Understanding and Using Medications for Diarrhea: Expert Insights from Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Pharmacy

Last week we were talking about diarrhea. which is a common disease in summer And talking about 2-3 medicines that are commonly used in cases of diarrhea, including powdered sugar and mineral salts (ORS) to compensate for lost water and mineral salts. The medicine actually stops a bowel movement. If it is not necessary, it is not recommended to use it. Because it causes the drainage of pathogens to slow down. and can cause constipation Includes charcoal carbon therapy that works to absorb toxins. There are precautions for being close to each other with other medicines. This is because the medicine interferes with the absorption of other medicines that are taken at the same time.

But for people who have experienced diarrhea You may have additional questions. Because you may have used more drugs than those mentioned above, such as drugs that contain toxins that are not charcoal powder. or medicine to help balance the micro-organisms in the intestines Medicines for nausea and vomiting, etc.

Therefore, this week I would like to provide additional information about various medications.

The first group is drugs that contain toxins that are not charcoal powder. Dioctahedral Smecite is the one that is widely used in Thailand and is easily available from drugstores, which comes both in powder form to be dissolved in water before consumption. Or the ready-to-drink liquid suspension form, priced at 25-35 baht per packet, is considered quite expensive. Since one episode of diarrhea may require 3-5 packets, the mechanism of action of this medicine is still unknown. It can affect intestinal mucosal secretion. Helps to reduce inflammation that occurs. This medicine can be used in children aged 2 and older Although the medicine is very safe, there is a warning regarding side effects such as itching, constipation, etc.

The next group is medicines that help balance the micro-organisms in the intestines. However, during diarrhea, there could be an imbalance of microorganisms. Among the most common medicines are: Medicines that contain infectious active ingredients. Saccharomyces Boulardii is a drug in the group of probiotics that helps balance and stimulate the immune system. It is indicated for the treatment of acute diarrhea from infections in adults and children. Prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea from long-term antibiotic use. Including other intestinal diseases as well. And there are common side effects such as bloating, hives, rashes, constipation, fever, etc.

Regarding medicines to treat other symptoms that may occur together with diarrhoea, such as medicines to relieve pain and spasms in the abdomen and intestines The main effect of this group of drugs is helping to relax smooth muscles in the stomach and intestines Therefore, it can relieve pain and spasms in the intestine. The most common are Hysocine Butylbromide and Mebeverine.

Another group is Medicine for nausea and vomiting. Domperidone is the most commonly used and available at drugstores, which comes in both tablet and liquid form. But the liquid type may be harder to buy. This medication is used symptomatically, taken at least 30 minutes before a meal, although it is safe for most people to use this medication. But there are contraindications / precautions / adverse effects that may occur that are also very important, including causing an abnormal heart rhythm. This is very important for patients who are using other medicines to treat their congenital disease or any infectious disease. However, you should check the drug interactions with this drug first. Because this drug can interact with many other drugs and cause death For example, this drug can interact with some drugs used to treat heart arrhythmias and some antibiotics. Antidepressants and some psychiatric drugs, etc. After considering a lot of information, this drug should be a drug that drug users must provide detailed information and consult with a pharmacist before use.

In summary, there are many types of medicine that can be used in cases of diarrhea, however, when the diarrhea is present. The first medicine that should be used is powdered sugar, mineral salts. In cases where you want to use other medicines to reduce the severity of diarrhea or to speed up stomach damage or relieve some symptoms, you can do so. But before using any medication, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist for safety.

Prof. Nattada Areepiam and Dr. Dr Bodin Tiwasuwan

Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Pharmacy