An anti-diarrheal is a medicine used to slow down or stop loose stools. Over counter, Anti-Diarrheal Drugs are detected in most pharmacies or can be prescribed by a doctor. Antidiarrheals are used for acute conditions that are not life-threatening. Taking an anti-diarrheal drug will not treat the fundamental cause such as an inflammation or infection, but it can help with the uneasiness that comes from having repeated watery bowel movements.
Diarrhea occurs a few times a year for most adults and goes away on its own. Anti-diarrheal drugs are perhaps not required in these cases, particularly if the reason for the diarrhea is unknown. Consult with a physician about using a Diarrhea Tablet if it lasts more than a few days or if it causes dehydration. Before using an anti-diarrheal drug, people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should always consult a doctor.
Anti-Diarrheal Medications
Anti-diarrheal medications are generally not prescribed to treat inflammatory bowel disease since this does not treat the inflammation that causes diarrhea. Particularly, antidiarrheal medications in ulcerative colitis have been connected to a rare but serious condition known as toxic megacolon. It is less common in people with Crohn’s disease.
Anti-diarrheal drugs should be used who have inflammatory bowel disease under the supervision and direction of a gastroenterologist. People who have had J-Pouch Surgery can be recommended to use these Diarrhea Tablets, particularly during recovery from the final surgery once the J-Pouch is linked. Several people with J-Pouches can use anti-diarrheal drugs long-term, though others can use them just when required when they have too many bowel movements a day for a few reasons. Read our another article: https://www.thecarryingkind.com/is-it-a-migraine-heres-how-to-tell/
Types of Anti-Diarrheal Medications
Anti-diarrheal drugs are prepared from two key ingredients – Bismuth Subsalicylate and Loperamide. These anti-diarrheal drugs work in various ways.
1. Loperamide
Loperamide which can be bought without a prescription slows down the speed as well as a number of intestinal contractions that have the effect of slowing down diarrhea. Loperamide side effects can include abdominal pain, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. People who have these side effects may catch that they are unable to drive or perform other activities that need concentration while taking Loperamide.
If you have not used it before or are not used to taking it regularly, avoid driving as well as operating heavy machinery until you recognize how it affects you. Several people with J-Pouches use this Diarrhea Tablet regularly as well as may get a prescription from a doctor.
2. Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bismuth Subsalicylate found in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate is best known for treating an upset stomach. However, it works as an anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory as well as it can constrain the spread of certain strains of bacteria that cause diarrhea.
It works to slow diarrhea by decreasing the amount of water that enters the intestines. Pepto-Bismol side effects include black stools, constipation, or a black tongue. Pepto-Bismol overdoses can be risky, so do not double up the doses and just take the prescribed amount.
Last Words
Diarrhea that is accompanied by fever or goes on for more than several days, severe abdominal pain, blood, or pus in the stool is one reason to call a doctor immediately. Not being able to keep down any liquid or food is one more cause to look for immediate medical attention. Mostly, the bacteria will disappear from the body in some days, even though it may take several days for it to return to normal. Diarrhea should not be continuous. So when it continues for a long time, it is time for a doctor to check out it and see if anything else happens. More details!