Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Adults

Age-Specific Recommendations

The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends against zinc supplementation for adults with acute gastroenteritis, as the evidence supporting zinc use is limited to children aged 6 months to 5 years who reside in areas with high zinc deficiency prevalence or who have signs of malnutrition 1, 2
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends oral rehydration solution until clinical dehydration is corrected, and replacement of ongoing losses with ORS until diarrhea and vomiting resolve 1, 4
The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends loperamide may be given to immunocompetent adults with acute watery diarrhea once adequately hydrated, but avoid in inflammatory diarrhea or diarrhea with fever 1, 2
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends resuming age-appropriate diet during or immediately after rehydration 1, 4

The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends probiotics to reduce symptom severity and duration in immunocompetent adults with acute gastroenteritis, based on moderate quality evidence 1, 2
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends antiemetics, such as ondansetron, to facilitate oral rehydration once adequately hydrated 1, 5

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends resuming age-appropriate diet during or immediately after rehydration, and avoiding foods high in simple sugars and caffeinated beverages 1, 4
The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends against delaying appropriate rehydration therapy while considering adjunctive treatments like zinc — rehydration is the cornerstone of gastroenteritis management 4