Totally agree LD, all those so called diarrhoea remedies do is slow the gut motility down, which often makes it worse. They are not antibiotic agents so do not treat the cause. If its a proper dose of Egyptian tum you will end up taking them like smarties and no effect. Any "bugs" need to pass through and/or be treated with rehydration measures, clear fluids only (no milk etc) and efficient local remedies from reputed pharmacies or physicians in local resort, and if recurrent on return to UK, you must seek advice and treatment. A stool specimen may be yuk, but will scientifically identify any organism for appropriate selective treatment!
Best sound advice has been well recorded in this forum already. Sensible preventative measures are the first line approach, remembering that many so called food poisoning tummies are due to too much sun and/or alcohol and dehydration, rather than bugs!!!
Lyn (Nurse Lyn!!!!)