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Loose motions
Hii doctors, my father got discharged after his head injury treatment, now he is on treatment -
Tab phenytoin,
tab oleanzapine,
tab Levipil,
tab oxetol,
tab clonazepam ,etc
Since discharge, he got 4-5times motions per dayin single day, then no motions till 4days, again he got 6-7motions since yesterday, has given ORS,
What to do now?
Can we give him tab dicyclomine or tab loperamide? One of my medical friend said don't give it, if not then what to give? Can you help me analyse
Answers (10)
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Your father’s bowel pattern (multiple loose motions in a day, then constipation for days, then again diarrhea) after head-injury discharge is most likely drug-related and gut-motility related, not simple infection.
He is on multiple CNS drugs (phenytoin, levetiracetam/Levipil, oxcarbazepine/Oxetol, clonazepam, olanzapine). These can disturb autonomic gut control, cause alternating diarrhea–constipation, and also alter hydration and appetite.
⚠️ Important:
• Loperamide should NOT be given blindly in post-head injury patients unless advised by a doctor, because it can mask serious causes and worsen ileus or toxin retention.
• Dicyclomine is also not ideal here; it can cause confusion, drowsiness, urinary retention, and worsen CNS side effects in elderly or brain-injury patients.
So your medical friend is right to caution against both.
Next Steps
What you should do now:
Immediately
• Continue ORS (small frequent sips)
• Give light diet (rice, curd, banana, toast)
• Avoid oily, spicy, milk-heavy foods
Safer medications (after doctor approval)
• Probiotic (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii or multi-strain probiotic) – helps stabilize gut
• Zinc syrup/tablet once daily for 5–7 days
• If stools are very frequent (>6/day) or watery → stool routine + culture may be needed
Doctor review is needed urgently if
• Blood/mucus in stool
• Fever
• Increasing drowsiness, confusion
• Signs of dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance suspected (very important with antiepileptics)
A physician or neurologist may also need to:
• Review drug doses
• Check electrolytes (Na⁺ especially) because oxcarbazepine can cause hyponatremia → diarrhea & weakness
Health Tips
• Do not stop or change seizure medicines on your own
• Maintain a bowel chart (frequency, consistency)
• Ensure adequate fluids unless fluid-restricted
• Avoid self-medication with antidiarrheals in neuro patients
This situation is manageable and common after head injury, but it needs guided treatment rather than trial-and-error medicines.
If you want, an online consultation can help review his medicines and guide safe bowel management without risking complications.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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Take sporlac ds 1-1-1 for 3 days
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T redotil 100 mg tds if severe.otherwise it may be due to medication. Visit your concerned physician.
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Seems like he gets constipated and then passes motion several times.
No medications are indicated.
Keep hydrated and if he is able to encourage sitting and walking as that also helps with his motions.
All the best.
J G S R clinic
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Ors, LAMONADE ELECTORAL POWDER BUTTERMILK CURD.
Yes you can use
Enterogermina respule three times a probiotic in concentrated forms 3to5 days.
As per age 70 lopramide I don't suggest as lot of time it cease intestinal movement. So Enterogermina respule is very safe.
Oz tab two times a day after food for 3to5 days
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Loperamide can be given for symptomatic management..ORS can be given for counteract dehydration.. But you need some blood test for finding actual cause for this.. I need proper history and symptoms please connect me throgh practo or wattsap nine zero seven two two zero seven zero nine three
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This pattern in the elderly often suggests fecal impaction with overflow diarrhea, drug-related gut dysmotility, or infection.These drugs increase the risk of ileus, constipation, and altered sensorium. Do not give loperamide or dicyclomine for upset .because its aggravated the symptoms.
✅ ORS + observation is ok now and observe.if something serious still then please consult ASAP for further evaluation and proper management.
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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