Antidiarrhoeals:

Are used in the treatment of diarrhea, defined as the frequent expulsion of liquid or semi
liquid stools → hinders absorption of fluids and electrolytes.

• In many instances, drug intervention is not required because is a protective mechanism
  used in an attempt by the body to flush out the offending pathogen or agent.
  Antidiarrheal drugs may be given to relive the symptom (non-specific therapy) or may be
  given to treat the underlying cause of the symptom (specific therapy).
• For symptomatic treatment of diarrhoea, opiates and opiate derivatives are the most
  effective. They decrease diarrhea by slowing propulsive movements in small and large
  intestine.
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  Morphine is effective but not used because of serious potential adverse effects, other synthetic
  drugs such as diphenoxylate and loperamide are commonly used
• Adsorbent – demulcent products such as kaolin – pectin preparation may be included in
  antidiarrheal preparations, unfortunately, they may adsornutrient and other drugs,
  including the antidiarrheal agents if given concurrently
• Anticholinergic agents e.g. atropine are occasionally used to decrease abdominal
  cramping and pain associated with diarrhea.
• Specific therapy may include the use of antibacterial, which are recommended
  for use in carefully selected cases of bacterial enteritis.
• Severe diarrhea by salmonella, shigella, campylobacter and clostridia. Species
  can be treated by antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphinicol, colistin, co-trimoxazole
  etc.
  Indications for use

1. severe or prolonged diarrhea (>2-3 days)
2. when specifice causes have been determined
   Glucose – electrolyte solution should be given in severe cases for electrolyte and fluid
   replacement. It contains:
   Glucose 20 gm
   NaCl 3.5gm
   NaHCO3 2.5gm
   KCl 1.5gm
   Add water to 1000ml