Diarrhoea treatments
Oral rehydration fluids
Oral rehydration is the first line therapy for diarrhoea. Rehydration fluids contain not only the liquid replacement that is required in diarrhoea or vomiting-induced dehydration, but also important electrolytes that must be replaced. If dehydration is sufficiently severe, water alone is inadequate. Oral rehydration products replace fluids, but do not treat the cause.
Available products include Pedialyte, Gastrolyte and Gastrolyte-R. These should be mixed exactly to the manufacturer’s directions. It is very important to comply with the expiry dates of the rehydration solutions once they have been opened or made up.
Anti-motility medicines
Anti-motility medicines are useful for treating symptoms of diarrhoea, such as cramps and frequent toilet visits, in conjunction with fluid and electrolyte replacement. If acute diarrhoea symptoms have not settled within 48 hours after using these products, you should see your doctor.
Available products include diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) and loperamide (Gastro-Stop, Imodium caplets and Imodium Advanced Chewable Tablets). These medicines may worsen bacteria-induced diarrhoea, and may cause drowsiness. Alcohol should be avoided. These medicines are also sometimes abused by anorexics.
Adsorbents and bulk forming antidiarrhoeals
Adsorbents and bulk forming antidiarrhoeals include kaolin-containing medicines. They should not be used for longer than 2 days, and should not be used when fever is present. Other treatments should usually be recommended first, as adsorption and retention of the diarrhoeal toxins may occur. These medicines can also bind medicines in the gut, altering their effectiveness.
Supplements
Other treatments that may assist with diarrhoea problems include slippery elm and supplements of bacteria that help promote a healthy gut, such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum.
Last Reviewed: 11 July 2001
