Drug-Induced Diarrhoea: A Far From Rare Adverse Event

Condition May Resolve Spontaneously

When acute diarrhoea appears during the course of drug treatment, it often simply resolves spontaneously within a few days after withdrawal of the causative drug or in spite of continuing the treatment.^[1] Some cases of diarrhoea may be controlled by adjustment of dosage. Similarly, chronic diarrhoea usually ceases when the drug is stopped.

Symptomatic treatment consists of diet and oral rehydration therapy. In cases of severe diarrhoea, hospitalisation can be necessary for parenteral rehydration therapy and correction of hypokalaemia.^[1]

Antiperistaltic agents such as loperamide, diphenoxy-late, and codeine can be useful in patients with profuse diarrhoea to slow intestinal transit and thus alleviate discomfort.^[1]

However, these agents should be avoided in patients with severe diarrhoea, as possible colic retention of bacteria and toxins could lead to the development of toxic megacolon, especially if the diarrhoea is related to a change in the microflora.^[7]

© 2001 Adis Data Information BV

Cite this: Drug-Induced Diarrhoea: A Far From Rare Adverse Event - Medscape - Jan 15, 2001.