#antidiarrheal

Enteric diseases pose a significant challenge in modern pig production, impacting the health and productivity of swine herds worldwide. These diseases, often characterized by diarrhea, are particularly problematic in specific age categories such as neonatal and post-weaning pigs. Addressing these issues effectively is crucial for maintaining optimal growth rates and overall herd health. For swine farmers seeking effective anti-diarrheal solutions, understanding and managing these conditions is essential.

Neonatal diarrhea, commonly known as scours, is a frequent issue in piglets under three weeks of age. This condition can be caused by various factors, including infections, nutritional imbalances, or environmental stressors. Diarrhea in neonatal pigs can lead to severe dehydration, stunted growth, and, in extreme cases, high mortality rates. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, including proper hygiene, adequate colostrum intake, and the use of targeted anti-diarrheal supplements.

Post-weaning diarrhea, occurring in pigs shortly after weaning, is another significant concern. This condition is often associated with stress from the weaning process, changes in diet, and the introduction of new pathogens. The stress of weaning can compromise the piglets' immune systems, making them more susceptible to enteric diseases. To mitigate the impact, swine farmers should focus on reducing stressors, ensuring a smooth transition to solid feed, and incorporating effective anti-diarrheal products into their management routine.

Anti-diarrheal supplements designed for swine can play a critical role in managing these conditions. Products like Diaboulard, which are specifically formulated to address enteric diseases, provide targeted relief by stabilizing gut health and promoting a balanced intestinal flora. These supplements often contain ingredients that support hydration, soothe the digestive tract, and enhance overall immune function.

Incorporating anti-diarrheal products into a comprehensive health management plan can lead to significant improvements in piglet health and growth rates. By addressing both neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea, farmers can enhance the welfare of their herds, reduce mortality rates, and achieve desired growth outcomes. Regular monitoring, proper husbandry practices, and effective supplementation are key components of a successful approach to managing enteric diseases in swine.

Tackling enteric diseases in swine requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. Anti-diarrheal solutions like Diaboulard are essential tools for managing neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea, helping to ensure healthy growth and optimal productivity in pig herds. For swine farmers, investing in effective anti-diarrheal products is a crucial step toward achieving and maintaining herd health and performance.

Racecadotril Molecular FormulaC21H23NO4SAverage mass385.477 Da (±)-Acetorphan(RS)-Benzyl N-[3-(acetylthio)-2-benzylpropanoyl]glycinate2-{[2-[(acetylthio)methyl]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropyl]amino}acetic acid (phenylmethyl) ester737876K53XP4TO81110-73-8[RN]Benzyl N-[3-(acetylsulfanyl)-2-benzylpropanoyl]glycinate [ACD/IUPAC Name] CadotrilDexecadotril[INN]Glycine,…

Ingredient: Bismuth subsalicylate.

Dosage Form:

Tablets, chewable: 262 mg bismuth subsalicylate (original, peppermint, and cherry flavors).

Caplets: 262 mg bismuth subsalicylate.

Liquid: 525 mg bismuth subsalicylate per 30 mL (original and cherry flavors).

Maximum Strength Liquid: 525 mg bismuth subsalicylate per 15 mL (original and cherry flavors).

Children's Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets: 400 mg calcium carbonate (not covered on this card).

FDA Indication/Dosages:

For temporary relief of the symptoms of diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, and nausea:

Adults: 2 tablets/tablespoonfuls every hour as needed. Maximum of 8 doses a day for regular strength or 4 doses a day for extra strength.

Children (9-12 years)*: 1 tablet/tablespoonful every hour as needed.

Children (6-9 years)*: 2/3 tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls ever hour as needed.

Children (3-6 years)*: 1/3 tablet or 1 teaspoonful every hour as needed.

*Maximum of 8 doses a day.

Pharmacology: The exact mechanism of action of bismuth subsalicylate is unknown. The salicylate fraction may work by decreasing intestinal motility or by decreasing gastrointestinal secretions through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Bismuth may work as an antibacterial. In addition, bismuth subsalicylate has absorbent properties which decrease the liquidity of the stool.

Evaluation: Diarrhea is usually sudden in onset and is described as an increase in the frequency and liquidity of stools accompanied by abdominal cramping, pain, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Common causes of acute diarrhea include bacterial, viral, or protozoal infections, food intolerance, and medication adverse effects. A careful assessment of the patient’s condition and immediate history will help to determine if the diarrhea is acute or chronic. Patients with diarrhea that lasts longer than 5 days or is accompanied by a high fever, bloody stools, dehydration, or chronic abdominal pain should be referred to a physician for examination. Patients with underlying chronic disease states, infants, pregnant women, and the elderly should be referred to a physician.

Contraindications/Precautions: Do not use for more than 2 days unless directed to do so by a physician. Do not use if diarrhea is accompanied by a high fever or bloody stools. Children and teenagers should not use this medication for chicken pox or flu-like symptoms before a doctor is consulted about Reye Syndrome. Do not use during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless directed to do so by a physician. Do not use in patients allergic to aspirin, with asthma, gastric ulcers or bleeding, stomach pain, gout, diabetes, or in patients taking prescription medication for arthritis or blood thinning unless directed to do so by a physician. Stop medication if signs of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss appears. May inhibit the effects of probenecid and sulfinpyrazone. Additive effects can be seen when used with oral anticoagulants. Extensive fluid and electrolyte depletion occurs during diarrhea and replacement therapy may be needed. Absorption of prescription drugs during diarrhea may be hampered and a judgement of the risk of decreased absorption should be made.

Adverse Effects: Temporary darkening of the tongue or stools.

Patient Consultation:

Ask the patient if they are currently taking prescription medications.

Do not use for more than 2 days or in the presence of a high fever or bloody stools.

Prevent dehydration by drinking fluids high in electrolytes.

Avoid milk until diarrhea subsides.

May cause harmless darkening of the tongue or stools.

Ingredient: Loperamide hydrochloride.

Dosage Form:

Caplets: 2 mg loperamide HCl.

Liquid: 1 mg loperamide HCl per 7.5 mL (children’s formula is alcohol free). Dosage cup holds 4 teaspoonfuls.

*Also available as Multi-Symptom Relief Caplets and Chewable with 2 mg loperamide HCl and 125 mg simethicone.

FDA Indication/Dosages:

For temporary relief of the symptoms of diarrhea:

Adults: 2 caplets/4 teaspoonfuls after the first loose bowel movement and 1 caplet/2 teaspoonfuls after each subsequent loose bowel movement. Maximum of 4 caplets/8 teaspoonfuls a day for no more than 2 days.

Children (9-11 years): 2 teaspoonfuls after the first loose bowel movement and 1 teaspoonfuls after each subsequent loose bowel movement. Maximum of 6 teaspoonfuls a day.      

Children (6-8 years): 2 teaspoonfuls after the first loose bowel movement and 1 teaspoonful after each subsequent lose bowel movement. Maximum of 4 teaspoonfuls a day.

Pharmacology: Loperamide is a synthetic opioid that is absorbed slowly from the gastrointestinal tract with little CNS activity. It acts by stimulating μ-receptors on gastric neurons causing gastrointestinal contractions. The increased contractions actually inhibit normal peristalsis and slow the movement of contents through the intestinal tract. This in turn increases absorption of fluid and solutes from the intestinal tract.

Evaluation: Diarrhea is usually sudden in onset and is described as an increase in the frequency and liquidity of stools accompanied by abdominal cramping, pain, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Common causes of acute diarrhea include bacterial, viral, or protozoal infections, food intolerance, and medication adverse effects. A careful assessment of the patient’s condition and immediate history will help to determine if the diarrhea is acute or chronic. Patients with diarrhea that lasts for longer than 5 days or is accompanied by a high fever, bloody stools, dehydration, or chronic abdominal pain should be referred to a physician for examination. Patients with underlying chronic disease states, infants, pregnant women, and the elderly should also be referred to a physician.

Contraindications/Precautions: Do not use for more than 2 days unless directed to do so by a physician. Do not use if diarrhea is accompanied by a high fever or bloody stools. Use with caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Do not use in patients with ulcerative colitis or in patients with diarrhea caused by E. coli, salmonella, or Shigella. Extensive fluid and electrolyte depletion occurs during diarrhea and replacement therapy may be needed. Absorption of prescription drugs may be hampered and a judgement of the risk of decreased absorption should be made.

Adverse Effects: Constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting.

Patient Consultation:

Do not use for more than 2 days or in the presence of a high fever or bloody stools.

Prevent dehydration by drinking fluid high in electrolytes.

Avoid milk until diarrhea subsides.

Prunus serotina | Black Cherry

Plant Community: Barrier Beach

Type: Tree

Family: Rosaceae

Native Status: North America; Native

Mature Size: Height 50′ - 80′ | Spread 30′ - 60′

Habitat / Conditions: Black cherry is native to eastern North America, Mexico and Central America. It typically occurs in both lowland and upland woods and along streams. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in moist, fertile loams in full sun. Young trees develop a long tap root which makes transplanting difficult.

Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9

Leaf Color: Green

Flower Color / Bloom Time: White | April - May

Medicinal Properties:  

Historic: Black cherry was widely employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The bark of the root, trunk and branches is antitussive, astringent, pectoral, sedative, stomachic, tonic. The medicinal properties of this plant are destroyed by boiling, so the plant should only be allowed to steep in warm water. The root bark and the aromatic inner bark have expectorant and mild sedative properties and a tea made from either of them has been used to ease pain in the early stages of labour. The bark is harvested in the autumn and should not be stored for longer than one year since it quickly loses its medicinal properties. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis. The root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers. 

Modern:

The bark contains the glycoside prunasin, which is converted in the digestive tract to the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid. Prunasin is at its highest level in the bark in the autumn so the bark is harvested at this time and can be dried for later use. In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being. The fruit is astringent and has been used in the treatment of dysentery.

Sources:

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a914

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+serotina