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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Side Effects of Cancer Treatments > Treatments for Diarrhea

Treatments for Diarrhea

Because of their effects on dividing cells, including those that line the digestive system, cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea.⁽¹⁾  Consumption of substances containing beneficial bacteria has been shown to reduce the occurrence and severity of diarrhea.⁽²⁾

Treatments for diarrhea include⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾:

• Diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil)
• Loperamide (Imodium)

References for this page:

1. Richardson G, Dobish R. Chemotherapy induced diarrhea. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2007 Dec;13(4):181-98. [PUBMED]
2. Visich KL, Yeo TP. The prophylactic use of probiotics in the prevention of radiation therapy-induced diarrhea. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2010 Aug;14(4):467-73. [PUBMED]
3. Benson AB 3rd, Ajani JA, Catalano RB, Engelking C, Kornblau SM, Martenson JA Jr, McCallum R, Mitchell EP, O'Dorisio TM, Vokes EE, Wadler S. Recommended guidelines for the treatment of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea. J Clin Oncol. 2004 Jul 15;22(14):2918-26. [PUBMED]