Diarrhoea, acute, without blood in adults

A09.0/A09.9/ K52.2/K52.8/K52.9


DESCRIPTION

Acute diarrhoea is usually self-limiting and is managed by fluid replacement.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Treat dehydration vigorously.

  • Oral rehydration solution (ORS).

OR

Homemade sugar and salt solution (SSS).


Homemade sugar and salt solution (SSS)
½ level medicine measure of table salt

plus

8 level medicine measures of sugar

dissolved in 1 litre of boiled (if possible) then cooled water

(1 level medicine measure = approximately 1 level 5 mL teaspoon)


  • Loperamide, oral, 4 mg immediately and 2 mg as required after each loose stool up to 6 hourly.
    • Not more than 12 mg daily.

REFERRAL

  • Suspected acute surgical abdomen.
  • Dehydration not corrected with rehydration.