Hi,
Chronic diarrhea and
constipation can have various underlying causes, including colitis,
irritable bowel syndrome,
inflammatory bowel disease, infections, medications, and other medical conditions. In your mother's case, it seems that she has been diagnosed with colitis, and has been prescribed several medications to manage her symptoms, with limited success.
It's important to note that
ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication and is not typically used to treat colitis. It may have been prescribed to alleviate the nausea or
vomiting that your mother may be experiencing. Additionally, Lomotil is an anti-diarrheal medication that may provide temporary relief, but should not be relied on as a long-term solution for chronic diarrhea.
Regarding the issue of constipation, the reduced dosage of ondansetron may have contributed to this symptom. In general, it's important to maintain a balance of fluids and electrolytes to prevent
dehydration, especially if your mother has a history of low sodium levels. You may want to discuss with your mother's doctor whether increasing fluid intake or incorporating electrolyte replacement drinks could be beneficial for her.
It's also important for your mother to follow up with her doctor to discuss alternative treatment options or to seek a referral to a specialist if necessary. Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who specialize in the digestive system and can help diagnose and manage conditions such as colitis.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician