25.1.4
Diarrhoea
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 25, Palliative Care.
Clinical Description
Common causes (see relevant chapter for details)
Infectious (refer to specific chapters), check for constipation with overflow diarrhoea in immobile patients on opiates, other
Non-pharmacological
- Encourage oral fluids if dehydrated
- Attention to skin care and regular change of linen (see section on pressure/bed sores)
Pharmacological
- Morphine 2.5mg-5mg 4 hourly or MST 10mg every 12hrs
- Loperamide 4mg STAT then 2mg after each loose stool
Complications and Referral Criteria
- IV fluids maybe indicated in certain situations when patient becomes dehydrated (e.g.
as a result of chemotherapy)
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