Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea is characterized by the rapid evacuation of watery stools. It is primarily caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or protozoa. This condition leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in affected individuals.

Common bacterial pathogens responsible for acute diarrhea include Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella species .

The initial treatment focuses on oral or IV rehydration using sodium chloride and glucose preparations to restore the body's water and electrolyte levels.

Additionally, the first-line antibiotics of choice are fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or levofloxacin.

These antibiotics work by inhibiting DNA gyrase, thereby preventing the negative supercoiling of DNA and halting DNA replication.

For children suffering from acute diarrhea confirmed to be caused by susceptible bacteria, azithromycin is often prescribed. It kills the causative bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis.