Traveling to a country where contaminated water is abundant can lead to frequent bouts of diarrhea. Sometimes the bowels manifest diarrhea as a result of stress and anxiety. This is medically known as inflammatory bowel syndrome. In some situations, medications can be to blame for causing uncontrollable diarrhea. Fortunately, anti-diarrhea medications exist.
Loperamide
Loperamide is an anti-diarrhea medication found at the local drugstore and given as a prescription. Side effects of this medication include dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, vomiting, constipation, fatigue and stomach enlargement.
Loperamide can be taken as a liquid, capsule or tablet immediately after experiencing a bout of diarrhea. Sometimes this medication can be taken on a strict schedule, especially if diarrhea is chronic, says MedlinePlus. It is crucial to rehydrate and drink 6 to 10 glasses of water daily. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to severe dehydration.
Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride and Atropine Sulfate
Diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate (Lomotil) is another prescription medication used to treat bouts of diarrhea. According to DailyMed, this drug's side effects include depression, fatigue, vomiting, stomach pains and swelling of the gums. This drug also provokes nausea, anorexia, confusion and drowsiness.
Diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate is not indicated for children younger than two years old because it can lead to respiratory depression, a coma and even death, according to DailyMed. It should not be taken if suffering from pseudomembranous colitis (an antibiotic-induced type of diarrhea) or obstructive jaundice (a condition in which the skin turns yellow).
DailyMed says that diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate's typical dose is two tablets or 10 ml taken four times a day.
Paregoric
Paregoric, like diphenoxylate and the combination drug of diphenoxylate and atropine sulfate, is an anti-diarrhea medication. Drugs.com says that it is an opiate that works to reduce intestinal contractions. Drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness and confusion are just some of paregoric's side effects. Its potentially fatal effects include seizures, trouble breathing and a slow heartbeat.
Drugs.com says that alcohol, hot weather, fever and exercise can all exacerbate the following manifestations: light-headedness, dizziness and fainting.
Paragoric should be taken as prescribed.
