antidiarrhoeal drugs

Drugs used for the treatment of diarrhoea. Electrolyte solutions are used to replace fluid and salts that are lost in acute diarrhoea (see oral rehydration therapy). Bulk-forming laxatives, such as methylcellulose, are used for treating chronic diarrhoea associated with diverticular disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and to adjust consistency of the faeces in other diseases of the bowel. Adsorbents, such as kaolin, adsorb irritant substances that cause diarrhoea, but they are not recommended for treating acute diarrhoea. Opioids, such as codeine phosphate, loperamide hydrochloride, co-phenotrope, and morphine, act by slowing down the movement of the gut and increasing transit time and are used as adjuncts in the treatment of acute diarrhoea and some chronic diarrhoeas.

Previous:	antidepressant drugs, anticonvulsant drugs, anticoagulants
Next:	antiemetics, antifungal drugs, antihistamines