ask your pharmacist

Are there any prescription treatments for diarrhea?

Your doctor may prescribe an opiate medicine if the diarrhea is severe or if over-the-counter treatments don't work. These medicines work by slowing the passage of food through the intestines. Examples include diphenoxylate hydrochloride with atropine (Lomotil) and opium tincture (>Paregoric). Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic if bacteria are causing the diarrhea.

When using prescription medicines for diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. In most situations, drinking fluids will not make diarrhea worse. Don’t use any diarrhea medication for more than 48 hours.

Some people are more at risk for serious problems from diarrhea. Children under three years, pregnant women, and people with AIDS, diabetes, or heart disease should see a doctor when they have diarrhea.

Also, if any of the following conditions apply, contact your doctor:

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2001.
Aranda-Michel, J., R.A. Giannella. "Acute Diarrhea: A Practical Review," The American Journal of Medicine 106 (1999).
Kroser, J.A., "Evaluation of the adult patient with diarrhea," Primary Care; Clinics in Office Practice, 26 (1996).
Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc., 1999.
National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. www.niddk.nih.gov. Diarrhea. Last accessed 6/19/01.

This response prepared 7/13/01.