antidiarrheal /an·ti·di·ar·rhe·al/ (-di″ah-re´al) counteracting diarrhea, or an agent that does this.
antidiarrheal
an·ti·di·ar·rhe·al ( n t -d  -r l, ant-)n. A substance used to prevent or treat diarrhea. |
antidiarrheal
[-dī′ərē′əl]
a drug or dietary fiber-forming agent that relieves the symptoms of diarrhea. The most effective antidiarrheal drugs are opioid derivatives, which slow intestinal motility to permit greater time for the absorption of water and electrolytes. Dietary fiber-forming agents improve stool consistency but may not decrease fluid and electrolyte loss. Infectious diarrhea (for example, traveler's diarrhea) may require antibiotics if severe.
antidiarrheal
1. counteracting diarrhea.
2. an agent that counteracts diarrhea.
antidiarrheal agents
medicines used as antidiarrheals in animals. Includes parasympatholytic drugs, e.g. atropine, which act as a spasmolytic or antispasmodic, opiates, protectants and absorbents, e.g. activated charcoal, kaolin and astringents, e.g. catechu, tannic acid. The classification does not include the treatments that are specific for the diseases that cause diarrhea, e.g. antibiotics.
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