Jansson-Rehnberg AS, Drewes AM, Sponheim J, Borgfelt C, Münch A, Graf W, Simrén M, Lindberg G, Hellström PM. Diarrhoea of unknown cause: medical treatment in a stepwise manner
Management of Idiopathic Diarrhoea Based on Experience of Step-Up Medical Treatment.
Scand J Gastroenterol 2024;
59:543-546. [PMID:
38343268 DOI:
10.1080/00365521.2024.2313061]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The basic principle for the treatment of idiopathic diarrhoea (functional diarrhoea K59.1) is to delay transit through the gut in order to promote the absorption of electrolytes and water. Under mild conditions, bulking agents may suffice. With increasing severity, antidiarrhoeal pharmaceuticals may be added in a stepwise manner. In diarrhoea of unknown aetiology, peripherally-acting opioid receptor agonists, such as loperamide, are first-line treatment and forms the pharmaceutical basis of antidiarrheal treatment. As second-line treatment opium drops have an approved indication for severe diarrhoea when other treatment options fail. Beyond this, various treatment options are built on experience with more advanced treatments using clonidine, octreotide, as well as GLP-1 and GLP-2 analogs which require specialist knowledge the field.
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