{
  "schema_version": 1,
  "kind": "condition",
  "id": "acute-gastroenteritis",
  "name": "Acute gastroenteritis",
  "category": "infectious",
  "sources": "DailyMed Alinia (nitazoxanide) Tablet / Oral Suspension Package Insert, SetID 8d9b1580-0a25-4c07-9b24-4f9640989d25 · DailyMed Zinc Sulfate Tablet / Supplement Package Insert (DailyMed, NLM) · Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Antimicrobial 2023 (ciprofloxacin monograph) · Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Gastrointestinal Tract 2025 (loperamide monograph) · Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Gastrointestinal Tract 2025 (ondansetron monograph) · IMCI Guidelines Egypt 2020 · MSF Essential Drugs 2024 - paracetamol (oral) · WHO Management of Acute Diarrhoea 2019 · WHO. The treatment of diarrhoea: a manual for physicians and other senior health workers, 4th rev. Geneva: WHO; 2005 · WHO. The treatment of diarrhoea: a manual for physicians and other senior health workers, 4th rev. Geneva: WHO; 2005 (IRIS 10665/43209), section 4.3.1 and Table 2",
  "review_status": "reviewed",
  "verified_against": "DailyMed Alinia (nitazoxanide) Tablet / Oral Suspension Package Insert, SetID 8d9b1580-0a25-4c07-9b24-4f9640989d25 · DailyMed Zinc Sulfate Tablet / Supplement Package Insert (DailyMed, NLM) · Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Antimicrobial 2023 (ciprofloxacin monograph) · Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Gastrointestinal Tract 2025 (loperamide monograph) · Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Gastrointestinal Tract 2025 (ondansetron monograph) · MSF Essential Drugs 2024 - paracetamol (oral) · WHO. The treatment of diarrhoea: a manual for physicians and other senior health workers, 4th rev. Geneva: WHO; 2005",
  "verified_date": "2026-08",
  "treatments": [
    {
      "id": 54,
      "generic": "Zinc sulphate",
      "line": 1,
      "is_adjunct": false,
      "form": "oral.solid",
      "strength_mg": 20.0,
      "adult_dose": "Not established by WHO for adult gastroenteritis; adult dietary supplement dosing is typically 15-50 mg daily of elemental zinc.",
      "adult_duration": "10-14 days",
      "dose_source": "DailyMed Zinc Sulfate Tablet / Supplement Package Insert (DailyMed, NLM)",
      "rationale": "Zinc supplementation supports gut mucosal repair and immune function during and after diarrheal illness; recommended by WHO as a companion to oral rehydration to shorten the episode and reduce recurrence, not as a substitute for fluids.",
      "cautions": [
        "Give full 10-14 day course even after diarrhea stops.",
        "May cause mild nausea or abdominal discomfort.",
        "Zinc sulphate is a WHO recommended adjunct that reduces duration and severity."
      ],
      "peds_mgkg_low": null,
      "peds_mgkg_high": null,
      "peds_max_mg": null,
      "peds_basis": null,
      "peds_unit": null,
      "peds_note": "10 mg/day under 6 months, 20 mg/day from 6 months, for 10-14 days",
      "peds_min_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_max_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_age_min_months": null,
      "peds_age_max_months": null,
      "peds_age_bands": [
        {
          "label": "Under 6 months",
          "age_min_months": 0,
          "age_max_months": 5,
          "dose_text": "10 mg daily for 10 to 14 days"
        },
        {
          "label": "6 months and over",
          "age_min_months": 6,
          "age_max_months": 216,
          "dose_text": "20 mg daily for 10 to 14 days"
        }
      ],
      "peds_doses": null,
      "brands": [
        {
          "trade_name": "ZINCOSAFE 11 MG 100 CAPS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "SAFE PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 50.0,
          "pack_count": 100,
          "unit_price": 0.5,
          "strength_mg": 11.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ZINC STRONG 20 CAPS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "NAPCO",
          "price_egp": 29.0,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 1.45,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ARABZINC 50 MG 30 TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "ARAB CAPS > KMT PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 45.0,
          "pack_count": 30,
          "unit_price": 1.5,
          "strength_mg": 50.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "GREEN & LEAN ZINC 50 MG 30 CAPS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "> ALTONA HEALTH",
          "price_egp": 48.0,
          "pack_count": 30,
          "unit_price": 1.6,
          "strength_mg": 50.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "MONO ZINC 20 F.C. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "ARAB CAPS > BIOMEDA",
          "price_egp": 41.25,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 2.06,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ALL ONE ZINC 50 MG 30 TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MOZN PHARMACEUTICAL",
          "price_egp": 80.0,
          "pack_count": 30,
          "unit_price": 2.67,
          "strength_mg": 50.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "OCTOZINC 25 MG 100*10 CAPS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "OCTOBER PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 850.0,
          "pack_count": 10,
          "unit_price": 85.0,
          "strength_mg": 25.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ZINC PICOLINATE 50 MG 120 VEG. CAPS. (NOW)",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "NOW FOODS > SOFICOPHARM",
          "price_egp": 1300.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 50.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ZINC SULFATE 10MG/5ML POWDER FOR SYRUP",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "CID",
          "price_egp": 5.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 10.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": false,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ZINC-SEDICO 10MG/5ML PD. FOR ORAL SOL.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "SEDICO",
          "price_egp": 7.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 10.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": false,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        }
      ],
      "condition_id": "acute-gastroenteritis"
    },
    {
      "id": 55,
      "generic": "Ondansetron",
      "line": 2,
      "is_adjunct": false,
      "form": "oral.solid",
      "strength_mg": 4.0,
      "adult_dose": "4-8 mg single oral dose for persistent vomiting preventing rehydration",
      "adult_duration": "single-dose",
      "dose_source": "Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Gastrointestinal Tract 2025 (ondansetron monograph)",
      "rationale": "Antiemetic that blocks the serotonin receptors driving the vomiting reflex, used to control vomiting so that oral rehydration can succeed instead of failing and requiring intravenous fluids.",
      "cautions": [
        "Do not give repeated doses due to risk of masking surgical abdomen.",
        "The formulary's ondansetron dosing covers chemotherapy and radiotherapy nausea, where the adult dose is 8 mg. Use in acute gastroenteritis is a lower dose for a different purpose - enabling oral rehydration - and is not a licensed indication in the formulary.",
        "A single dose only is given in the acute setting to allow oral rehydration, and multiple doses carry a risk of QT prolongation."
      ],
      "peds_mgkg_low": 0.15,
      "peds_mgkg_high": 0.15,
      "peds_max_mg": 8.0,
      "peds_basis": "dose",
      "peds_unit": "mg",
      "peds_note": "Single oral dose to facilitate oral rehydration",
      "peds_min_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_max_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_age_min_months": null,
      "peds_age_max_months": null,
      "peds_age_bands": null,
      "peds_doses": [
        {
          "weight_kg": 10,
          "low_mg": 1.5,
          "high_mg": 1.5,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 20,
          "low_mg": 3,
          "high_mg": 3,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 30,
          "low_mg": 4.5,
          "high_mg": 4.5,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 40,
          "low_mg": 6,
          "high_mg": 6,
          "capped": false
        }
      ],
      "brands": [
        {
          "trade_name": "DANOFRAN 4MG 5 F.C. TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "UP PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 70.0,
          "pack_count": 5,
          "unit_price": 14.0,
          "strength_mg": 4.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "SETRONOMET 4 MG 4 ORAL DIS. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "AVERROES PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 78.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 4.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "IDIVOMTRON 4 MG 10 ORALLY DIS. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "INTERNATIONAL DRUG AGENCY (IDI)",
          "price_egp": 144.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 4.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "EMEREST 4 MG 10 ORO-DISPERSIBLE TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES",
          "price_egp": 188.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 4.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "IDIVOMTRON 4 MG/5ML SYRUP 50 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "RAMEDA > INTERNATIONAL DRUG AGENCY (IDI)",
          "price_egp": 110.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 4.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": false,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        }
      ],
      "condition_id": "acute-gastroenteritis"
    },
    {
      "id": 56,
      "generic": "Nitazoxanide",
      "line": 2,
      "is_adjunct": false,
      "form": "oral.solid",
      "strength_mg": 500.0,
      "adult_dose": "500 mg orally twice daily with food",
      "adult_duration": "3 days",
      "dose_source": "DailyMed Alinia (nitazoxanide) Tablet / Oral Suspension Package Insert, SetID 8d9b1580-0a25-4c07-9b24-4f9640989d25",
      "rationale": "Broad-spectrum antiparasitic and antiprotozoal agent used as a second-line option when gastroenteritis is persistent or a less common pathogen is suspected.",
      "cautions": [
        "Take with food.",
        "Urine discoloration may occur.",
        "Nitazoxanide is a broad spectrum agent for persistent gastroenteritis."
      ],
      "peds_mgkg_low": null,
      "peds_mgkg_high": null,
      "peds_max_mg": null,
      "peds_basis": null,
      "peds_unit": null,
      "peds_note": "Nitazoxanide tablets should not be administered to pediatric patients 11 years of age or younger because a single tablet contains a greater amount of nitazoxanide than the recommended dosing in this pediatric age group.",
      "peds_min_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_max_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_age_min_months": null,
      "peds_age_max_months": null,
      "peds_age_bands": null,
      "peds_doses": null,
      "brands": [
        {
          "trade_name": "UNINITAPROZAX 500MG 12 F.C. TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "UNIPHARMA CO. > UNIPHARMA",
          "price_egp": 16.0,
          "pack_count": 12,
          "unit_price": 1.33,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CRYPTOPER 500MG 30 F.C. TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "EGPI > TAG PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 56.0,
          "pack_count": 30,
          "unit_price": 1.87,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "XEROVIRINC 500MG 18 F.C. TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MINA PHARM",
          "price_egp": 42.0,
          "pack_count": 18,
          "unit_price": 2.33,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "PARAZOXANIDE 500 MG 18 CAP.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MISR > PHARMACARE",
          "price_egp": 63.0,
          "pack_count": 18,
          "unit_price": 3.5,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "TRUSTNAL 500 MG 10 F.C. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "ADWIA",
          "price_egp": 40.0,
          "pack_count": 10,
          "unit_price": 4.0,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "NIT CLEAN 500MG 12 F.C. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "WESTERN PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRIES > WESTERN PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 72.0,
          "pack_count": 12,
          "unit_price": 6.0,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CRYPTONAZ 500MG 12 F.C.TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "COPAD PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 82.0,
          "pack_count": 12,
          "unit_price": 6.83,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "NIT CLEAN 500MG 5*6 F.C. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "WESTERN PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRIES > WESTERN PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 180.0,
          "pack_count": 6,
          "unit_price": 30.0,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "UNINITAPROZAX 100MG/5ML SUSP. 60ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "UNIPHARMA CO. > UNIPHARMA",
          "price_egp": 6.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 100.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": false,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ZOLIFUTAL 100MG/5ML SUSP. 60 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "FUTURE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES (FPI)",
          "price_egp": 13.5,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 100.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": false,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        }
      ],
      "condition_id": "acute-gastroenteritis"
    },
    {
      "id": 57,
      "generic": "Ciprofloxacin",
      "line": 2,
      "is_adjunct": false,
      "form": "oral.solid",
      "strength_mg": 500.0,
      "adult_dose": "500 mg every 12 hours - bloody diarrhoea only",
      "adult_duration": "3 days",
      "dose_source": "Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Antimicrobial 2023 (ciprofloxacin monograph)",
      "rationale": "The Egyptian EML 2025 names ciprofloxacin the first choice for acute invasive bacterial diarrhoea / dysentery, and the WHO pocket book gives 15 mg/kg twice a day for 3 days for a child with dysentery when sensitivity is unknown. The adult figure of 500 mg every 12 hours is the formulary's tabulated GI dose; the 3-day duration is WHO's.",
      "cautions": [
        "For bloody diarrhoea with fever only. Most acute gastroenteritis is viral and needs ORS and zinc, not this.",
        "Watch group on the Egyptian EML - do not use it for watery diarrhoea.",
        "Quinolone class risks: tendinitis and tendon rupture, QT prolongation, glycaemic swings.",
        "Antacids, iron, calcium and zinc block absorption - and zinc is being given in this same condition, so separate them by 2 hours.",
        "Not routinely first-line in children; the formulary says use it after weighing risks and benefits."
      ],
      "peds_mgkg_low": 10.0,
      "peds_mgkg_high": 15.0,
      "peds_max_mg": 500.0,
      "peds_basis": "dose",
      "peds_unit": "mg",
      "peds_note": "10-15 mg/kg per dose twice daily for 3 days, maximum 500 mg per dose. The low end and the per-dose maximum are the Egyptian formulary's general paediatric dosing for mild to moderate infection; the 15 mg/kg figure and the 3-day duration are WHO's dysentery regimen.",
      "peds_min_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_max_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_age_min_months": null,
      "peds_age_max_months": null,
      "peds_age_bands": null,
      "peds_doses": [
        {
          "weight_kg": 10,
          "low_mg": 100,
          "high_mg": 150,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 20,
          "low_mg": 200,
          "high_mg": 300,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 30,
          "low_mg": 300,
          "high_mg": 450,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 40,
          "low_mg": 400,
          "high_mg": 500,
          "capped": true
        }
      ],
      "brands": [
        {
          "trade_name": "QUINOLOROX 500MG 10 F.C. TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "EPCI > ROXXEN",
          "price_egp": 10.0,
          "pack_count": 10,
          "unit_price": 1.0,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ECACIPROFLOX 500 MG 20 F.C. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "FUTURE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES (FPI) > EGYPTIAN CANADIAN PHARMACEUTICAL",
          "price_egp": 27.0,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 1.35,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ELMODOXACIN 500MG 10 F.C.TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "EGPI > SEA PHARM",
          "price_egp": 20.0,
          "pack_count": 10,
          "unit_price": 2.0,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CIPROQUIN 500MG 10 F.C. TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "UNIPHARMA",
          "price_egp": 50.0,
          "pack_count": 10,
          "unit_price": 5.0,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CIPROFLOXACIN-ORGANO 500 MG 10 F.C.TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "ORGANOPHARMA > ORGANO",
          "price_egp": 63.0,
          "pack_count": 10,
          "unit_price": 6.3,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CIPROFAR 500MG 10 F.C.TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "PHARCO",
          "price_egp": 69.0,
          "pack_count": 10,
          "unit_price": 6.9,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CIPROMEGA XL 500MG 10 EXT. REL. F.C.TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MASH PREMIERE",
          "price_egp": 48.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "HEROXACIN 500MG 10 SCORED F.C. TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "EGPI > HERO PHARM",
          "price_egp": 69.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        }
      ],
      "condition_id": "acute-gastroenteritis"
    },
    {
      "id": 53,
      "generic": "ORS",
      "line": 1,
      "is_adjunct": true,
      "form": "oral.solution",
      "strength_mg": null,
      "adult_dose": "Plan A (no dehydration): Drink as much fluid/ORS as desired after each loose stool. Plan B (some dehydration): 2,200 to 4,000 mL over the first 4 hours.",
      "adult_duration": "3-5 days",
      "dose_source": "WHO. The treatment of diarrhoea: a manual for physicians and other senior health workers, 4th rev. Geneva: WHO; 2005",
      "rationale": "Oral rehydration solution replaces the fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting, which is what prevents dehydration; supportive rehydration rather than treatment of the underlying infection, and given alongside zinc rather than instead of it.",
      "cautions": [
        "Given WITH the other, not instead of it. WHO pairs oral rehydration and zinc for childhood diarrhoea - the fluid keeps the child alive and the zinc shortens the illness and reduces the next one.",
        "Dissolve 1 sachet in clean water.",
        "Does not stop diarrhea but replaces lost fluid and electrolytes.",
        "Oral rehydration salts are the mainstay of acute gastroenteritis and prevent dehydration."
      ],
      "peds_mgkg_low": null,
      "peds_mgkg_high": null,
      "peds_max_mg": null,
      "peds_basis": null,
      "peds_unit": null,
      "peds_note": "Plan B (some dehydration): weight (kg) x 75 mL ORS over first 4 hours, then reassess. Plan A (no dehydration): 50-100 mL after each loose stool under 2 years, 100-200 mL from 2 to 10 years.",
      "peds_min_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_max_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_age_min_months": null,
      "peds_age_max_months": null,
      "peds_age_bands": [
        {
          "label": "Under 2 years",
          "age_min_months": 0,
          "age_max_months": 23,
          "dose_text": "50 to 100 mL of ORS after each loose stool (Plan A, no dehydration). With some dehydration, Plan B is by weight at any age."
        },
        {
          "label": "2 to 10 years",
          "age_min_months": 24,
          "age_max_months": 131,
          "dose_text": "100 to 200 mL of ORS after each loose stool (Plan A, no dehydration). With some dehydration, Plan B is by weight at any age."
        }
      ],
      "peds_doses": null,
      "brands": [
        {
          "trade_name": "GLUCOHYDRAN 10 SACHET.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "ARAB DRUG COMPANY (ADCO)",
          "price_egp": 1.75,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "REHYDRAN N 10 SACHET",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "CID",
          "price_egp": 4.5,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "REHYDRO ZINC 10 SACHETS",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "CID",
          "price_egp": 7.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ORS 20 SACHETS",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "PHAROPHARMA",
          "price_egp": 40.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ELECTRO MASH SYRUP 200 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MASH PREMIERE",
          "price_egp": 60.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "FLEXOLYTE ORAL REHYDRATION SOL. 240 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "KEMPETRO FOR CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES",
          "price_egp": 65.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "HERO ORS 200 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "HERO > HERO MEA TRADING",
          "price_egp": 120.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "SANSO ORS SYRUP 140 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "AUG PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 400.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        }
      ],
      "condition_id": "acute-gastroenteritis"
    },
    {
      "id": 59,
      "generic": "Paracetamol",
      "line": 1,
      "is_adjunct": true,
      "form": "oral.solid",
      "strength_mg": 500.0,
      "adult_dose": "1 g three or four times daily, maximum 4 g in 24 hours",
      "adult_duration": "while febrile, usually 1-3 days",
      "dose_source": "MSF Essential Drugs 2024 - paracetamol (oral)",
      "rationale": "The WHO diarrhoea chapter says to give paracetamol if the child has a distressing fever of 39 C or more - and to consider severe bacterial infection at the same time. The dose is the MSF drug reference's.",
      "cautions": [
        "A high fever in a child with diarrhoea is WHO's cue to consider severe bacterial infection - treat the fever and reassess the child, do not just treat the fever.",
        "Paracetamol rather than an NSAID: the child is fluid-depleted, and NSAIDs are nephrotoxic in dehydration.",
        "Check other products for paracetamol content.",
        "Reduce the maximum in liver disease or severe acute malnutrition.",
        "500 mg is the per-dose ceiling used here for a child. 1000 mg is the adult dose and does not belong in a weight calculation - the daily 60 mg/kg limit is the one that binds first in any case."
      ],
      "peds_mgkg_low": 15.0,
      "peds_mgkg_high": 15.0,
      "peds_max_mg": 500.0,
      "peds_basis": "dose",
      "peds_unit": "mg",
      "peds_note": "Child 1 month and over: 15 mg/kg 3 or 4 times daily (max. 60 mg/kg daily)",
      "peds_min_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_max_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_age_min_months": null,
      "peds_age_max_months": null,
      "peds_age_bands": null,
      "peds_doses": [
        {
          "weight_kg": 10,
          "low_mg": 150,
          "high_mg": 150,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 20,
          "low_mg": 300,
          "high_mg": 300,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 30,
          "low_mg": 450,
          "high_mg": 450,
          "capped": false
        },
        {
          "weight_kg": 40,
          "low_mg": 500,
          "high_mg": 500,
          "capped": true
        }
      ],
      "brands": [
        {
          "trade_name": "FEBRIMOL 500 MG 20 TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "PHARCO",
          "price_egp": 3.5,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 0.17,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CETAMOL 500 MG 20 TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MEMPHIS",
          "price_egp": 8.0,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 0.4,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "PARACETAMOL-MUP 500MG B.P. 20 TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MUP",
          "price_egp": 13.0,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 0.65,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "CETAL 500 MG 20 TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "EIPICO",
          "price_egp": 24.0,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 1.2,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ARKADOLOW 500 MG 30 F.C. TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "UTOPIA",
          "price_egp": 42.0,
          "pack_count": 30,
          "unit_price": 1.4,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "PARAMOL 500MG 20 TAB.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MISR",
          "price_egp": 38.0,
          "pack_count": 20,
          "unit_price": 1.9,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "ADOL 500MG 24 CAPLETS",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "JULPHAR",
          "price_egp": 32.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "AUGICETAMIDE 500 MG 20 SACHETS",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "AUG PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 50.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 500.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "FEBRIMOL ORAL DROPS 20 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "PHARCO",
          "price_egp": 4.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": null,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": false,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "THERA-LO 3.2G/100ML ORAL SUSP. 100 ML",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "PHAROPHARMA",
          "price_egp": 5.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 3200.0,
          "exact_strength": false,
          "exact_form": false,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        }
      ],
      "condition_id": "acute-gastroenteritis"
    },
    {
      "id": 58,
      "generic": "Loperamide",
      "line": 2,
      "is_adjunct": true,
      "form": "oral.solid",
      "strength_mg": 2.0,
      "adult_dose": "4 mg initially, then 2 mg after each loose stool; maximum 12-16 mg in 24 hours",
      "adult_duration": "up to 2 days",
      "dose_source": "Egyptian National Drug Formulary - Gastrointestinal Tract 2025 (loperamide monograph)",
      "rationale": "Loperamide is on the Egyptian EML 2025 under medicines for diarrhoea, and the Egyptian formulary's own indication is symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhoea in adults and children 12 years and over. It is the drug an adult is actually asking for when they have to travel or work.",
      "cautions": [
        "Contraindicated in acute dysentery - blood in the stools with high fever - and in invasive bacterial enteritis (Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter).",
        "Contraindicated in abdominal pain without diarrhoea, in acute ulcerative colitis, and in antibiotic-associated colitis.",
        "It does not replace fluid. ORS remains the priority even while it is being taken.",
        "Stop and reassess if diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days, or if the abdomen distends.",
        "Above the recommended dose it prolongs the QT interval and has caused fatal arrhythmia; it is also misused as an opioid substitute."
      ],
      "peds_mgkg_low": null,
      "peds_mgkg_high": null,
      "peds_max_mg": null,
      "peds_basis": null,
      "peds_unit": null,
      "peds_note": "Some have dangerous, and sometimes fatal, side-effects. These drugs should never be given to children below 5",
      "peds_min_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_max_weight_kg": null,
      "peds_age_min_months": null,
      "peds_age_max_months": null,
      "peds_age_bands": null,
      "peds_doses": null,
      "brands": [
        {
          "trade_name": "MOTIJUST 2 MG 30 CAPS",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "INTERNATIONAL DRUG INDUSTRIES > NOVELL PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 27.0,
          "pack_count": 30,
          "unit_price": 0.9,
          "strength_mg": 2.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "STOPRRHEA 2 MG 10 ORODISPERSIBLE TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "WESTERN PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRIES > WESTERN PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 10.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 2.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "IMODIUM INSTANT 2MG 6 ORODISPERSIBLE TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "MCNEIL PRODUCTS LTD. > JOHNSON & JOHNSON SCIENTIFIC OFFICE",
          "price_egp": 80.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 2.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        },
        {
          "trade_name": "STOPRRHEA 2 MG 30 ORODISPERSIBLE TABS.",
          "scientific_name": null,
          "normalized_ingredient": null,
          "manufacturer": "WESTERN PHARMACEUTICALS INDUSTRIES > WESTERN PHARMA",
          "price_egp": 96.0,
          "pack_count": null,
          "unit_price": null,
          "strength_mg": 2.0,
          "exact_strength": true,
          "exact_form": true,
          "discontinued": false,
          "also_contains": null
        }
      ],
      "condition_id": "acute-gastroenteritis"
    }
  ]
}