Antidiarrheal Drugs
Medications that treat diarrhea. The drug loperamide (Imodium A-D) slows the passage of stools through the intestines. Adsorbents such as attapulgite (Kaopectate) pull diarrhea- causing substances from the digestive tract. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) decreases the secretion of fluid into the intestine and inhibits the activity of bacteria. It not only controls diarrhea but also relieves the cramps that often accompany diarrhea.
Patients should not use antidiarrheal drugs for more than two days unless told to do so by a doctor. Bismuth subsalicylate may cause the tongue or the stool to temporarily darken harmlessly. Children with flu or CHICKEN POX should not be given bismuth subsalicylate because it can lead to REYE’S SYNDROME, a life-threatening condition that affects the liver and central nervous system. Children may have unpredictable reactions to other antidiarrheal drugs; loperamide should not be given to children under six, and attapulgite should not be given to children under three years, unless directed by a physician.
Children with a history of liver disease or who have been taking antibiotics should check with a doctor before taking the antidiarrheal drug loperamide. Loperamide should not be used by people whose diarrhea is caused by certain infections, such as salmonella or shigella.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of attapulgite are constipation, bloating, and fullness. Bismuth subsalicylate may cause ringing in the ears, but that side effect is rare. Possible side effects from loperamide include skin rash, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and swelling, pain, and discomfort in the abdomen. Some of these symptoms are the same as those that occur with diarrhea, so it may be difficult to tell if the medicine is causing the problems.
Children may be more sensitive than adults to certain side effects of loperamide, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Other rare side effects may occur with any antidiarrheal medicine.
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