Diarrhoea, Acute, Without Blood, in Adults

Description

Medicine Treatment

Referral

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ICD-10 code: A09.0/A09.9/K52.2/K52.8/K52.9

DESCRIPTION

Acute diarrhoea is usually self-limiting and is managed by fluid replacement.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Treat dehydration vigorously:

•  Oral rehydration solution (ORS).

OR

• Homemade sugar and salt solution (SSS).

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Homemade sugar and salt solution (SSS)
½ level medicine measure of table salt
plus
8 level medicine measures of sugar
dissolved in 1 litre of boiled (if possible) then cooled water
(1 level medicine measure = approximately 1 level 5 mL teaspoon)

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• Loperamide, oral, 4 mg immediately and 2 mg as required after each loose stool.
  •  Maximum daily dose for adults: refer to dose table below.

LoE:IVb¹¹

Weight band	Maximum daily dose (equivalent maximum number of 2 mg tablets per day)
34-39 kg	10 mg (5 tablets)
40-46 kg	12 mg (6 tablets)
47-53 kg	14 mg (7 tablets)
≥ 54 kg	16 mg (8 tablets)

REFERRAL

• Suspected acute surgical abdomen.

Dehydration not corrected with rehydration.

Click here to access the pdf.

Click here for the  NEMLC Recommendations for medicine amendments (2020-4 review cycle).

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Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1_June 2024

Chapter 2: Gastro-intestinal conditions, 2.9 Diarrhoea, 2.9.3 Diarrhoea, Acute, Without Blood, in Adults