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Diarrhoea red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateGastrointestinal TherapeuticsDiarrhoea red flagsGPhC CRA

A 66-year-old patient asks to buy loperamide for diarrhoea after a recent course of co-amoxiclav. They have fever, abdominal cramping and blood-stained stool. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: C — Do not supply loperamide and refer for urgent medical assessment

Fever, blood-stained stool and recent antibiotic exposure raise concern for infective colitis, including C. difficile. Loperamide may be unsafe when invasive infection or significant colitis is suspected. The patient needs urgent assessment. Leftover antibiotics and NSAIDs could worsen harm.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF