[The therapeutic effects of the calcium blocker verapamil in chronic diarrhea. Preliminary communication]

The results of an open clinical trial carried out between 1985 and 1989, studying the effect of calcium antagonists, particularly verapamil, on chronic diarrhea of different etiologies, are presented. 44 patients out of 46 (95.65%) experienced total remission of symptoms. 3 cases of colitis improved from stage III to stage I (Bockus), thus avoiding already planned surgery. The usefulness of verapamil in the control and prophylaxis of diarrhea either after gastroenteric surgery or induced by travel or Crohn's disease should be pointed out. 2 non-responders suffered from drug induced diarrhea (lithium, carbamazepine). In spite of the large doses given (up to 720 mg), the side effects were negligible and in no case did the treatment have to be interrupted. In some cases the treatment lasted from some weeks to several months, and in cases of diarrhea after gastroenteric surgery or of hyperkinetic colon even for three to four years. The known action of calcium antagonists on smooth muscle and intestinal absorption probably accounts for the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs in diarrhea.