What medications can help with diarrhea?
Medications to treat diarrhea in adults
include over-the-counter remedies, such as loperamide. People with an
underlying health condition or infection may need prescription drugs, for
instance, rifaximin.
Diarrhea is when stool contains too much water,
causing runny stool. Diarrhea occurs when the small and large intestine cannot absorb ions, such as salt. As a
result, the intestines are also unable to absorb water into the body, leading
to watery stools.
Diarrhea can be either acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea
typically refers to passing at least three loose stoolsTrusted Source a
day for up to 14 days. A doctor may describe diarrhea lasting between 2 and 4
weeks as persistent and cases lasting longer than 4 weeks as chronic diarrhea. In most cases, the condition resolves
within 4 days.
Common causes of diarrhea can include:
- traveler’s diarrhea, or food poisoning
- side effects of medication
- food allergies and intolerances
- digestive issues
- infection
There are three typesTrusted
Source of infection
that can cause diarrhea:
- viral infection, such as norovirus, rotavirus,
or viral
gastroenteritis
- bacterial infection, such as salmonella or campylobacter
- parasitic infection, such as giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis
Depending on the cause, different medications are available for
diarrhea. Typically, treatment options involve regulating gastrointestinal
movement and increasing fluid absorption in the intestines.
In this article, we will discuss medications that can help
relieve diarrhea.
Over-the-counter
(OTC) medication
OTC medications are available for acute diarrhea. However, if
symptoms persist, a person may require different treatment to target whatever
is causing it. Common medications for diarrhea includeTrusted Source loperamide
and bismuth subsalicylate.
Loperamide
Loperamide,
which people commonly refer to as its brand name, Imodium, is an anti-diarrheal
agent that treats diarrhea by affecting the opiate
receptors in the intestine. This drug works by slowing the contractions of the
intestines and how quickly its contents pass through. By slowing the movement,
it allows more time for water reabsorption.
Potential side effects of loperamide can includeTrusted Source:
- dry mouth
- nausea
- passing wind
- stomach cramps
- ileus, a temporary lack of muscle contraction in the
intestine
- constipation
- dizziness
- tiredness
- difficulty emptying urine from the bladder
It is also worth noting that loperamide is not a controlled
substance, and there is a risk of overdosage and severe adverse reactions. As
such, the recommended usage for adults and those 13 years and older
is an initial dose of 4 milligrams (mg) or 2 capsules, then 2 mg or 1 capsule
after each loose stool. It is not advisable to exceed 16 mg or 8 capsules per
day.
Bismuth subsalicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate, which people know by the brand names Kaopectate and
Pepto-Bismol, is another OTC medication for treating diarrhea.
As the drug passes into the stomach, it dividesTrusted Source into
bismuth and salicylic acid as two separate compounds. The bismuth remains in
the stomach, where it helps increase fluid absorption, reduce inflammation, and
heal the stomach. The bismuth can do this due to its bactericidal and
antimicrobial activity that can inhibit the pathogens causing diarrhea.
Bismuth subsalicylate may causethe following
side effects:
- nausea
- bitter taste
- dark or black stool
As this drug contains salicylate, it is not advisable for people
with allergies, such as aspirin, to use bismuth salicylate. Additionally, this
drug may interact with other medications. As such, it is
advisable to consult a doctor before using it if a person takes any drugs for:
- anticoagulation
- diabetes
- gout
- arthritis
Prescription medication is generally more specific to the cause of
diarrhea. These types of medication can include the following:
- alosetron
- eluxadoline
- rifaximin
Alosetron
AlosetronTrusted
Source is a form of
treatment for individuals with severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS-D). It blocks the receptors that cause pain, abdominal discomfort, and
diarrhea. Side effects of alosetron can include constipation and ischemic
colitis, which reduces blood flow to the large intestine.
Eluxadoline
Eluxadoline, available under the brand
name Viberzi, is another treatment for IBS-D. This medication affects opioid
receptors and manages symptoms by regulating gastrointestinal movement, secretion,
and discomfort. It causes fewer side effects than alosetron, but more studies are necessaryTrusted Source to determine its effectiveness compared with other
medications.
Rifaximin
Rifaximin, which has the brand name Xifaxan, is a form of
treatment for both IBS-D and traveler’s diarrhea. It is an antibiotic, so it
is important to make sure the person taking it has not contracted viral
diarrhea. Rifaximin works by fightingTrusted
Source gram-negative
and gram-positive anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, so it can treat a range of
cases.
Who
should not take diarrhea medications?
Some people should avoid taking diarrhea medications. For
example, OTC diarrhea medications can be dangerous for:
- infants
- toddlers
- young children
Additionally, people should avoid OTC medication if there is
blood present in their stool, the person has a fever, or there are other signs
of either bacterial or parasitic infection. If diarrhea persists for more than
2 days, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Individuals should always make sure any medication they take
does not contain an ingredient that may cause an allergic reaction. If they are
unsure, they can check with a doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, someone who
is pregnant should check with a healthcare professional before taking new
medication.
Diarrhea causes a risk of dehydration and, in long-term cases,
malnutrition. The first
step of treatment is to try to replace the
fluids and electrolytes that are leaving the body. People can use sports drinks
that contain salts and sugars to help promote water absorption. If the body is
still unable to absorb water, intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.
To make the stool less runny, a person may consider consuming
low fiber foods or following the BRAT diet.
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. The bland diet,
which includes more foods but still minimizes fiber, spice, and high
consistency foods, may also be useful for people with diarrhea symptoms.
However, as these diets may be low in nutritional value and calories, some
health experts no longer recommend them.
Washing hands regularly and thoroughly is important for
preventing the spread of infectious diarrhea. If a person has acute diarrhea,
they should stay home and avoid going to public places, such as school or work,
until their symptoms resolve. Vaccination is availableagainst
rotavirus, a common infectious cause of diarrhea.
In areas where food and water are more likely to contain harmful
pathogens, it is better to avoid tap
water and drink water from bottles instead. Before buying bottled water, people
should check the seal to ensure it is still intact. It may also be advisable to
avoid raw vegetables and fruits and stick to well-cooked meals that have not
been sitting on a buffet.
To prevent dehydration from diarrhea, people can use oral
rehydration therapy or electrolyte
drinks as soon as they
notice symptoms.
Diarrhea typically refers to when people pass watery stool at
least three times a day. There are different possible causes of diarrhea, and
the condition can be acute or chronic, depending on how long it persists.
Without treatment, the condition can result in severe complications.
As such, it is advisable to use medications to help relieve
symptoms of diarrhea. Both OTC and prescription options are available, which
aim to slow the passage of contents through the intestines and increase the
absorption of fluids. In many cases, diarrhea resolves within a few days.
However, if symptoms persist for more than 2 days, it is advisable to contact a
doctor.
