Acute diarrhoea : World Health Organization defined Diarrhea as condition having three or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person.
Acute diarrhea is defined as an abnormally frequent discharge of semisolid or fluid fecal matter from the bowel, lasting less than 14 days, by World Gastroenterology Organisation.
The priority in acute diarrhoea, is the prevention or reversal of fluid and electrolyte depletion.This is particularly important in infants and in frail and elderly patients. Drugs used in the treatment of Acute diarrhoea are
(1) Oral rehydration preparations - ORAL REHYDRATION SALTS (ORS)
(2) Antimotility drugs - CO-PHENOTROPE , LOPERAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE
(3) Antispasmodics - ATROPINE SULPHATE,DICYCLOVERINE HYDROCHLORIDE.HYOSCINE BUTYLBROMIDE and PROPANTHELINE BROMIDE
(4) Antibacterial drugs - Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin,azithromycin,cefotaxime
Antibiotic-associated colitis : Antibiotic-associated colitis (pseudomembranous colitis) is caused by colonisation of the colon with Clostridium difficile which may follow antibiotic therapy. It is usually of acute onset, but may run a chronic course; it is a particular hazard of clindamycin but few antibiotics are free of this side-effect. Drugs used for antibiotic associated colitis are Vancomycin and Metranidazole
(1) Vancomycin - Vancomycin given by mouth is effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)a dose of 125 mg every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days is considered adequate (higher dose may be considered if the infection fails to respond or if it is severe). Vancomycin should not be given by mouth for systemic infections since it is not significantly absorbed.
(2) Metronidazole is also effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated colitis Metronidazole by the rectal route is an effective alternative to the intravenous route when oral administration is not possible.
(2) Metranidazole - Metronidazole is also effective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated colitis (pseudomembranous colitis) Metronidazole by the rectal route is an effective alternative to the intravenous rout