ANTI-DIARRHEAL PREPARATIONS

Anti-diarrheal preparations are used to treat diarrhea, while laxatives are used to treat constipation.

General anti-diarrhea medications may be used if diarrhea lasts for more than 1 or 2 days. These include:

stool thickeners
bulking agents and
anti-spasmodic medications

Stool thickeners:

Stool thickeners (such as Kaopectate) will:

absorb the bacteria and toxins in the intestines and
thicken the stool with clay or fruit pectin

Discontinue stool thickeners as soon as they stop the diarrhea or when no results are apparent in 48 hours. If usage is not stopped, the important bacteria in the intestines needed for digestion will be eliminated by continual usage. Stool thickeners are generally not good for small children.

Bulking agents:

Bulking agents also thicken the stool. They consist of natural fibers that are made from seed that form a thickening gel inside the intestines. In chronic diarrhea, these agents act to add bulk to the stool. A well-known bulking agent is Metamucil. Bulking agents are usually safe for children, as long as dosage recommendations are followed.

Anti-spasmodic medications:

Some anti-spasmodic medications (such as Imodium) contain a narcotic-like drug, which slows down the action of the intestines and the passage of the stool. This allows time for more water to be absorbed from the stool into the intestines and results in fewer and firmer stools. If anti-spasmodic medications do not relieve diarrhea symptoms in 2 or 3 days, seek advice from a healthcare provider. The cause of your diarrhea may need to be investigated. Anti-spasmodic medications are not advised for children, because they contain narcotic-like drugs.

Many anti-diarrhea preparations contain both a stool thickener and an anti-spasmodic agent. It is very important to read the packaging label carefully for instructions, warnings, and ingredients. People with glaucoma, prostate problems, kidney or liver disease, should NOT use anti-diarrheal preparations. Any episode of diarrhea associated with blood in the stool should prompt a call to an advice nurse or a healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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