DIARRHOEA & VOMITING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Definition/Criteria
Diarrhoea Increased frequency and fluidity of defecation
Vomiting Forcible ejection of contents of stomach
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Criteria for INCLUSION
Patients experiencing the above symptoms
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Criteria for EXCLUSION
 Children under the age of 1 year
 Pregnant women
 Patients with chronic diarrhoea problems
 Vomiting not improving after 1 day
 Diarrhoea not improving after 5 days, especially following return from tropical or
developing country.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Action for excluded patients and non-complying patients
Referral to General Practitioner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Action for included patients
Advice
Patient should have adequate fluid replacement for 24 – 48 hours until the symptom resolves
Fast for 24hours with clear fluids only
Sip fluids
Light diet for first few days
Diarrhoea not improving after 5 days, especially following return from tropical or developing
country. These patients will be advised to collect a specimen bottle from the surgery for stool
culture and to make an appointment to see the doctor when the results are available.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Treatment
Loperamide caps x 8
Dioralyte sachets x 6
Criteria
Loperamide for adults and children over 12 years
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Side effects and their management
Loperamide can cause abdominal pain and bloating
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When and how to refer to GP
Conditional referral
If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, consult the GP
Consider Supply but patient should be advised to make an appointment to see a GP if:
Patients taking medication with recognised diarrhoea effect
Rapid referral:
Adults, where symptoms have lasted more than 5 days
Children, where symptoms have lasted more than 48 hours or who look ill or dehydrated
Pregnancy
Level ! Treatment Protocol
Review Date October 2015