Loperamide

Generic name: Loperamide

Drug class: Antidiarrheals

Dosage forms: Capsule, liquid, suspension, tablet, chewable tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 2 mg

Mechanism of action: Loperamide works by acting on mu-opioid receptors in the gut to slow down the movement of the gut, which in turn, slows down contractions in the intestines. This allows more time for fluids and nutrients to be absorbed back into the body, which makes the stool less watery and decreases the number of times you go to the toilet.

Drug usage cases: Loperamide may be used to treat diarrhea or to reduce the amount of stool (poop) in people who have an ileostomy (which is when a surgeon re-routes your bowel through a small opening in your torso).

Drug contra indications: You should not use loperamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

stomach pain without diarrhea, diarrhea with a high fever, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea that is caused by a bacterial infection; or stools that are bloody, black, or tarry. Ask your doctor before using loperamide to treat diarrhea caused by taking an antibiotic (Clostridium difficile). Do not give loperamide to an older child or teenager without a doctor’s advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take loperamide if you have:

a fever; mucus in your stools; liver disease; or a heart rhythm disorder.

side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling). Stop taking loperamide and call your doctor at once if you have:

diarrhea that is watery or bloody; stomach pain or bloating; ongoing or worsening diarrhea; or fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).

Warnings: You should not use loperamide if you have ulcerative colitis, bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused by antibiotic medication. Loperamide is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH. Serious heart problems may also happen if you take loperamide with other medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about safely using medications together. Do not give loperamide to a child younger than 2 years old.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.