Home Pharmacy (cont.)

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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Diarrhea

Attapulgite (Kaopectate, Donnagel, Diatrol, and others) is an OTC medication that helps control diarrhea. Attapulgite should not be used for more than 2 days unless directed by your health care practitioner.
Loperamide (Imodium A-D) is often recommended as an OTC medication for the treatment of diarrhea. However, if constipation, ileus (constipation, abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting), fever, or bloating occur, the medication should be stopped.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is a good first-line treatment for intestinal problems and is effective for mild diarrhea. It also helps relieve nausea and indigestion. Remember that the bismuth will turn the stool a black color, and should not be used in infants or children because of the possible development of Reye syndrome.

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