japanese source: https://www.borraginol.com/products/nanko_m/
G4 L Ointment
Relieves pain and itching of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
Active ingredients (per 1g):
- Prednisolone acetate 1mg
- Lidocaine 30mg
- Chlorpheniramine maleate 2mg
- Allantoin 10mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 30mg
- Cetylpyridinium chloride 2mg
- Naphazoline hydrochloride 0.3mg
Inactive ingredients: Squalane, cetanol, vaseline
Instructions for use — Adults and children 15 years and over: Squeeze an amount of ointment onto your finger and spread on the affected area, up to 3 times per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
Japanese source: https://search.sato-seiyaku.co.jp/pdf/G4Lointment.pdf
G4 L Suppositories
Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per suppository):
- Prednisolone acetate 1mg
- Diphenhydramine 10mg
- Allantoin 10mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 50mg
- Lidocaine 60mg
Inactive ingredients:
Silicic anhydride, magnesium aluminometasilicate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, squalane, starch acrylate, hard fat
Instructions for use:
Remove 1 suppository from its casing, and insert into cleaned anus. If the suppository comes back out, push it further. The suppository will settle higher up by itself.
Adults and children 15 years and over: Use 1 suppository to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms up to 2 times per day.
If suppositories melt or become soft from heat, they may be refrigerated to re-solidify.
Japanese source: https://search.sato-seiyaku.co.jp/pdf/61.pdf
G4 L — Individual Applicators
Pre-dosed ointment applicators · Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per applicator):
- Prednisolone acetate 1mg
- Lidocaine 60mg
- Allantoin 20mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 50mg
Inactive ingredients:
Liquid paraffin, glycerin monostearate, polyglyceryl condensed ricinoleic acid, white vaseline.
Due to application method, a small amount of medicine will be left behind in each applicator. Applicators are filled accounting for this loss, to ensure you get the full dose of the ointment.
Instructions for use:
For internal hemorrhoids: Remove the cap from one applicator, and insert into anus. Squeeze the applicator until empty. Adults and children 15 years and over: Use one applicator at onset of symptoms. Up to 2 applicators can be used per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
For external hemorrhoids: Remove the cap from one applicator, and squeeze contents onto finger. Spread the ointment onto the affected area. Adults and children 15 years and over: Use one applicator at onset of symptoms. Up to 3 applicators can be used per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
Japanese source: https://search.sato-seiyaku.co.jp/pdf/60.pdf
Preser Ace Suppositories
Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per suppository):
- Hydrocortisone 5mg
- Tetrahydrozoline HCl 1mg
- Lidocaine 60mg
- Allantoin 20mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 60mg
- Chlorhexidine HCl 5mg
Inactive ingredients:
Carboxy vinyl polymer, silicic anhydride, glycerin stearate, hard fat
Instructions for use:
Remove 1 suppository from its casing, and insert into cleaned anus. If the suppository comes back out, push it further. The suppository will settle higher up by itself.
Adults and children 15 years and over: Use 1 suppository to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms up to 2 times per day.
If suppositories melt or become soft from heat, they may be refrigerated to re-solidify.
English source: https://www.catalog-taisho.com/pdf_product/06145_ProductPDF_en.pdf
Japanese source: https://www.catalog-taisho.com/explanationbook/06145_Explanation1.pdf
Preser Ace — Individual Applicators
Pre-dosed ointment applicators · Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per applicator):
- Hydrocortisone 5mg
- Tetrahydrozoline HCl 1mg
- Lidocaine 60mg
- Allantoin 20mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 60mg
- Chlorhexidine HCl 5mg
Inactive ingredients:
Paraffin, isopropyl myristate, beeswax, carboxyvinyl polymer, olive oil, Vaseline
Due to application method, a small amount of medicine will be left behind in each applicator. Applicators are filled accounting for this loss, to ensure you get the full dose of the ointment.
For internal hemorrhoids: Remove the cap from one applicator, and insert into anus. Squeeze the applicator until empty. Adults and children 15 years and over: Use one applicator at onset of symptoms. Up to 2 applicators can be used per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
For external hemorrhoids: Remove the cap from one applicator, and squeeze contents onto finger. Spread the ointment onto the affected area. Adults and children 15 years and over: Use one applicator at onset of symptoms. Up to 3 applicators can be used per day. Children under 15 should not use this product.
English source: https://www.catalog-taisho.com/pdf_product/06142_ProductPDF_en.pdf
Japanese source: https://www.catalog-taisho.com/explanationbook/06142_Explanation1.pdf
Preser S Suppositories
Relieves pain, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids and bleeding fissures
Active ingredients (per suppository):
- Hydrocortisone 5mg
- Lidocaine 60mg
- l-menthol 9mg
- Allantoin 10mg
- Tocopheryl acetate 50mg
- Chlorhexidine HCl 5mg
Inactive ingredients:
carboxy vinyl polymer, silicic anhydride, hard fat
Instructions for use:
Remove 1 suppository from its casing, and insert into cleaned anus. If the suppository comes back out, push it further. The suppository will settle higher up by itself.
Adults and children 15 years and over: Use 1 suppository to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms up to 2 times per day.
If suppositories melt or become soft from heat, they may be refrigerated to re-solidify.
English source: https://www.catalog-taisho.com/pdf_product/06151_ProductPDF_en.pdf
Japanese source: https://www.catalog-taisho.com/explanationbook/06151_Explanation1.pdf
