Diarrhoea Flashcards
What are the symptoms of diarrhoea?
Frequent loose, watery stools
Cramps
Nausea
Flatulence
Dehydration
What are the red flag symptoms of diarrhoea?
Unexplained weight loss Rectal bleeding Persistent diarrhoea Systemic illness Recent hospital treatment or antibiotics or following foreign travel
What is the first line for diarrhoea?
ORT
Dioralyte
What are the antidiarrhoeals?
Codeine Co-phenotrope Loperamide Loperamide with simeticone Kaolin Methylcellulose Rifamixin
What is the mechanism of action of loperamide?
Antipropulsive
Prolongs the duration of intestinal transit by binding to opioid receptors in the GI tract
What is loperamide used for?
Standard treatment for rapid control of symptoms
Not recommended in children under 12
What is the adult dose of loperamide?
Initially 4 mg then 2mg for up to 5 days, take a dose after each loose stool. Max 16mg a day
What is the MHRA advice for loperamide?
Serious cardiac adverse reactions with high doses. Misuse or abuse.
QT, cardiac arrest, fatalities
What is given for loperamide overdose?
Naloxone
Repeated treatment may be indicated
Patients monitored for 48 hours for possible CNS depression
What are the side effects of loperamide?
Dizziness
Flatulence
Headache
Nausea
What are the contraindications of loperamide?
Acute ulcerative colitis
Antibiotic associated colitis
Conditions where peristalsis is inhibited
Conditions where abdominal distension develops
Avoid in bloody diarrhoea or inflammatory diarrhoea (fever, severe abdominal pain)
