Tablets for diarrhea in adults: a list of effective and fast-acting medications with prices

Updated: 02/01/2021 16:59:01
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*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Diarrhea, or diarrhea syndrome, is certainly familiar to everyone. But treating diarrhea is not as simple as it seems, since diarrhea can be caused by completely different reasons, but manifest itself in the same way. When eating stale foods, toxins enter the body, and there will be severe diarrhea and vomiting, but microbes will not enter the body, and antibiotics will be useless. With chronic disease of the pancreas, for example, there are not enough enzymes to break down fats, and frequent and chronic diarrhea occurs due to increased fat content in the stool. Diarrhea also occurs with intestinal infections, dysbacteriosis, and may even be due to nervousness. Let's consider modern drugs for the treatment of diarrhea, which are included in the rating of the most effective drugs.

Causes of diarrhea

You should know that diarrhea is not a disease, but rather a consequence of existing problems in the gastrointestinal tract. So first you need to determine the cause of the disorder. If it is not possible to go to the doctor right away, then you need to try to determine the cause of the diarrhea yourself.

Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. In the first case, it lasts up to 21 days, in the second case, loose stools can persist for a month.

When everything is normal in the body, up to 400 grams are released. feces in an adult. With diarrhea, the stool becomes more liquid, because... The amount of water in the body quickly increases for some reasons. By the number of bowel movements, you can determine the cause of the disorder. For example, if the amount of feces has sharply increased from the usual volume, then the reason may be the absorption of various substances by the intestinal walls. If the amount of feces has decreased or remained the same, this may indicate a malfunction in intestinal motility.

The most common causes of diarrhea in adults are:

• poisoning with food, water, etc.;
• problems digesting heavy foods;
• allergies to certain foods;
• frequent stress, increased nervousness;
• sudden change in climate, diet (travel disorder);
• taking certain medications.

If diarrhea is caused by any of these factors, then it can be dealt with in three days. For the disorder to end, it is enough to buy anti-diarrhea pills at the nearest store, and not eat fatty and very exotic foods for a couple of days. If you are stressed, you can also take mild sedatives and make an appointment with a psychotherapist.

However, sometimes the problem in the body can be more serious. For example, diarrhea is sometimes caused by a bacteria or infection (salmonellosis, dysentery). In addition, gastritis and stomach ulcers may be the cause. In addition, diarrhea is caused by dysfunction of any organs, in particular renal and liver failure. Despite the fact that all these causes of diarrhea are quite terrible, they are not always found. But if any of the problems are diagnosed, longer and more serious treatment will be required. Simple anti-diarrhea tablets are not enough here.

General characteristics of the problem

Intestinal disorder is not an independent disease or even a medical concept. This is a complex of symptoms reflecting dysfunction of the digestive system. This phrase is what people themselves use to describe their state when they experience the following sensations:

• stomach ache;
• feeling of fullness, bloating, heaviness;
• nausea, belching, vomiting;
• flatulence, increased gas formation;
• diarrhea or constipation.

A similar problem can appear for various reasons. Impaired absorption of food in the intestines, slow digestion and motility of the digestive tract most often occur due to poor nutrition. Overeating, intolerance to certain foods, consumption of low-quality, expired food, large amounts of vegetables and fruits, unusual food - all this can cause stomach and intestinal upset. In this case, tablets will help cope with the removal of toxins and improve digestion.

But pathology can also appear for more serious reasons. These are food poisoning, infection, pancreatitis, acute appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, exacerbation of gastritis, liver disease. Even climate change or severe stress can lead to diarrhea. In these cases, self-medication is unacceptable; ordinary tablets for intestinal disorders will not help improve the condition. Incorrect treatment will only make the situation worse. Therefore, if you have severe diarrhea, acute abdominal pain, or fever, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Classification

Fast-acting remedies for diarrhea are divided into 4 groups:

1. Probiotics are drugs that are used to relieve symptoms of dysbiosis, one of which is diarrhea;
2. Medicines aimed at slowing down the wave-like contractions of the walls of the rectum - peristalsis;
3. Antibiotics that eliminate the cause of diarrhea - intestinal infections;
4. Enterosorbents are means for binding exogenous and endogenous substances in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing adsorption, absorption, complexation and ion exchange.

Conclusion

The health of the digestive system is of paramount importance for the entire body. More than half of people suffer from digestive problems: bloating and flatulence.

It's time to reconsider our diet, which affects our gut health and mood.

Instead of feeling bloated, slow and sluggish, you need to lead an active lifestyle. Medicines give our digestive system a helping hand.

If you cannot cope with this task yourself, then it is better to seek help from specialists.

Enterosorbents for diarrhea

The use of enterosobrents is considered one of the most effective remedies against diarrhea, which is caused by poisoning. The action of this group of drugs is aimed at absorbing toxic substances that enter the gastrointestinal tract from the outside.

The most popular enterosorbents are:

1) Activated carbon

Activated carbon is one of the cheapest, most accessible and fastest-acting agents. This is a truly “folk” drug, the use of which has many indications. For diarrhea, activated charcoal can be used immediately, since it is indicated for various forms of salmonellosis and dysentery, as well as for non-infectious causes of diarrhea and food poisoning.

Pros:

• Affordable price;
• Time-tested healing effect;
• Possibility of rapid removal of toxic substances from the body;
• Natural base;
• The drug does not have a traumatic effect on the intestines.

Minuses:

• The need to take a large number of tablets at one time;
• Black coloring of stool;
• In addition to toxins, the drug is able to remove its own microflora from the intestines, which is associated with the risk of developing dysbiosis and nutritional deficiencies;
• Long-term use of the drug threatens the development of constipation and exhaustion.

The price of activated carbon is about 50 rubles.

2) Smecta

Smecta (see instructions and reviews), or dioctahedral smectite, is an antidiarrheal agent and absorbent, and it was included in the drug rating as a natural aluminosilicate of natural origin. It, like many other sorbents, is excreted from the body unchanged and does not enter into metabolism. It is used in both children and adults for acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea of ​​various origins, including infectious. It is also successfully prescribed for bloating and discomfort in the abdomen.

Smecta should be used by an adult in the amount of 6 sachets per day. Treatment is carried out between meals, and separately from taking other medications. You can purchase 12 sachets, packaged in 3 g each in the form of a suspension for oral administration, at a price of 220 rubles. The manufacturer of the product is French.

Pros:

• High adsorbing properties;
• Ease of use;
• Pleasant taste;
• Possibility of treatment in childhood;
• Effective for diarrhea of ​​almost any origin;
• In addition to stopping diarrhea, Smecta helps eliminate other unpleasant symptoms, such as heartburn and abdominal pain.

Minuses:

• Relatively high price of the drug;
• The likelihood of skin rashes, especially in childhood.

Smecta's price is about 170 rubles.

3) Polysorb

Polysorb is produced on the basis of colloidal silicon dioxide, which has powerful absorbent and detoxifying properties.

Available in powder form, from which a suspension is prepared before administration. Polysorb is prescribed for intestinal infections of various etiologies, accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms of intoxication. Restrictions on the use of the drug are acute peptic ulcer disease, gastric bleeding, intestinal atony, and individual intolerance.

For children under seven years of age, the dose of the drug is 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. For adults, the daily dose of Polysorb is 12 grams. The duration of treatment is from three to seven days. If necessary, it can be continued for up to two weeks.

Price – from 280 rubles.

Treatment of intestinal disorder

Tablets for this pathology must be taken. They will help improve the motility of the digestive tract, improve the absorption of nutrients, normalize the intestinal microflora, destroy viruses or bacteria, and remove toxins. Without special treatment, only mild diarrhea can be left after errors in nutrition. But even in this case, it is recommended to take at least activated carbon. In the absence of infection and pathologies of the digestive system, intestinal upset usually goes away in 2-3 days, provided that you follow the diet and take the right medications.

In more complex cases, it is better to consult a doctor. In this case, complex treatment is necessary; the specialist prescribes different tablets for stomach and intestinal disorders, depending on the symptoms manifested, their cause and the severity of the patient’s condition. They should be aimed not only at eliminating diarrhea. It is imperative to relieve pain, flatulence, and improve digestion. In case of severe diarrhea, it is also necessary to restore the water-salt balance in the body. After all, most deaths from diarrhea are associated with dehydration. In addition, it is very important to take medications that target the cause of the disorder. These can be antibiotics, antacids, digestive enzymes, enterosorbents.

Probiotics against diarrhea

Probiotics (see list 2019) are products containing microorganisms natural to the human intestinal microflora. If the microflora is disturbed - dysbiosis, probiotics help restore the balance of microorganisms, which leads to normalization of stool. There are many probiotics recommended for diarrhea.

Let's look at the main ones:

1) Bifidumbacterin

Bifidumbacterin is one of the effective probiotics that helps restore intestinal microflora, so it is actively used for various forms of diarrhea. The drug contains live bifidobacteria and bifidogenic factor, which promotes the growth of “beneficial” bacterial flora in the intestines.

The drug is safe for human health; it is prescribed even to newborn children. Bifidobacteria, which are part of Bifidumbacterin, gradually colonize the intestines, contribute to the suppression of pathogenic flora, stabilize metabolic processes, increase local immunity, and make it possible to better cope with intoxication of the body.

Pros:

• High efficiency and quick results;
• Possibility of using the drug for the treatment of newborns and pregnant women;
• Good compatibility with other drugs.

Minuses:

• Relatively high price (if long-term treatment is necessary, you will have to spend an impressive amount);
• Specific storage conditions (can only be stored in the refrigerator);
• The likelihood of an allergic reaction.

The price of Bifidumbacterin varies from 200 to 500 rubles.

2) Linux

The product in Linex capsules belongs to the class of eubiotics, and it restores the intestinal microflora, literally “landing on it” bifidobacteria and lactobacilli enterococci. The product is available in capsules, and one capsule contains millions of live bacteria. They constitute the normal microflora of the human intestine. It is known that the presence of these microorganisms in the human intestine inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, takes part in the synthesis of vitamins, and improves immunity.

The product should be taken after meals and washed down with a small amount of liquid. Typically, adults are prescribed 2 capsules three times a day, and for children who cannot swallow capsules, they need to be opened and the powder mixed with liquid is given. The duration of treatment is not limited and can last as long as needed. This drug is produced by the Lek company, and the cost of one package of 16 capsules currently starts at 230 rubles.

Do not combine the drug with alcoholic beverages or wash it down with hot water.

3) Hilak Forte

Hilak Forte is an effective German antidiarrheal agent, produced in the form of drops. Taking the drug helps normalize the intestinal microflora, preserves its physiological and biological functions, and restores the normal level of acidity in the gastrointestinal tract.

Hilak Forte can be used for diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics, gastroenteritis, colitis, allergies, salmonellosis. It is effectively used to treat traveler's diarrhea, which is caused by climate change and exotic foods. The drug can be used to treat children and pregnant women, as well as during breastfeeding. It has virtually no contraindications, except for hypersensitivity to its components.

Hilak Forte is well tolerated by patients of all ages. Allergic reactions in the form of skin itching and rashes are extremely rare. You should not take the drug with milk or milk-based products at the same time. The medicine does not require storage in the refrigerator.

Folk recipes

Folk recipes that help cure gas at home.

Dill and parsley

A decoction of dill seeds helps with bloating.

A dessert spoon of seeds is poured into 0.5 liters of boiled water, brought to a boil, and drunk 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Parsley not only decorates dishes, but also improves digestion; it is added to salads, first and second courses.

Herbal teas

Medicinal herbs normalize intestinal function: string, thyme, mint, chamomile, fennel. A tablespoon of the collection is poured into 0.5 liters of boiled water, brought to a boil, and drunk 1/3 cup 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

Lemon and ginger

Water with lemon or vitamin C will help calm the digestive system. Half a teaspoon of soda per glass of water acts as an antifoam in the intestines. Ginger is a natural antibiotic that fights fungal infections and toxins, and helps strengthen the body.

Kefir and yogurt

Fermented milk products contain beneficial bacteria that improve digestion.

Antibiotics for diarrhea

Antibiotics for diarrhea are taken only if the cause of diarrhea is accurately determined. If this stool problem is caused by an intestinal bacterial infection, then only then is taking antibiotics a justifiable solution. Visually, the presence of an intraintestinal infection can be determined by characteristic impurities in the stool: mucus and bloody greenish inclusions.

In such cases, the following antibiotic medications are prescribed:

1) Amoxicillin

A chloramphenicol-based antibiotic commonly prescribed to patients with persistent diarrhea. The active substance destroys a wide range of pathogenic microflora, including those pathogens that have developed resistance to the action of tetracycline antibiotics.

Levomycetin is prescribed for the treatment of infectious diarrhea. This drug can provoke adverse reactions from various body systems, so before use you should clarify the contraindications for use. Among them are renal and liver failure, pregnancy, individual intolerance to the active substance.

Pros:

• Affordable price;
• Time-tested effectiveness of the drug;
• Availability of several forms of release;
• Wide spectrum of antibacterial activity;
• High bioavailability;
• Can be used in childhood, but not earlier than 4 weeks.

Minuses:

• Extensive list of contraindications and side effects;
• The need for hospitalization when treated with large doses of the drug.

The price of Levomycetin is about 120 rubles.

2) Enterofuril (Nifuroxazide)

An antimicrobial agent based on nifuroxazide provides a pronounced bacteriostatic effect against staphylococci, streptococci, salmonella, shigella, enterobacteria and suppresses the production of toxins that poison the body. For diarrhea of ​​viral origin, it reduces the risk of bacterial superinfection. Adults are recommended to take Enterofuril in capsules; for children, the medicine is released in the form of a suspension.

The drug is prescribed for acute and chronic forms of infectious diarrhea, stool disorders associated with inflammatory lesions of the large intestine, as well as diarrhea of ​​unknown origin. This remedy has virtually no contraindications, rarely causes adverse reactions and does not provoke the development of dysbacteriosis. The only limitation for use is the body's increased sensitivity to nifuroxazide. The price of Enterofuril in capsules ranges from 200 to 220 rubles.

3) Furazolidone

Furazolidone is a drug from the group of intestinal antibiotics. It has a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, so it can be used in the treatment of infectious diarrhea and diarrhea caused by food poisoning.

The drug is available in the form of tablets that cannot be chewed; they are drunk whole, immediately after eating. The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the doctor, usually about 14 days. The average daily dose for an adult patient is 4 tablets.

Pros:

• Affordable price;
• High antibacterial effect;
• Possibility of treating most intestinal infections;
• The presence of a protective coating on the tablet, which allows the drug to begin to act in the intestines;

Minuses:

• Abundance of contraindications and side effects;
• The need for medical consultation before starting treatment;
• Inability to use the drug to treat young children and pregnant women.

The price of Furazolidone varies from 100 to 150 rubles.

The best antibacterial remedies for diarrhea

Antimicrobial drugs form the basis for the treatment of infectious diarrhea syndrome, especially if the development of diarrhea is associated with the consumption of poor-quality food, has the nature of an outbreak, when several family members are sick, and also if, in addition to diarrhea, there are symptoms of intoxication, fever, poor health, nausea and vomiting . In all these cases, it is imperative to contact an infectious disease specialist or an ambulance; self-medication can be dangerous. Let's consider the most popular antibacterial agents that are prescribed for infectious diarrhea. The rating included both the most advanced means and the most affordable.

Ersefuril

Rating: 4.9

Ersefuril is a real antimicrobial agent that is used for infectious gastroenteritis, for diarrhea, which is accompanied by malaise and fever. This medicine belongs to the group of nitrofurans, and the active substance is nifuroxazide. One capsule of Ersefuril contains 200 mg of nifuroxazide. It exhibits high activity against typical pathogens of intestinal infections, salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera, and intestinal staphylococci. The drug works exclusively in the intestinal lumen and is practically not absorbed into the blood. This medicine is recommended for use if bacterial diarrhea occurs without a sharp deterioration in the general condition, severe fever and intoxication. If such symptoms exist, then urgent hospitalization in an infectious diseases hospital is necessary for additional antibiotic therapy. Adults should take this drug, one capsule 4 times a day, the interval between doses should be 6 hours. It is especially indicated that if after 3 days of taking it does not improve, then you should urgently consult a doctor. You can purchase this drug, produced by Sanofi-Aventis, at a price of 350 rubles. for 14 capsules.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Ersefuril and nitrofurans in general include the absence of overdose, the ability to use the drug in patients with diabetes mellitus, and to prescribe to children over 3 years of age. Side effects include various allergic reactions; it is not recommended to use the product during pregnancy. In the same case, if the mother is breastfeeding, then a short course of taking this drug is possible, but after consultation with a doctor.

Phthalazole

Rating: 4.8

Phthalazole is an old, proven remedy that used to be in the first aid kit of any traveler and driver. This antimicrobial agent from the sulfonamide group is used for various diarrhea, presumably of infectious origin. Each phthalazole tablet contains 500 mg of active substance.

These tablets must be administered into the body in fairly high doses. If a low dose of phthalazole is prescribed, microbes develop resistance to it. Phthalazole, in addition to its antidiarrheal effect, also has an anti-inflammatory effect, and therefore it can be indicated for any infectious diarrhea, as well as as a drug for the prevention of purulent complications during intestinal operations.

Adults need to take Fthalazol for acute diarrhea, 2 tablets 6 times a day; this regimen is necessary in the first two days of the disease. Subsequently, it is necessary to reduce the dosage according to the scheme included in the instructions. The product is produced by various domestic companies, and is one of the most affordable and popular drugs. So, a package of 10 tablets can be purchased starting from 13 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Phthalazol include the availability and ability to purchase it at any pharmacy, the ability to create a high concentration and a good antimicrobial bacteriostatic effect. However, it must be taken with great caution for diseases of the blood, thyroid gland, chronic renal failure and other diseases, and its prescription requires consultation with a doctor. Side effects often develop, which may include not only allergies or headaches, but also a decrease in the level of white blood cells, skin lesions, symptoms of dizziness and even myocarditis. Phthalazole may interact with various drugs, which requires prior consultation with a doctor.

Sulgin

Rating: 4.8

Sulgin, or sulfaguanidine, is one of the most favorite folk remedies for the treatment of diarrhea syndrome, a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. The product is still supplied to infectious diseases hospitals and is successfully used in departments of intestinal infections. This drug is active against many microorganisms that are intestinal pathogens. Sulgin is indicated for dysentery, with damage to the small and large intestines with diarrhea syndrome, as well as in patients with identified carriage of dysentery.

The drug is used orally for acute diarrhea caused by intestinal infections; its dosage regimen is similar to the regimen for the previous drug, Phthalazole. On the first day, the drug is prescribed 6 times, then during each day the amount is reduced by one tablet. The total course of treatment is from 5 to 7 days for uncomplicated conditions. Sulgin is produced by various domestic manufacturers, and one package of the drug of 10 tablets will cost only 50 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this remedy include low cost and high activity against the above pathogens; the negative side is the possibility of developing a deficiency of B vitamins in the body, therefore, during the treatment period it is recommended to take vitamins such as thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin. If the drug is taken together with ascorbic acid, the patient may develop increased acidity of urine and urolithiasis. As you can see, popular and folk remedies often have little safety. This must be taken into account.

Drugs to slow down peristalsis

The intensity of the defecation process depends on the wave-like contractions of the walls of the rectum. The drugs in this group slow down peristalsis, thereby normalizing stool.

The main medications in this area include:

1) Imodium

Loperamide hydrochloride, known under the trade name Imodium, is manufactured in France. This is one of the best antidiarrheal drugs with symptomatic action. Loperamide, first of all, helps with diarrhea, in which there are no signs of colitis, that is, there is no scanty mucous discharge and a painful urge to defecate.

For profuse and watery loose stools, first take 2 tablets for adults at once, and then one tablet after each episode of diarrhea. Each tablet contains 2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride. The drug can reduce tone and reduce intestinal motility. Imodium can be purchased in both capsule and lozenge form.

Pros:

• Convenient release form;
• Pleasant taste;
• Quick effect.

Minuses:

• High price;
• Presence of contraindications and side effects.

The price of Imodium is from 200 to 500 rubles.

2) Enterobene

A drug for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea.

Loperamide, by binding to opioid receptors of the intestinal wall (stimulation of choline and adrenergic neurons through guanine nucleotides), reduces the tone and motility of intestinal smooth muscles (by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine and Pg). Slows down peristalsis and increases the transit time of intestinal contents. Increases the tone of the anal sphincter, promotes fecal retention and reduces the urge to defecate. The action develops quickly and lasts 4-6 hours.

Directions for use and dosage: orally, without chewing, with a small amount of liquid. For acute diarrhea, adults - 4 mg, children over 8 years old - 2 mg and after each amorphous stool - 2 mg. The daily dose for adults is no more than 16 mg, for children over 8 years old - no more than 8 mg. For chronic diarrhea, respectively - 4 mg and 2 mg per day. If clinical improvement is not observed 48 hours after the start of treatment, the drug should be discontinued.

The influence of diet on flatulence processes

Diet occupies a special place in the process of intestinal treatment. If you eat a well-balanced diet, you can solve the problem without medications.

To do this you need:

1. Avoid foods that produce excess gas.
2. Follow an individual diet.
3. Try introducing fermented foods into your menu: pickles and sauerkraut. These foods help maintain a healthy digestive tract and can enrich the intestines with healthy bacteria that aid the digestive process.
4. Exercise and walking help stimulate digestion and reduce gas.
5. Avoid legumes, wheat, sweets, dairy, and meat products that increase gas formation.
6. You can: buckwheat and oatmeal, baked fish, homemade crackers, walnuts, fruits and vegetables.

Prevention

In order for such a nuisance as diarrhea to happen as rarely as possible, you need to follow some simple, but at the same time effective tips. These include:

1. You can only eat fresh foods. This especially applies to dairy and meat products.
2. Sufficient heat treatment of fish, meat, eggs.
3. You should not drink tap water without first boiling it. Give preference to filtered or bottled water.
4. Carefully monitor hygiene: mandatory hand washing before eating and preparing food, cleaning areas where food is prepared.
5. Avoid fast food cafes, especially untested ones.

When the first signs of intestinal distress appear, the best option is to drink enterosorbent. It will bind all toxins and remove them in a short time. This way you can stop diarrhea at the initial stage. If this does not help, you may need to seek medical help.

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Tablets for stomach and intestinal upsets: list

It is best to find out from your doctor what to take for diarrhea. As a last resort, you can ask the pharmacist which remedies are best. When choosing medications, you should not rely on advertising or advice from friends. In addition, it is very important not to self-medicate if the child is ill or if an infectious disease is suspected. After all, the list of pills for intestinal disorders is quite large, it’s difficult to figure it out on your own. But there are several drugs that are most popular among doctors and patients:

• "Fthalazol";
• "Loperamide"
• "Imodium";
• "Smecta";
• "Hilak Forte";
• "Enterosgel";
• "Levomycetin";
• "Enterol";
• "Enterofuril";
• "Sulgin";
• "Regidron";
• "Smecta".

Videos on the topic

Diarrhea itself is not a disease that can be cured, but a symptom indicating problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the range of problems is very wide: from simple indigestion to an infectious disease.

Loose stools accompany intoxication conditions, acute or chronic pathologies of the digestive and excretory systems, as well as infectious diseases. In addition to the fact that a person experiences a state of discomfort (frequent urge, pain and bloating, nausea), prolonged diarrhea leads to the body losing a lot of fluid and nutrients, resulting in exhaustion.

Therefore, it is quite understandable that every patient who is faced with this unpleasant condition wants to get rid of it as quickly as possible. And here advertising comes to the rescue, offering inexpensive and effective anti-diarrhea tablets that guarantee instant effect. However, before you go to the pharmacy and buy the drugs recommended from the TV screen, you need to understand what is actually happening in the body.