There are different types of medicine that can be used to stop diarrhea in adults. However, it is important to note that these medicines should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Here are some of the commonly used medicines to stop diarrhea in adults:
- Loperamide: This is an over-the-counter medication that slows down the movement of the intestine and can be effective in treating acute diarrhea. It is important to follow the recommended dose and not to use it for more than 2 days without consulting a healthcare provider.
- Bismuth subsalicylate: This medication is available over-the-counter and works by reducing inflammation in the intestine. It is commonly used to treat traveler’s diarrhea and should not be used for more than 2 days without consulting a healthcare provider.
- Antibiotics: If the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection and stop the diarrhea.
- Probiotics: These are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the digestive system. They can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut and reduce diarrhea.
It is important to note that if diarrhea persists for more than a few days, or if there is blood in the stool or other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
Antibiotics are not typically used to treat uncomplicated diarrhea in adults. In fact, antibiotics can actually worsen diarrhea in some cases by killing off beneficial bacteria in the gut.
However, if the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection such as Salmonella or Shigella, antibiotics may be prescribed. The specific antibiotic will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and its sensitivity to certain antibiotics. Some examples of antibiotics that may be used to treat bacterial diarrhea include:
- Ciprofloxacin
- Azithromycin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
- Ceftriaxone
It’s important to note that antibiotics should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional and should never be taken for viral or non-infectious causes of diarrhea.
What Causes Diarrhea in Adults
Diarrhea in adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Viral or bacterial infections: These can be contracted from contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person.
- Food intolerances: Certain foods, such as dairy or gluten, can trigger diarrhea in people who are intolerant to them.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and cause diarrhea.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause chronic diarrhea.
- Stress and anxiety: Psychological stress and anxiety can trigger diarrhea in some people.
- Surgery or medical procedures: Diarrhea can be a side effect of certain surgeries or medical procedures that affect the digestive system.
- Travel: Traveler’s diarrhea is a common condition caused by exposure to new bacteria and viruses in foreign countries.
