title: [Drugs and diarrhea].
abstract: Drug induced diarrhea is a frequent adverse event. The pathophysiological mechanisms include intraluminal accumulation of osmotically active substances, increased secretion or impaired resorption of gastrointestinal fluids, stimulation of gastrointestinal motility, or inflammation of gastrointestinal mucosa. For many drugs, however, the causative mechanism is unknown. A careful drug history, including non-prescription drugs and additives that frequently cause diarrhea, is essential for the identification of potential causative substances. The clinical course of drug-induced diarrhea in many cases is mild and self-limited. In severe cases fluid-and electrolyte substitution, symptomatic and in certain cases specific therapy can be necessary. Symptomatic treatment primarily includes opioids and intraluminal adsorbents. In special cases octreotide or scopolamine can be used.
authors.affiliation: Departement Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsspital Basel.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haschke
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000930:Antidiarrheals / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002606:Charcoal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002792:Cholestyramine Resin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D015282:Octreotide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000930:Antidiarrheals; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D002792:Cholestyramine Resin; D002606:Charcoal; D015282:Octreotide