Loperamide is a medicine to relieve diarrhea . This drug can also be used to reduce the amount of stool that comes out in patients with an ileostomy, which is an opening in the abdominal wall instead of an anus.
Loperamide works by slowing bowel movements. That way, the frequency of defecation can be reduced and the stool becomes denser when it comes out. However, keep in mind that loperamide can only reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and cannot cure the underlying cause of diarrhea.
Loperamide trademarks : Antidia , Diadium, Imodiar, Imodium, Imosa, Ipramid, Licodium, Lidium, Lopamide, Loperamide Hcl, Loperamide Hydrochloride, Mediare, Midix, Normotil, Normudal, Novadium, Ozela, Rhomuz, Tasdiar, Vialop
What is Loperamide
| class | Antidiarrheal |
| Category | Prescription drug |
| Benefit | Treat diarrhea |
| Consumed by | Adults and children ≥2 years of age |
|
Loperamide for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Loperamide can be absorbed into breast milk, this medication should not be taken while breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Loperamide
Loperamide should not be taken carelessly. Pay attention to the following:
- Do not take loperamide if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Do not give loperamide to children under 2 years of age because it can cause serious side effects.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with loperamide.
- Do not take loperamide if you have stomach pain without diarrhea, constipation, or ulcerative (acute) colitis .
- Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea with bloody or mucous stools, especially if it is accompanied by a fever. Loperamide is not intended to treat diarrhea due to dysentery , bacterial infections, or due to the use of antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, liver disease, arrhythmias or glaucoma .
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking loperamide, because this drug can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking loperamide.
Dosage and Rules for Use Loperamide
The following is the dose of loperamide to treat acute diarrhea based on the patient's age:
- Adult: 4 mg after defecation. The dose can be added another 2 mg if diarrhea is still present, a maximum of 8 mg per day.
- Children aged 6–8 years : 2 mg after defecation. The dose can be added another 1 mg if diarrhea is still present, a maximum of 4 mg per day.
- Children 9–11 years: 2 mg after having a bowel movement. The dose can be added another 1 mg if you still have diarrhea, a maximum of 6 mg per day.
How to Take Loperamide Properly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the package before taking loperamide. Do not increase the dose without doctor's advice, because this can be fatal.
If you are advised to take loperamide in tablet form, swallow the drug whole with a glass of water. Don't split, chew, or crush it.
Drink plenty of water or fluids containing electrolytes to replace fluids lost when you have diarrhea. Consult a doctor if symptoms of dehydration appear .
Stop using loperamide and see a doctor if your diarrhea doesn't improve within 2 days or you develop signs of dehydration.
Store loperamide in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Loperamide Interactions with Other Drugs
Interactions that can occur if loperamide is used with certain drugs are:
- Increased risk of loperamide overdose causing fatal complications, such as sudden cardiac arrest, when used with cimetidine , ranitidine, diltiazem , erythromycin, or ketoconazole , or spironolactone
- Increased risk of fatal heart rhythm disturbances when used with drugs that can prolong the QT interval, such as amiodarone or quinine
- Increased risk of side effects of oral desmopressin
Loperamide Side Effects
Side effects that may appear after consuming loperamide are:
- Constipation
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- stomach cramps
- Nauseous
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Bloody or watery diarrhea (not watery)
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Diarrhea that gets worse
- Heart pounding or feeling like it's shaking, shortness of breath, and feeling like you might pass out