Diarrhoea, acute non-inflammatory

A04.1


DESCRIPTION

Diarrhoea without macroscopic blood or mucus, or neutrophils on microscopy. Common causes include viruses and enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli.

Note : Neutropenic patients may have inflammatory diarrhoea in the absence of neutrophils.

GENERAL MEASURES

Rehydration is the cornerstone of management. This should be done with oral rehydration solution (ORS) unless the patient is vomiting or profoundly dehydrated.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

  • Loperamide, oral, 4 mg immediately, followed by 2 mg after each loose stool.
    • Maximum dose: 16 mg daily.