Diarex

Diarex is a medication used to treat diarrhea. It works by slowing down the movement of the intestine. This allows the body to absorb more water and electrolytes from the intestine. Diarex is used to treat diarrhea that is caused by certain infections, such as traveler's diarrhea. Diarex is also used to prevent diarrhea that may occur after surgery. Diarex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

Diarex can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems. Call your doctor at once if you have fast or pounding heartbeats and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).

You should not use Diarex if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blockage in your intestines;
• severe liver disease;
• a history of Long QT syndrome; or
• slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Diarex if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blockage in your intestines;
• severe liver disease;
• a history of Long QT syndrome; or
• slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint.

To make sure Diarex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• a heart rhythm disorder;
• low levels of potassium in your blood;
• a history of heart disease, congestive heart failure;
• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; or
• if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

FDA pregnancy category B. Diarex is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Diarex can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Diarex?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Diarex is usually taken 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Diarex can be taken with or without food.

Diarex is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include rest, a special diet, and other medications. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions about how much fluid you should drink each day to prevent dehydration.

To treat traveler's diarrhea, take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Diarex will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Diarex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast or pounding heartbeats and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• new or worsening symptoms of liver disease (such as dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, pale stools);
• kidney problems--little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath;
• low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common Diarex side effects may include:

• mild diarrhea;
• stomach pain, bloating;
• gas, feeling full; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

Diarex dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Diarrhea:

• traveler's diarrhea: 2 g orally 3 times a day for 3 days or until diarrhea resolves

Comments:

• If diarrhea persists after 3 days of therapy, discontinue and consider another diagnosis.

Usual Adult Dose for enteritis:

• traveler's diarrhea: 2 g orally 3 times a day for 3 days or until diarrhea resolves

Comments:

• If diarrhea persists after 3 days of therapy, discontinue and consider another diagnosis.