Antidiarrhoeal

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An antidiarrhoeal drug is any medication which provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea.

Electrolyte solutions are used to replace lost fluids and salts in acute cases. Bulking agents like methylcellulose, guar gum or plant fibre (bran, sterculia, ispaghul, etc.) are used for diarrhoea in functional bowel disease and to control ileostomy output. Absorbents absorb toxic substances that cause infective diarrhoea, methylcellulose is an absorbent as well. Opiates slow intestinal transit, but Loperamide is most commonly used, since it doesn't have the usual narcotic side effects.

v • d • e Major Drug Groups
Brain and Nervous system	Analgesics, Anesthetics, Anxiolytics, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anticonvulsants, Nervous system stimulants, Antiemetics, Hallucinogens, Mood stabilizers
Respiratory system	Bronchodilators, Decongestants
Heart and Circulation	Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Antiarrhythmics, Antianginals, Antihypertensives, Antihyperlipidemics, Anticoagulants, Antiplatelets, Beta blockers, Diuretics, Thrombolytics, Vasodilators
Gastrointestinal tract	Antacids, Antidiarrhoeals, H2-receptor antagonists, Proton pump inhibitors, Laxatives
Muscles, Bones, and Joints	Anti-inflammatories, Antirheumatics, Corticosteroids, Muscle relaxants
Allergy	Antihistamines
Infections and Infestations	Antibiotics, Antivirals, Vaccines, Antiprotozoals, Antifungals, Anthelmintics
Endocrine system	Corticosteroids, Anti-diabetics
Malignant and Immune disease	Anticancer agents, Immunosuppressants
Reproductive system	Hormonal contraception, Fertility agents, Selective estrogen receptor modulators
Skin	Antipruritics