Medications for Treating Diarrhea in Adults and How to Stop it Naturally?

The problem with diarrhea is not only the accompanying abdominal pain or the frequent need to go to the bathroom, but rather the loss of fluids and minerals that help maintain the body’s balance, which may lead to a more serious problem namely dehydration.

Therefore, treating diarrhea, even if it is mild, is necessary. In some cases, replacing lost fluids may be sufficient, but in other cases medications must be used. So how can diarrhea in adults be treated? And how can you protect yourself from diarrhea in the future?

Types of Diarrhea in Adults Based on Duration

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools. It is usually mild and resolves within a few days, but in some cases it may be a sign of a serious problem. In addition, losing large amounts of fluids can lead to dehydration.

Types of diarrhea in adults are divided into:

1. Acute diarrhea

Watery diarrhea that lasts from one to two days. It is the most common type and usually resolves without treatment.

2. Persistent diarrhea

Lasts from two to four weeks.

3. Chronic diarrhea

Lasts for more than four weeks, or comes and goes regularly over a long period, and may indicate a serious health condition that requires medical consultation.

Causes of Diarrhea in Adults

The main cause of diarrhea in adults is usually gastroenteritis, but there are many causes that can lead to diarrhea, and these causes vary depending on the type of diarrhea.

Causes of Acute Diarrhea

Causes of acute diarrhea include:

1. Infection

Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can cause diarrhea. However, the most common cause of diarrhea in adults is norovirus, which causes gastroenteritis.

2. Food poisoning

A person may ingest harmful toxins from contaminated food or beverages, and once these reach the intestines, they can cause diarrhea.

There is also what is known as “traveler’s diarrhea,” which affects some people when traveling to a new environment with poor sanitation or general hygiene. Exposure to bacteria is usually the cause of diarrhea in this case.

3. Side effects of medications

Diarrhea itself is a common side effect of medications, especially antibiotics, which kill beneficial bacteria as well as harmful bacteria.

A lack of sufficient beneficial bacteria in the intestines can lead to diarrhea. Diarrhea is also a side effect of antacids that contain magnesium and some cancer medications.

Causes of Chronic Diarrhea

Causes of chronic diarrhea include:

1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

One of the common causes of chronic diarrhea, even though all parts of the digestive system appear normal, they do not function properly. Stress and anxiety may worsen IBS symptoms.

2. Microscopic colitis

A persistent type of diarrhea that usually affects older adults. It develops due to inflammation and often occurs at night.

3. Diarrhea due to malabsorption and indigestion

In this case, chronic diarrhea is due to poor absorption of nutrients or impaired digestive function, as in celiac disease.

4. Certain diseases

Some diseases can cause diarrhea, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, certain endocrine disorders, Addison’s disease, as well as cancers of the digestive system.

Symptoms Accompanying Diarrhea in Adults

Symptoms of diarrhea in adults include:

• Loose or watery stools three or more times per day, or more than what is normal for you.
• An urgent need to go to the bathroom.
• Abdominal cramps or pain.
• Loss of bowel control.
• Nausea.

• Weight loss, in cases of chronic diarrhea.

Some symptoms may worsen in cases of diarrhea caused by infection, such as:

• Bloody stools.
• Fever and chills.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Vomiting.

Symptoms of Severe Diarrhea in Adults

Severe diarrhea in adults can lead to dehydration and malabsorption, each of which has its own symptoms:

Symptoms of Dehydration

• Severe thirst or dry mouth.
• Urinating less than usual.
• Feeling tired, dizzy, or lightheaded.
• Dark-colored urine.
• Skin that, when pinched and then released, does not return to its normal shape right away.
• Sunken eyes or cheeks.

Symptoms of Malabsorption

• Bloating.
• Changes in appetite.
• Gas.
• Fatty, foul-smelling stools.

Risks of Dehydration Caused by Diarrhea

Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns associated with diarrhea, especially for adults over the age of 65 or those with weakened immunity. Without appropriate treatment for diarrhea, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, or even death.

Treatment of Diarrhea in Adults

Diarrhea in adults can be treated through several measures, including:

1. Rehydration

By drinking large amounts of water and other fluids rich in electrolytes, such as diluted pulp-free fruit juices, broth, sports drinks, or caffeine-free soft drinks.

These beverages replace the water and salts lost due to diarrhea and help maintain fluid balance in the body.

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) may be particularly effective in recovering from dehydration, as the small intestine absorbs the solution to replace the water and salts lost in stool.

2. Anti-diarrheal medications

Over-the-counter medications are available that contain substances such as:

• Loperamide: an anti-motility agent that reduces bowel movement, helping to relieve diarrhea.

• Pepto-Bismol: reduces diarrhea in adults and children and can also prevent traveler’s diarrhea.

3. Antibiotics or antiparasitic medications

Antibiotics treat diarrhea caused only by bacterial infections, so a doctor should be consulted to determine the cause of diarrhea.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics provide beneficial bacteria to the intestines to fight diarrhea, but it is preferable to consult a doctor before starting probiotic supplements.

5. Diet

When diarrhea is present, certain dietary recommendations may be advised, such as:

• Drinking at least one cup of fluids after each episode of diarrhea.
• Drinking fluids between meals rather than during them.
• Sipping clear fluids such as electrolyte drinks, water, or sugar-free fruit juice.
• Eating potassium-rich foods and fluids, such as skinless potatoes and bananas.
• Consuming sodium-rich foods and fluids, such as broth, soup, and sports drinks.
• Eating foods rich in soluble fiber, such as bananas, rice, and oatmeal.
• Limiting foods that may worsen diarrhea, such as dairy products, sugars, fried foods, and artificial sweeteners.

Medications for Treating Diarrhea in Adults from the Pharmacy

Al-Jawaher Almotamyza Pharmacies provide some effective medications for treating diarrhea in adults:

1. Imodium 2 mg

Imodium 2 Mg 6 Capsules is one of the most prominent medications for diarrhea in adults. It contains the active ingredient loperamide, which reduces bowel movement and slows the flow of fluids into the intestines, thereby relieving diarrhea symptoms.

2. Flagyl 500 mg

Flagyl 500 Mg 14 Tablets is an antiparasitic and antibacterial medication that helps treat diarrhea caused by bacterial or parasitic infections.

3. Bananatrol Plus Medical Food for Diarrhea and Loose Stool

Banatrol Plus Banana 75 Sachets X10.75 Gm is a special blend of banana flakes and prebiotics. It helps reduce diarrhea without causing side effects and is used for cases of chronic or transient diarrhea.

4. Enterogermina – 12 Capsules

Enterogermina - 12 Capsules contain beneficial bacteria that restore intestinal balance and help relieve diarrhea symptoms through their probiotic content.

5. ORS – 10 Sachets

Ors 10 Sachets are used for oral rehydration and treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhea, as they restore lost fluids and minerals to the body.

When Should You See a Doctor?

A doctor should be consulted if diarrhea lasts for more than seven days, as well as in cases of fever, severe pain, or bloody stools, and in cases of dehydration symptoms, as these are dangerous to health if left untreated.

Tips for Preventing Diarrhea

The following tips may help you prevent diarrhea:

• Drink only clean and safe water.
• Follow good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly with soap, especially before preparing and eating food, and after using the bathroom.
• Educate yourself and learn about the causes and modes of transmission of infections.
• Receive necessary vaccinations, such as the rotavirus vaccine.
• Do not drink untreated water while traveling, and avoid tap water, ice cubes, or brushing your teeth with tap water. When in doubt, drink bottled water or anything that has been boiled first (such as coffee or tea).
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, as well as raw fruits and vegetables (although fruits and vegetables are generally healthy, their outer surfaces may contain contaminants, so they should be washed thoroughly).