Anti-diarrhoeals are prescribed by doctor if a pregnant woman is affect by diarrhoea. However, it should not be taken without the prescription of doctor as it may give rise to complications. Read on to know more about the effects of anti-diarrhoeals during pregnancy.Anti-diarrhoeals are suggested to treat sudden diarrhoea. The drug is known to work by slowing down movement of the gut. This helps reducing bowel movements and the stool gets very watery. Loperamide is one of the most commonly used medicines that reduce your urge of going to the toilet frequently. However, it should not be taken without the prescription of doctor.
Anti - Diarrhoeals for Treating Diarrhoea
Furazolidone has anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal actions. In the treatment of diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, it is given orally as tablets or suspension. Loperamide inhibits peristalsis and is used in the treatment of some diarrhoea.
Diphenoxylate, an anti-diarrhoeal drug, is chemically related to the narcotic analgesic pethidine. Narcotic analgesics may cause respiratory depression in the newborn infant. This drug should not be given at, or near, term.
| Products: | Loperamide |
| For Children: | Reduced dose necessary |
| For Pregnant Women: | Safety not established |
| For Breastfeeding Mothers: | Drug passes into breastmilk and may affect the baby |
| Contra-indications*: | Acute infective diarrhoea, ulcerative colitic |
| Caution: | Chronic liver or kidney diseases |
Note* Pregnant women should not take any medicine without the prescription of doctor.
Acute Diarrhoea during Pregnancy
Let us look into what this acute diarrhoea actually means. This shall help you acquaint yourself with the symptoms before it is too late.
Acute diarrhoea does not last for more than 2 weeks. The factors causing it are as follows:
- One of the most common causes is the infection in gut. Diarrhoea can also be caused by different germs, viruses and bacteria. Sometimes you may get the germs by taking contaminated food.
- You may also get the germs by coming in close contact with a person already infected. Since your immunity is low in pregnancy, you need to be particularly careful about the foods you eat and people you come across.
- Too much of anxiety, drinking too much of beer (which is not advisable during pregnancy) can also result in acute diarrhoea.
- Disorders of the gut results in persistent diarrhoea that can often be mistaken as acute diarrhoea.
It is important to bring to the notice of your doctor immediately when you suffer from diarrhoea. He shall take necessary precautions to keep you hydrated and improve your health.
Antimotility medicines, antisecretory medicines and bulk-forming agents are some of the anti-diarrhoeals that are offered to reduce your frequent trips to the toilet. You need to be under medication for some days. Generally, you would not have to take them more than 5 days.
Possible Side Effects of Anti-Diarrhoeals in Pregnancy
Since it is always better to be armed with the right information, you must be well aware of the probable side effects of taking these medicines. You must notify the doctor immediately when you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below:
Look for signs like
dizziness or constipation. Even though
constipation is also associated with pregnancy, you need to bring it up to your doctor if you are taking the Anti-Diarrhoeals in pregnancy.
You must immediately stop taking the drugs if you notice bloating or abdominal pains, itching or skin rashes.
Other Alternatives You Can Try
Since it is better to avoid medications of any type in pregnancy, you can try other methods to treat acute diarrhoea. Here are some remedies suggested that can offer you some relief. Take a look below:
Increase Water Intake
Increase your water intake every day. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water, as fruit juice, milk and sugary drinks shall only make matters worse for you. You
can flush away most of the impurities by drinking water.
Have Light Food
You need to rely on a bland diet when your stomach seems in distress. Better known as BRAT diet shall contain all the simple proteins that shall be easy on your stomach. Consider mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables like broccoli and chicken stew to deal with your diarrhoea well. It is better to stick to this until you are completely cured. You must visit the doctor if nothing seems to get better.
Review Past Changes
You must consider any changes that had happened in the past. Think if it is the result of any new medicine that you have started taking. Bring it up to your doctor. Change in medicines can make things better for you. However, remember to stay hydrated and keep following your BRAT diet.
Tacky skin, too much of thirst and dark urine are signs that you need medical attention. Do not wait for things to get better naturally if you notice contractions. Visit a doctor soon.
What are effects of taking anti-diarrhoeals during pregnancy? Is it safe to take anti-diarrhoeals during pregnancy? Which are the natural remedies for dealing with diarrhoea during pregnancy? Discuss here. 
