Treatment of diarrhea
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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In severe diarrhea, fluid and electrolytes need to be replenished to correct dehydration, water-electrolyte balance and acidosis. Parenteral administration of solutions containing NaCI, KCI and glucose is necessary. Transfusion of saline solutions for the prevention of acidosis (lactate Na, acetate, HCO -) is indicated if the HCO - serum is less than 15 meq / l. You can prescribe oral administration of solutions of glucose and electrolytes in cases of mild diarrhea, slight nausea and vomiting. In some cases, when large amounts of liquid and electrolytes are needed, solutions are taken simultaneously by oral and parenteral (eg, with cholera).
Diarrhea is a symptom. If possible, the treatment is subject to the underlying disease, but symptomatic therapy is often necessary. Diarrhea can be reduced by oral administration of loperamide 2-4 mg 3-4 times a day, diphenoxylate 2.5-5 mg (tablets or liquid) 3-4 times a day, codeine phosphate 15-30 mg 2-3 times daily or painkillers (tincture of camphor opium) 5-10 ml 1-4 times a day.
Because antidiarrheal drugs may aggravate the course of C. Diffilite- induced colitis-or increase the chance of developing hemolytic-uremic syndrome with Shiga toxin-producing infection of Escherichia coli, they should not be used in the bloody diarrhea of unknown etiology. Their use is possible in patients with watery diarrhea and the absence of symptoms of general intoxication. However, there is a small number of observations confirming the data on the increase in the duration of the release of suspected bacterial pathogens in the treatment with antidiarrheal drugs.
Psyllium or methyl cellulose components provide increased content. Although usually appointments are aimed at stool retardation, drugs that increase volume and are prescribed in small doses reduce the fluidity of the stool. Kaolin, pectin and activated attapulgite absorb the liquid. It is necessary to avoid osmotically active nutrients and stimulating peristalsis of medicines.