Diarrhoea

Question 1

What is the treatment of acute diarrhoea

Answer 1

Usually settles without medical treatment
- can use oral rehydration therapy (ORT) to prevent or correct dehydration

Question 2

What is the treatment for severe diarrhoea

Answer 2

Severe dehydration/ can’t drink- send them to hospital to have IV fluids

Question 3

How do you treat diarrhoea if it is needed to be relieved instantly

Answer 3

If rapid control is needed/ travelers diarrhoea use LOPERAMIDE
- loperamide is avoided in bloody or suspected inflammatory diarrhoea

Question 4

What is the first line to treating diarrhoea

Answer 4

Loperamide for patients with faecal incontinence

Question 5

What are the legalities of using loperamide

Answer 5

OTC 12+ years
Prescription 4+ years

Question 6

What is the dose of using loperamide

Answer 6

Take 1-2 dose (2-4mg ) at first, then one with every loose stool max 8 doses (16mg) per day

Question 7

What is the MHRA warning of using loperamide

Answer 7

Serious cardiac reactions (QT prolongation) with high dose

Question 8

How do you treat a loperamide overdose

Answer 8

Naloxone

Question 9

What laxative can pregnant women use only

Answer 9

Bulk forming laxative such as ispaghula husk
Can have lactulose
But can’t have senna at term