Occasionally, people tend to acquire diarrhea, but fortunately, this is caused by infection and would last only a few days. It is important to know to have gainful knowledge of the different medications that could relieve or prevent diarrhea. There are two types of diarrhea medicine to provide relief for your digestive problems. One form of drug comes from the doctor’s prescription while the other you can purchase at the drug store’s over the counter.
The difference between the two is that over the counter drugs don’t need any prescription from the doctor. The types of OTC drugs that can help alleviate your diarrhea are called anti-diarrheal medicines. These diarrhea medicines include loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. The latter drug is used to treat nausea and vomiting, and also treat an upset stomach.
Do you wonder how these diarrhea medicines work?
Loperamide would reduce the intestinal activity and this would allow water to be absorbed out of the stools but the downside is that the body would have a long time dispelling the stools. On the other hand, Bismuth Subsalicylate balances the movement of fluid through your intestines to lessen inflammation and prevent viruses and bacteria to grow in the stomach and intestines.
Diarrhea medicines have the following side effects:
There are times wherein elderly citizens and people who have health issues tend to have a negative reaction due to the side effects brought about by diarrheal medicines. If you notice any of these side effects call your doctor at once.
The side effect of loperamide includes abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and constipation.
The following side effects are due to bismuth subsalicylate, constipation, ringing sound in the ear and blackened stools and/or tongue.
You should talk to a doctor first before self medication on diarrhea medicine. This is because some anti-diarrheal medicines can even worsen your condition, especially if your diarrhea is a symptom caused by a bacterial or parasitical infection. Sometimes the situation needs some antibiotics since the OTC medication does not work on infections. Another prescription drug recommended by doctors is called Antispasmodics, if your diarrhea is due to IBS.
Do not dispense diarrhea medicine on children below 7 years old suffering from diarrhea, consult a doctor first. You should always consult a doctor before giving diarrhea medicines to minors. If you have any allergic reactions to loperamide, stay away because it will lead to complications.