Antidiarrheal medications

Introduction :

Antidiarrheal medications play a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea and improving patients' quality of life. The effectiveness of these drugs lies in their ability to regulate intestinal motility, allowing more time for the absorption of water and electrolytes, thereby reducing the frequency of bowel movements and making the stool less watery. Among these medications, opioid derivatives stand out due to their potent effect on symptom relief without affecting the central nervous system.

HOW DO ANTIDIARRHEALS WORK:

Antidiarrheal medications help reduce the frequency and urgency of bowel movements but do not address the underlying cause, such as infections or inflammation. These medications can ease symptoms, especially cramping. Diarrhea can be caused by infections, medications, food intolerances, and digestive disorders.

Causes of Diarrhea:

Antidiarrheal Use and Mechanism

Bacteria and parasites
Viruses
Medications (e.g., antibiotics)
Lactose intolerance
Food allergies
Digestive disorders (e.g., IBS, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease)

Antidiarrheals, available orally, intravenously, or over-the-counter, should not be used without medical advice if diarrhea includes fever, severe illness, or blood/mucus in stools. They work by reducing fluid flow into the bowel and slowing bowel movement, which helps absorb more fluid, resulting in fewer, more formed stools