Diarrhea in infants and children is usually caused by an infection that heals spontaneously, without the need for treatment, but the best option is always to take the child to the pediatrician, so that he can make a detailed assessment and give guidelines to avoid complications, such as dehydration, for example.
If the child has a fever, the diarrhea lasts for several days, the stools are very liquid or the stools are frequent, for example, the doctor may prescribe drugs that speed recovery, such as probiotics, oral hydration solutions or antipyretics.
Some of the medications that can be indicated by the doctor to treat diarrhea are:
1. Oral rehydration solutions
Oral rehydration therapy consists of administering appropriate solutions in order to correct and prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea. Some examples of solutions that can be indicated for oral rehydration are Floralyte, Hidrafix, Rehidrat or Pedialyte. Alternatively, you can use a homemade serum, which can be prepared at home. Here's how to do it.
How to use: Oral rehydration solutions should be given to the child, little by little, throughout the day, especially after each diarrheal dejection.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics contribute to altering the composition of intestinal microflora, inactivating bacterial toxins, inhibiting the binding of toxins to intestinal receptors, stimulating the immune system and inhibiting the inflammatory response induced by toxins, creating unfavorable conditions for the multiplication of pathogens, leading shorter duration of diarrhea.
The most used probiotics for the treatment of diarrhea are Saccharomyces boulardii (Floratil, Repoflor) and Lactobacillus (Colikids, Provance, ZincoPro) . See how to use Colikids.
How to use: The dosage depends on the probiotic prescribed and should be performed as directed by the doctor.
Possible side effects: Although rare, some of the adverse effects that can occur with the use of racecadotril are headache and redness of the skin.
3. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is related to the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier, tissue repair and immune function. During episodes of acute diarrhea, there may be zinc deficiency and, therefore, in some cases, the doctor may recommend supplementation with this mineral.
Examples of remedies for pediatric use are Biozinc kids, with zinc in their composition, and Zincopro sachets, which in addition to zinc also have probiotics in their composition.
How to use: The dosage depends on the zinc supplement that is indicated by the doctor.
Possible side effects: Zinc supplements are generally well tolerated and no adverse effects are known with their use.
4. Racecadotrila
Racecadotril is a remedy that exerts its antidiarrheal effect by inhibiting intestinal encephalinase, reducing the secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestine, being effective in reducing diarrhea.
An example of a drug with racecadotril in its composition, for pediatric use is Tiorfan in sachets.
How to use: The recommended dosage is 1.5 mg / kg of body weight, three times a day.
Possible side effects: Although very rare, adverse reactions can occur, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness and headache.
5. Antipyretics
In some cases, especially if the diarrhea results from an infection, the child may also have a fever, which can be relieved with an antipyretic, such as paracetamol (Tylenol) or Dipyrone (Novalgina), taken orally. During episodes of diarrhea, the use of these drugs in suppository should be avoided as much as possible.
How to use: The dose to be administered depends on the child's weight.
Possible side effects: Although rare, allergic skin reactions can occur.
Antibiotic therapy is generally not indicated for diarrhea in children, with the exception of childhood diarrhea with blood, suspected cholera with severe dehydration, severe non-intestinal infections, in children under 3 months of age, in primary or secondary immunodeficiency, immunosuppressive therapy or if there is sepsis as a complication.
Watch the following video and find out which diet is best for diarrhea:
See also how to prepare home remedies for diarrhea.
