Drugs for Diarrhoea

Drugs for Diarrhoea include antidiarrheal agents that reduce intestinal motility and fluid loss to control symptoms.

Drugs for Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea = frequent, loose or watery stools due to increased intestinal motility or secretion.

Classes of Antidiarrheal Agents

1. Adsorbents

   • Examples: Kaolin, Activated charcoal
   • Mechanism: Adsorb toxins and water → bulk up stool
   • Use: Mild diarrhoea

2. Antimotility Agents

   • Examples: Loperamide, Diphenoxylate
   • Mechanism: Opioid receptor agonists → slow gut motility, increase absorption
   • Use: Traveler’s diarrhoea, chronic diarrhoea
   • Caution: Not to be used in infectious diarrhoea (can worsen infection)

3. Antisecretory Agents

   • Examples: Racecadotril
   • Mechanism: Enkephalinase inhibitor → ↓ intestinal secretion
   • Use: Acute diarrhoea in children and adults

4. Antibiotics (for Infectious Diarrhoea)

   • Examples:
     • Metronidazole: Giardia, Amoebiasis
     • Ciprofloxacin: Traveler’s diarrhoea (bacterial)
   • Use: Only when infection is confirmed or suspected

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