Diarrhoea

Question 1

TREATMENT

Answer 1

Acute - usually settles without medical treatment - can use oral rehydration therapy to prevent dehydration

Severe dehydration - can’t drink = hospital = I’ve fluids

Question 2

Rapid

Answer 2

If rapid control is needed or travelers diarrhoea - loperamide
- Avoid in bloody or suspected inflammatory diarrhoea

Loperamide - first line treatment for patient with faecal incontinence

Question 3

Loperamide:
Ages and dose?

Answer 3

OTC = 12+
Prescription = 4+

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

Question 4

MHRA warning -loperamide can cause what?

Answer 4

MHRA warning - serious cardiac reactions = qt prolongation with higher doses

Treat overdose with naloxone