European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

In clinical practice, nonspecific antidiarrheals (allopathic and ayurvedic) are commonly
used by clinicians along with routine treatment to hasten the recovery and to give
psychological reassurance. Although they are used extensively in practice, studies
comparing their efficacy are few. This prospective observational study was carried out
at two private clinics run by pediatricians to compare the efficacy, safety, and
tolerability of DIAREX, an ayurvedic antidiarrheal formulation versus loperamide in
the treatment of acute diarrhea.
Children aged 5y to 10 y who presented to the clinic with acute diarrhea and fulfilling
selection criteria were enrolled and divided into two treatment groups viz, DIAREX and
loperamide. Data collection was done using predesigned case report forms and
questionnaires. Outcome Measures used were 1)Duration of diarrhea, after initiation of
treatment 2)Frequency of stools until recovery 3)Time required for improvement in
stool consistency. The groups were comparable clinically and demographically at
enrolment.
Loperamide improved stool consistency in less time compared to DIAREX (16.24h
vs 29.00h). Patients on loperamide passed 3.32± 0.16 stools before recovery, while
patients on DIAREX passed 5.26± 0.27stools. Rapid improvement in stool consistency
and frequency was found with loperamide compared to DIAREX. The mean duration of
diarrhea was less for loperamide group (30.35±1.43h Vs. 42.77±1.48h; P < 0.05).
DIAREX was found to be clinically useful to decrease the duration and symptoms in
acute diarrhea in children. However, loperamide was more effective. DIAREX may be
used, if there is concern about the adverse events with loperamide.