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Chapter-40 Drug Treatment of Diarrhea

BOOK TITLE: Pharmacology for Medical Undergraduates

Author
1. Bhandari Prasan R
ISBN
9789352702718
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/14244_41
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2018
Pages
9
Author Affiliations
1. SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
Chapter keywords
Diarrhea, electrolyte replacement, oral rehydration solution, codeine, diphenoxylate, loperamide, antisecretory agent, octreotide, antispasmodics, clonidine, constipation

Abstract

This chapter aims to cover discussion on drug treatment of diarrhea. Diarrhea treatment includes fluid and electrolyte replacement, specific therapy to treat the cause, and antimotility and antisecretory agents. Viral cause of diarrhea is usually self-limiting, hence no antibiotics are required. Antimotility, antisecretory agents and adsorbents offer only symptomatic relief in noninfective diarrhea. Codeine is a natural opium alkaloid and it stimulates opioid receptors in GI smooth muscles. Diphenoxylate, loperamide, antisecretory agents, octreotide, antispasmodics, clonidine, and probiotics are the other drugs which are used in the treatment of diarrhea. Drug treatment for constipation and drugs causing constipation are also discussed briefly in this chapter.

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