Diarrhea medicine is needed to treat acute diarrhea conditions that appear suddenly and worsen quickly, and do not go away after a few days. When taking diarrhea medicine, pay attention to the instructions for use, so that the diarrhea medicine can work optimally.
Diarrhea medicine can be of various types and the administration is adjusted to the cause of diarrhea. The causes of diarrhea also vary, ranging from viruses, bacteria, lactose intolerance, to the side effects of drugs and surgery.
Diarrhea is a condition of increasing the frequency of bowel movements which is characterized by watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea and fever. Generally diarrhea can last for 2-3 days. Diarrhea medicine is important to take, especially if diarrhea lasts many times and for a long time. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to complications, such as dehydration
Diarrhea Drug Options and How to Use It
There are various types of diarrhea medication that your doctor may prescribe. Following are some of them:
1. ORS
ORS is a liquid diarrhea medicine consisting of a mixture of water, sugar, and salt. This medication is used to replace fluids
2. Probiotics
Probiotics can also be used as a diarrhea medicine. Probiotics are good bacteria found in food or beverages, such as tempeh and yogurt. In addition, probiotics are also found in supplements in powder or capsule form.
Probiotics treat diarrhea by fighting bad bacteria that cause diarrhea, so diarrhea can stop. This medicine is usually given to treat diarrhea that occurs as a side effect of antibiotics, as well as diarrhea caused by infection.
3. Activated carbon
Drugs containing activated carbon or activated charcoal, such as norit, are also effective for treating diarrhea. Activated carbon treats diarrhea by absorbing toxins that cause diarrhea and expelling them with feces.
The usual dose of activated carbon to treat diarrhea in adults is 2-4 tablets of 250 mg and taken 3-4 times a day.
4. Antidiarrheal drugs
If you have acute diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe antidiarrheal drugs, such as:
Dose loperamide for adults generally begins by taking 2 tablets directly. After that, it is continued with 1 tablet taken every time you have a bowel movement. Maximum consumption loperamide is 6 tablets a day.
Common dose bismuth subsalicylate for adults is 2 tablets every 1-2 hours. The maximum consumption of this drug is 16 tablets a day.
Each diarrhea medicine has a different function and way of working. To determine which drug suits your condition, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor first.
How to Prevent Diarrhea
A clean and healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing you from having diarrhea. The following are effective ways to prevent diarrhea:
- Wash hands with soap, especially after defecating, after playing, when preparing food, and before eating.
- Keep the water clean, both at home and in the surrounding environment.
- Eat more cooked fruit or vegetables.
- Manage trash properly.
- Avoid consuming raw meat.
- Avoid oily food and foods with
- Avoid drinking tap water or ice made from tap water.
A clean and healthy lifestyle and environment can help you avoid diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea, consult a doctor to get the right treatment and diarrhea medicine.