Antidiarrheals
TERM
□ diphenoxylate with atropine sulfate (Lomotil)
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
Diarrhea is not a disease of the GI tract but a symptom of a GI system disorder.1 The antidiarrheals are able to decrease peristalsis, which enables the stool to become more formed and less fluid. These drugs act either locally or systemically. All of these drugs relieve diarrhea but do not cure the underlying cause.
Table 64-1 Antidiarrheals | ||||||
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ANTIDIARRHEALS CLIENT TEACHINGFor All Antidiarrheals
Increase fluid intake to 2 to 3 quarts of fluid daily to prevent dehydration.
Stop drug when diarrhea is gone.
No activities requiring concentration until drug effects are known
Drug should be taken only as ordered.
Do not breast-feed.
Increase fluid intake to 2 to 3 quarts of fluid daily to prevent dehydration.For Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
Use cautiously with other drugs that contain aspirin and salicylates.
Stools and tongue can turn black.
Contact physician if diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days.
Use cautiously with other drugs that contain aspirin and salicylates.
ACTIONThe antidiarrheals act in a number of ways.
Opiate derivatives (diphenoxylate with atropine [Lomotil], difenoxin with atropine [motofen], and paregoric [camphorated opium tincture]) act directly on the areas of the CNS that control movement of the GI tract.
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