Diarrhea: Treatment, medication

• Antibiotics for bacillary dysentery. However, antibiotics increases the risk of severe haemolytic-uremic syndrome (release of Shiga-toxins from lysing bacteria).

• Antiparasitic agents for amoebiasis, giardiasis, malaria, isosporiasis, Strongyloides, capillariasis, etc.

• Zinc and vitamin A supplements

• Antimotility products reduce intestinal cramps and the frequency of bowel movements. They do not reduce fluid loss. They can aggravate dysentery and can easily be given to children in too high a dose, resulting in paralytic ileus. They are only indicated for uncomplicated diarrhoea. Loperamide (Imodium®) or opiates: codeine, laudanum or paregoric ( = opium tincture). Anticholinergic medications.

• Adsorbents such as kaolin, pectin and charcoal produce better formed stools, without reducing fluid loss.

• Lactobacillus concentrates are probably of little benefit, but more research is needed. The use of bacteriophages e.g. against Escherichia coli 0157:H7 is experimental but gave promising results in sheep.

• Enzyme supplements in cystic fibrosis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

• Experimental : sigma receptor agonists (e.g. igmesine). Encephalinase inhibitors (e.g. racedodril).

Category: Medical Subject Notes , Medicine Notes