DIARRHOEA, ACUTE NON-INFLAMMATORY

DESCRIPTION

Diarrhoea without blood or mucus. Common causes include viruses and

enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli.

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.

o Maximum dose: 16 mg daily.

Reference and further reading

Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa 2012 Edition