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Diarrhea, along with vomiting, is typical for various digestive pathologies – poisoning, intestinal infections of a viral or microbial nature, allergic reactions, pathologies of the small and large intestine.
By itself, diarrhea (or diarrhoea) is not a disease, but only a sign of digestive disorders in the small and large intestine. Diarrhea occurs when the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients and water due to irritation, increased motility inflammation, or a combination of these factors. Therefore, the treatment of diarrhea is the elimination of the cause that provokes it.
Not in all cases, diarrhea pills for adults are needed. If this is one or two episodes of loose stools, a change in diet and elimination of the irritant is enough, digestion returns to normal without any intervention.
If diarrhea is frequent, accompanied by a violation of the general condition, fever, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, you should call a doctor. He will determine the cause of the disorder and select the necessary drugs. They may be from different groups.
Independently, without a doctor’s prescription, you can only use drugs from the group of sorbents and probiotics. If they do not help, you need to contact a specialist.
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We have selected the best adult diarrhea pills that are most often prescribed to patients with various forms of diarrhea. Before using any drugs, it is necessary to consult a doctor, taking into account all possible contraindications.
1. Activated carbon
The drug is available in the form of tablets of a characteristic black color, sold without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient – activated carbon, belongs to the group of non-selective enterosorbents.
The drug is used:
- with various types of poisoning, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting;
- for intestinal infections in adults with diarrhea;
- with chronic diarrhea in the acute stage;
- with diarrhea of unknown origin to fix the stool;
- with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrheal syndrome (in complex therapy);
- with food allergies, reactions to drugs and other substances that have entered the digestive tract;
- in diseases of the kidneys and liver, leading to diarrhea.
The drug has a number of contraindications – it is prohibited for use with ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract, especially with the threat of bleeding (it can mask the presence of blood in the stool). It should not be taken with ulcerative colitis, atony of the intestine, along with detoxification drugs that are absorbed in the intestine.
Carefully prescribed for diabetes, pregnant women and children, lactating women. It is important to remember that the drug disrupts the absorption of minerals and vitamins, and other drugs. Of the side effects, it is worth noting abdominal cramps, constipation, with prolonged use of vitamin deficiency.
2. Loperamide
The main active ingredient – loperamide, reduces intestinal motility and tone, suppresses diarrhea by inhibiting the excretion of feces, reduces the number of urges to defecate, increases the tone of the muscles of the anal sphincter.
Drug indicated for:
- symptomatic treatment of various types of diarrhea (with allergies, radiation therapy and the use of chemotherapy drugs, with neurogenic diarrhea);
- diarrhea associated with changes in diet, metabolism or hormonal levels;
- infectious diarrhea as part of complex therapy;
- regulation of bowel movements in people undergoing an ileostomy.
The drug is contraindicated in case of individual sensitivity to the components of the drug, with suspected intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis. It is forbidden to take medicine for dysentery, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, lactation, in children under 6 years of age. For problems with the kidneys and liver, it is prescribed only after the approval of the doctor, strictly selecting the dosage.
Against the background of the reception, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, malaise are possible. The drug is incompatible with alcohol, it is prohibited when driving vehicles and activities that require concentration.
3. Ercefuril
The drug is available in the form of tablets, sold in pharmacies without a prescription, the main active ingredient is nifuroxazide. Refers to antimicrobial drugs that act primarily in the intestines. It has a bactericidal effect against many types of microbes that cause inflammation.
It does not lead to disruption of the microbial balance of the intestine, with acute microbial diarrhea it has a eubiotic effect. In viral gastroenteritis, it suppresses the risk of secondary microbial diarrhea.
Drug shown:
- with bacterial diarrhea;
- with viral diarrhea to prevent superinfection.
Contraindicated in case of allergy to nitrofurans, in children under 3 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, with lactose and maltose intolerance. Of the side effects, a rash on the skin, slight malaise are possible.
4. Linex
The drug is available in capsules, powders and drops, sold without a doctor’s prescription, belongs to the group of probiotic drugs. As part of the preparation, the biomass of live bacteria – L. Acidophilus, B. infantis and E. faecium in an amount sufficient to normalize the intestinal microbial flora.
The main indications for use:
- elimination of intestinal dysbacteriosis against the background of diarrhea and other symptoms of indigestion;
- in the complex therapy of viral and microbial intestinal infections;
- after antibiotic treatment.
Contraindicated in case of allergy to drug components or dairy products.
The drug should not be taken with hot liquid, it is incompatible with alcohol. At temperature, intestinal bleeding and signs of surgical pathologies can not be taken.
5. Furazolidon
The drug is produced in tablets, sold without a prescription, belongs to the group of antimicrobial, antiprotozoal drugs, the main active ingredient is furazolidone. The drug inhibits the activity of pathogenic microbes and protozoa in the intestine, has a wide range of antimicrobial activity, and helps to stimulate the immune system.
Shown at:
- diarrhea on the background of amoebic dysentery;
- diarrhea against the background of microbial infections, typhoid;
- to eliminate diarrhea caused by lamblia.
Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, allergies to nitrofurans, under the age of 3 years, in the final stage of kidney failure.
Of the side effects, it is worth highlighting allergies, appetite disorders, and with prolonged therapy, neuritis is possible. Incompatible with alcohol and antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, ephedrine.
How to choose adult diarrhea pills
When choosing drugs for diarrhea, you need to focus on the causes of intestinal disorders, the age of the patient and comorbidities. Any drugs for diarrhea should be recommended only by a doctor after a detailed examination and diagnosis.
Among all the drugs prescribed for diarrhea in adults, several groups can be distinguished.
Probiotic class drugs. They replenish the reserves of beneficial microbes, eliminate violations of the microbial flora of the intestine, due to which diarrhea and other unpleasant manifestations stop.
Drugs that affect intestinal motility or prokinetics. They slow down powerful and sharp wave-like contractions of the intestine, eliminate spasms, and slow down the movement of feces to the exit.
Antibiotics and intestinal antiseptics. Drugs that eliminate the main cause of microbial diarrhea – the reproduction of pathogenic flora in the intestinal lumen.
Enterosorbents. This is a group of drugs that adsorb toxins, irritants, poisons on their surface, help to compact feces, and relieve intestinal irritation.
Important! All drugs for diarrhea, if it lasts more than a day, should be prescribed only by a doctor. Against the background of treatment, it is necessary to replenish the loss of fluid and ions.
Popular questions and answers
We asked questions about the causes of diarrhea and their elimination gastroenterologist, therapist Vera Samsonova.
Why can there be diarrhea?
The cause of most self-limited diarrhea is usually not identified. The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that attacks the intestines (“viral gastroenteritis”). The infection usually lasts a couple of days and is sometimes referred to as “stomach flu”.
Other possible causes of diarrhea may include:
● infection with bacteria;
● infections of other organisms and toxins formed in them;
● eating foods that disrupt the digestive system;
● allergies and intolerance to certain foods (celiac disease or lactose intolerance);
● medicines;
● radiation therapy;
● malabsorption of food (dyspepsia).
Can antibiotics cause diarrhea?
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can start any time you take an antibiotic or shortly after you finish your course. If you experience this side effect, contact your doctor to discuss the best way to reduce this side effect.
What to do if you have diarrhea?
Can I treat myself?
When should you call an ambulance?
● dark urine, infrequent small volume urination;
● fast heartbeat;
● headaches;
● red, dry skin, chapped dry lips;
● irritability and malaise;
● delirium and dizziness;
● severe nausea and vomiting, inability to retain water when drinking.