How to Treat Crohn's Disease With Anti-Diarrheals

Diarrhea is a common problem associated with Crohn's disease. Complications can arise due to malabsorption of proteins, vitamins and calories into the body when diarrhea is active. The complexity of Crohn's disease requires the expertise of a gastroenterology specialist to avoid causing constipation and further complications when treating with anti-diarrheals.

Instructions

Get Information About Anti-Diarrheals to Treat Crohn's Disease

• 1

  Control mild to moderate diarrhea with anti-diarrheals such as loperamide (Imodium), which have anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergics block specific pathways of the nervous system that trigger intestinal muscle activity.

• 2

  Use a fiber supplement such as Metamucil (psyllium powder) or Citrucel (methylcellulose). Adding bulk to make your stool firmer may result in the reduction of diarrheal episodes.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about the use of Lomotil (a combination of diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate) as an anticholinergic drug for diarrhea. The atropine is used to reduce spasms in the gastrointestinal tract which works with the antidiarrheal effects of diphenoxylate to control diarrhea.

• 4

  Check with your doctor about the possibility of using opiates for control of pain and diarrhea in severe cases of Crohn's disease. Opiates work by reducing the spasms in the intestine related to diarrhea.

• 5

  Consider the use of cholestyramine (Questran) as one of the anti-diarrheals to treat Crohn's disease. It is particularly effective in the event of an ileal resection.

Support Treatment with Anti-Diarrheals for Crohn's Disease

• 6

  Choose foods that do not have a laxative effect. This includes raw fruits and vegetables.

• 7

  Give your bowel a rest from digesting solids by consuming liquids only for a few days. Including fluids that are rich in electrolytes and rehydrating ingredients will help keep your system in balance while reducing the demand on the intestines.

• 8

  Stay away from stimulants such as caffeine while working to get diarrhea under control.

• 9

  Consider taking enzyme supplements for an intolerance to lactose in your diet.

• 10

  Consider reducing the amount of roughage in your diet when you treat an episode of diarrhea related to Crohn's disease.