Diarrhoea Flashcards
1
Q
Symptoms
A
- Frequent watery stools
- Dehydration
2
Q
Red flags
A
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rectal bleed
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Systemic illness
- Abx
- Foreign travel (except western europe, australia, north america or new zealand)
3
Q
Treatment
A
Oral rehydration salts
- Dioralyte (contains glucose, rice powder, Na+ + K+)
Antidiarrhoeals
- Loperamide
- Codeine (opioid)
- Methylcellulose (bulk forming)
- Rifaximin (traveller’s diarrhoea)
4
Q
Loperamide: MOA
A
Binds to opioid receptor in gut wall + slows gut motility = INC transit time
5
Q
Loperamide: indication
A
- Diarrhoea
- Traveller’s diarrhoea
6
Q
Loperamide: dose
A
12+: 4mg stat → 2mg after loose stool for 5 days (max 16mg)
7
Q
Loperamide: CI
A
- Colitis (UC, abx associated)
- Worsens conditions (peristalsis inhibition + abdominal distention)
8
Q
Loperamide: side effect
A
Dizziness, flatulence, headache + nausea
- MHRA: serious cardiac adverse reactions w high dose, misuse - give naloxone if OD, monitor 48H for CNS depression
