Treatment	Mechanism	Side-Effects	References
Loperamide	Synthetic opiate derivative μ-opioid receptor agonist that slows intestinal peristalsis, increases intestinal transit time to promote fluid reabsorption. Also exhibits anti-secretory effects through inhibition of thromboxane-A2.	Stomach pain and bloating, ongoing or worsening of diarrhoea, watery and bloody diarrhoea, severe skin reactions (blistering and peeling), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, severe constipation and paralytic ileus.
Octreotide	Synthetically engineered somatostatin analogue designed to bind to somatostatin receptors; inhibits adenylyl cyclase to reduce secretion of pancreatic and intestinal hormones, increases intestinal transit time and promotes reabsorption.	Easy bruising and unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina and rectum), purple/red pinpoint spots under skin, slow and/or uneven heart beats, severe constipation, severe stomach pain, enlarged thyroid, vomiting, nausea, headache and dizziness.
Tincture of opium	Similar to loperamide, acts by activating μ-opioid receptors to slow intestinal peristalsis thereby increasing intestinal transit time and promoting fluid reabsorption.	Vomiting, nausea and light headedness, stomach/abdominal pain, painful/difficult urination, seizures, itching and swelling of the face, tongue and throat, psychological dependence, physical dependence, miosis and respiratory depression.
Budesonide	Orally administered synthetic steroid with anti-inflammatory effects. Helps to restore mucosal function and improve intestinal fluid reabsorption. Has inhibitory effect on mucosal prostaglandins.	Increased blood pressure, headache, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, muscle pain, stomach pain, indigestion, mild skin rash, changes to menstrual cycle.
Atropine	Competitive antagonist at muscarinic receptors. Helps to suppress the cholinergic effects of irinotecan.	Allergic reactions (swelling of the lips, tongue and face), irregular or fast heart rate, rash or flushing, eye pain, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, bloating, nausea, heartburn, constipation, weakness, difficulty urinating.	-