Antidiarhoeal Agent

Adsorbents

Name: Kaolin Pectin Mixture (Kaopectate)

Kaolin would absorb water in the GI tract and adsorb toxins and bacteria onto its surface

Name: Smecta

For acute and chronic diarrhoea, especially in children

Name: Activated Charcoal

Use as a GI adsorbent in acute poisonings

Reduce gut motility

Name: Morphine and Codeine

Narcotic drugs, Can slow the motility of the GI tract, indeed constipation is a well-recognized side effect of such drugs

Name: Lomotil (Diphenoxylate 2.5mg/ Atropine 25mcg)

Reduces gut motility and secretion and can be used in acute and chronic diarrhoea. Usually given one tablet q4h until diarrhoea stops

Not more than two days

Not recommended for children < 4 years old

Name: Loperamide (Imodium)

A synthetic agent chemically resembles and the activities similar to morphine but with fewer side effect

It reduces gut motility by blocking acetylcholine receptors in the gut

Not recommended for children < 12 years old