Introduction

An antidiarrhoeal drug (or anti-diarrheal drug in American English) is any medication which provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Antidiarrhoeals are the name given to certain types of medicines that stop or slow diarrhea. Antidiarrhoeals only relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, such as an increased frequency and urgency when passing stools; they do not eliminate the cause of it.

This means that as soon as you stop taking an antidiarrheal, diarrhea will return unless whatever has caused it has run its course. Some antidiarrhoeals work by slowing down intestinal contractions, increasing the time it takes for the contents of the bowel to be excreted. This allows more water to be absorbed from the bowel back into the body, reducing the water content of the stool. Others work by bulking up the stool, increasing its volume with fiber-like substances.

Oral rehydration agents may also be termed antidiarrhoeals. However, these do not stop or slow diarrhea, rather they ensure excessive fluid lost during diarrhea is replaced. Other agents used to help relieve the symptoms of diarrhea include antimotility agents or antispasmodic agents. Antibacterial agents can occasionally be used to treat diarrhea caused by specific infections, such as campylobacter or giardia; however, are not routinely recommended or needed.

Types of Antidiarrhoeals

Antidiarrheal medications are made from two main ingredients, loperamide, and bismuth subsalicylate. These medicines work in different ways. Imodium, which can be purchased over-the-counter, decreases the speed and number of intestinal contractions, which has the effect of slowing down diarrhea. Side effects of loperamide can include abdominal pain, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. People who have these side effects from loperamide may find that they aren't able to drive or do other activities that require concentration while taking it.

Bismuth subsalicylate is better known for treating stomach upset, but it also works as an antidiarrheal and an anti-inflammatory and it can inhibit the spread of some strains of bacteria that causes diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate works to slow diarrhea by reducing the amount of water entering the bowels. Side effects of Pepto-Bismol include constipation, black stools, or a black tongue. Overdoses of Pepto-Bismol can be dangerous, so only take the prescribed amount and don't double up doses.

Side Effects

Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Drug inteactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: pramlintide, recent/current antibiotic use, drugs that can cause constipation, cholestyramine, ritonavir, saquinavir.

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Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com