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Prevention and Management of Diarrhoea

There are many causes of diarrhoea in patients undergoing treatment for cancer, and it is essential that the appropriate cause is identified by your doctor in order that the correct treatment is undertaken promptly. 

Severe diarrhoea: 
If any of these features are present you should cease any chemotherapy medication and seek urgent medical advice:
  • More than 4-6 bowel motions per day
  • Bowel motions occurring during normal sleeping hours
  • Presence of blood or mucus in the motion
  • Associated cramping abdominal pain
  • Associated nausea and vomiting
  • Associated severe mouth soreness and/or ulceration
  • Dehydration (dry tongue, excessive thirst, loss of skin elasticity)

Mild diarrhoea: 
Proceed as follows:
  • Encourage clear oral fluids, up to 2 litres per day or more, including clear soups, flat soft drinks, cordials, weak tea.
  • Bland diet until the symptoms have resolved for 24-48 hrs. Mashed banana, rice bubbles, skim milk, jelly, blancmange, vegemite toast, steamed fish, boiled rice, clear soups, mashed potato, low-fat ice-cream.  The BRAT diet (Bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast). 
  • Use inhibitors of bowel contraction like loperamide (Lomotil) or Imodium, 1-2 tablets 6th hourly after bowel movements. In more severe cases your doctor may prescribe codeine phosphate, 30 mg tablets, 1-2 tablets 4th hourly as required.
  • Seek medical advice about routine daily medications, but mostly these are OK. Avoid arthritis medication
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​Impartial cancer information, with an emphasis on breast cancer.  No sponsors or advertisements.  Updated regularly.  Written by Prof Rick Kefford, Medical Oncologist, and Jenny Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner.

Copyright © 2020, Professor Richard Kefford AM MB BS PhD FRACP FAHMS.  All rights reserved.

  • Home
    • About
    • Locations
    • Appointments
    • Fees
    • Contact
  • Our Team
  • New Patients
  • Cancer Information
    • Advice for Carers
    • Alternative Medicine
    • Breast Cancer >
      • Adjuvant chemotherapy
      • After chemotherapy - what now?
      • Alopecia from Hormonal Therapy
      • Bisphosphonates - the bone strengtheners
      • Breast Cancer Myths
      • Causes of breast cancer
      • Chemotherapy for breast cancer
      • Family History
      • Femara, Arimidex and Aromasin: The Aromatase Inhibitors
      • Metastatic Breast Cancer
      • Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      • Osteoporosis
      • Stage, Grade & Receptors
      • Tamoxifen
      • Targeted Therapies >
        • Anti-HER2 therapies
        • Other targeted therapies
      • Zoladex and stopping the ovaries
    • Clinical Trials
    • Exercise
    • FAQ
    • Herbal Preparations
    • Insomnia
    • Living with Chemotherapy >
      • Anaemia
      • Alopecia
      • Bad Smells
      • Beating Nausea
      • Changes in mental function
      • Depression
      • Diarrhoea
      • Dysgeusia
      • Fatigue
      • Indigestion and Heartburn
      • Low Blood Counts and Infection
      • Menstrual Changes and Infertility
      • Mouth Soreness and Ulceration
      • Nose Bleeds
      • Port-a-caths
    • Managing Menopause
    • Marijuana
    • Nutrition >
      • Eating to be cancer free
      • Losing Weight
      • Diet and chemotherapy
    • Pain
    • Palliative Care
    • Vaccinations
    • What's new
  • COVID-19 information
  • MORE
    • Downloads
    • Useful Resources
    • Patient information booklets
  • Search