anti-diarrheal medications

Anti-diarrheal medications help control and reduce diarrhea by slowing down bowel movements and firming stool consistency. They work by various mechanisms, such as decreasing intestinal inflammation, reducing gut motility, or absorbing excess fluids. Common options include loperamide, which slows intestinal movement, and bismuth subsalicylate, which protects the stomach lining and has mild antimicrobial effects. These medications are typically used for short-term relief of acute diarrhea but should be used cautiously and under medical guidance for underlying or persistent conditions. Their goal is to provide comfort while addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms.