Lower gastrointestinal tract. 2. Diarrhoea and diverticular disease

For more than 70% of patients with diarrhoea, investigation can reveal a cause, which should be treated specifically whenever possible. Symptomatic treatment can be a useful adjunct or a mainstay if no cause can be found. Drug selection and doses are similar to those for younger age groups, but drug interactions and side effects, and dose adjustment because of renal failure, are more likely in the elderly.