Loperamide
About
Loperamide contains an anti-diarrheal medication, primarily used to treat diarrhea in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Short Bowel Syndrome by decreasing over-active bowel, including sudden diarrhea. Diarrhea is a condition in which bowel movements are too frequent, leading to loose, watery stools. Acute diarrhea is a common problem and generally lasts for one or two days, whereas chronic diarrhea lasts four weeks.
Loperamide contains Loperamide, which is a gastrointestinal medication primarily used to treat diarrhea. It works on the opiate receptor in the gut and slows down the intestines' contraction, thereby decreasing the speed at which the contents pass through it. This allows more time for reabsorption of fluids and nutrients, making the stools more solid and less frequent. It should not be used in patients with dysentery (diarrhea with blood).
Take Loperamide as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Loperamide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. The most common side effects of Loperamide are headache, nausea, and constipation. They do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. It may also cause dizziness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Diarrhea can cause water loss and electrolyte imbalance, so drink plenty of fluids to help keep yourself hydrated. It is important to avoid this medicine if you have blood in your stool or if you are severely constipated. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect or be affected by this medicine. And also, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Loperamide as it can worsen your sleepiness.
Uses of Loperamide
Medicinal Benefits
Loperamide contains Loperamide, which is an anti-diarrheal medication, primarily used to treat diarrhea in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Short Bowel Syndrome by decreasing over-active bowel, including sudden diarrhea. Loperamide is a gastro-intestinal medication that works by slowing down the contraction of the intestines thereby decreasing the speed at which the contents pass through it. This allows more time for reabsorption of fluids and nutrients, making the stools more solid and less frequent. It should not be used in patients with dysentery (diarrhea with blood).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Loperamide
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Loperamide if you are allergic to Loperamide or any of its ingredients. It is important to avoid this medicine if you have blood in your stool or if you are severely constipated. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine. Diarrhea can cause water loss and electrolyte imbalance, so drink plenty of fluids to help keep yourself hydrated. Also, as a precautionary measure, you are recommended not to consume junk food items from outside. It may also cause dizziness, so do not operate car or any machinery which requires recommendtil you knowconsumingow this m oredicine affects you. And also, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Loperamide as it can worsen your sleepiness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Loperamide is known to interact with medicines used to treat HIV (ritonavir), abnormal
heart rhythms (quinidine), excessive urination (oral desmopressin), fungal infections (itraconazole, ketoconazole), high cholesterol (gemfibrozil), antihistamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Loperamide is known to interact if you have bloody or tarry stools, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), renal impairment, diarrhea with fever or diarrhea caused due to antibiotic medication.
Drug-Food Interaction: Loperamide should not be taken along with alcohol as it is known to potentiate the central nervous system and lead to excessive drowsiness or sleepiness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Loperamide to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not advisable to take Loperamide in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Please consult your doctor for advice before using Loperamide.
Breast Feeding
unsafeSmall amounts of Loperamide may appear in human breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended during breast-feeding. Women who are breast-feeding infants should therefore be advised to consult the doctor for appropriate treatment.
Driving
cautionDizziness or drowsiness may occur when diarrhea is treated with loperamide. Therefore, it is advisable to use caution when driving a car or operating machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedLoperamide does not have any reported interaction; hence, if you experience any difficulty, discuss with your doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedLoperamide does not have any reported interaction; hence, if you experience any difficulty, discuss with your doctor.
Children
unsafeLoperamide is not safe for children below the age of 18 years. Loperamide may be more sensitive to children especially, it may cause drowsiness. Therefore be advised to consult the doctor for appropriate treatment.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Loperamide as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
- Eat small meals at short intervals. Eat food that is at room temperature.
- Fired and oily food should not be taken as it might worsen your condition.
- Do mild to moderate exercise.
Special Advise
- Diarrhea can cause electrolyte imbalance, so please maintain it by drinking plenty of water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diarrhoea: It is a condition in which bowel movements are too frequent leading to loose, watery stools. Acute diarrhea is a common probelm and generally lasts for one or two days whereas chronic diarrhea lasts for four weeks. Diarrhea can be due to infections, antibiotics, diseases (inflammatory bowel disease), and other medicines.
FAQs
Loperamide contains Loperamide which belongs to an opiate class that works by slowing down the contraction of the intestines thereby decreasing the speed at which the contents pass through it. This allows more time for reabsorption of fluids and nutrients, making the stools more solid and less frequent.
Yes, diarrhea is known to cause dehydration because of the excessive fluid loss in stools. So, to maintain fluid level, increase fluid intake to avoid excessive dehydration.
No, Loperamide can not be used for stomach pain, but Loperamide may lower the pain caused in the stomach due to diarrhea. Before taking Loperamide for stomach pain, please consult your doctor.
No, it should not be used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms as a huge amount of Loperamide will be required, leading to heart complications.
No, Loperamide is a short medication to treat acute cases of diarrhea. If used as a long term medication, it may lead to side effects like constipation.
