Nonspecific anti-diarrheal

In clinical practice, nonspecific anti-diarrheals (allopathic and ayurvedic) are commonly used by clinicians along with routine treatment, to hasten the recovery and to provide psychological relief. Although they are used extensively in clinical practice, there are variable reports regarding their efficacy and utility. This prospective observational study was carried out in two private clinics run by paediatricians to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of MEBARID versus DIAREX, ayurvedic polyherbal anti-diarrheal formulations in the treatment of acute diarrhea. Children suffering from acute diarrhea (aged 2 y to 10 y) who presented to the clinic with acute diarrhea and fulfilling selection criteria were enrolled and divided into two treatment groups viz, MEBARID and DIAREX. Data collection was done using predesigned case report forms and questionnaires. Outcome measures used were 1) duration of diarrhea, after initiation of treatment 2) no. of diarrheal stools until recovery 3) time (h) required for improvement in stool consistency. We found significant difference in time needed for improvement in  stool consistency  between MEBARID and DIAREX  (19.95 h vs. 29 h).  Administration of MEBARID  reduced the stool frequency significantly (p < 0.01)  compared to DIAREX. However, the mean duration of diarrhea was significantly reduced by  DIAREX  (42.77 ± 1.48 vs. 54.15 ± 1.53). No serious adverse effects were recorded during the study. Administration  of MEBARID hastened the recovery of children suffering from acute diarrhea significantly by reducing frequency & improving consistency of stools compared to DIAREX. But DIAREX significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea compared to MEBARID.