Content
Cases of sudden onset of diarrhea are not uncommon. A person cannot do business or leave the house. When this situation occurs frequently, people know that the drug Loperamide will help. It is important to carefully study the instructions so that use does not cause complications.
Indications for use of Loperamide
This antidiarrheal drug does not treat the cause of the disease, but only relieves the main symptom - diarrhea. The instructions describe what the main active substance in the drug - loperamide hydrochloride - does not affect the proliferation of Escherichia coli. When ingested, this remedy:
- slows down intestinal motility;
- reduces tone muscle fibers;
- reduces motor skills;
- slows down the time of movement of feces;
- increases sphincter tone;
- reduces the number of urges;
- promotes fecal retention;
- gives density to feces.
The use of Loperamide hydrochloride helps in the treatment of chronic and acute forms of non-infectious diarrhea. Indications for use according to the instructions are diarrhea, which manifests itself as a result of:
- food allergies;
- emotional stress;
- radiation therapy treatment;
- effects of drugs;
- changes in the composition of food and water;
- eating disorders.
Loperamide - what it helps with
According to the instructions, the use of Loperamide is prescribed for severe diarrhea that continues long time. Indications include stool regulation after surgery in patients with ileostomy. What makes Loperamide most effective? The medicine has indications for use in the following cases:
- malabsorption disorders;
- inflammatory processes;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- metabolic disorders.
Composition of Loperamide
The list of substances that are included in the structure of the drug is headed by the active component - loperamide hydrochloride. Pharmaceutical companies can introduce the remaining ingredients in different combinations depending on the release form - tablets or capsules. The composition of the drug Loperamide includes:
- lactose;
- corn (potato) starch;
- aerosil;
- magnesium (calcium) stearate;
- silicon dioxide
Instructions for use of Loperamide
The medicine is produced in the form of drops, tablets and capsules, but the liquid solution is not widespread in Russia. The instructions for Loperamide prescribe its use for non-infectious diarrhea, or as a concomitant treatment for infections. Recommended during use:
- follow the dosage for adults and children;
- take into account contraindications and side effects;
- Avoid simultaneous use with alcohol.
According to the instructions, when using Loperamide you must consider:
- the medicine begins to take effect within an hour;
- it is necessary to replenish the loss of fluid and microelements;
- use with caution in old age;
- in the chronic form of the disease, the dosage and treatment regimen are prescribed by the doctor;
- there is no compatibility with opioid analgesics - constipation may occur;
- The effect of the product lasts up to 5 hours.
When using Loperamide, the instructions instruct you to carefully consider the following points:
- stop using it, consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis if diarrhea does not stop for two days;
- the medicine slows down the reaction - you should be careful when working with equipment or using transport;
- Take with caution in case of liver failure - disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system are possible. nervous system;
- Stop using the medicine if constipation, bloating, or signs of intestinal obstruction occur.
Loperamide - instructions for use for children
Only a pediatrician should treat diarrhea in childhood. This is due to the fact that babies common cause diarrhea there are infections that require treatment with antibiotics. Loperamide should not be used for children under 4 years of age - there are cases of intestinal paralysis and possible effects on the central nervous system. There are contraindications for the use of Loperamide:
- age up to 2 years;
- bloating;
- constipation;
- inflammatory diseases ZhTK;
- colitis after taking antibiotics;
- intolerance to components;
- dysentery with fever in the blood feces Oh.
The instructions recommend the use of Loperamide, starting from 6 years of age, in capsule form. It is necessary to correlate the dosage with the age of the child. Maximum per day it should not exceed 8 mg. At the age of 6 to 8 years, for acute forms of diarrhea, 1 capsule is prescribed at the first dose, then, after each case of diarrhea, one more. If after two days of treatment it does not get better - the diarrhea does not stop - it is permissible to increase the dosage, but only as prescribed by a doctor. Children over 8 years of age are prescribed one capsule three times a day.
Can children be given Loperamide for diarrhea?
Although Loperamide's annotation allows for the use of the drug in children from 4 years of age, pediatricians insist on its prohibition. Especially if parents do it on their own, without a doctor’s prescription. Diarrhea is often caused by infectious processes, in which diarrhea is a good thing because it removes toxins. Otherwise, the body may be poisoned. In addition, parents often forget to give their child water to compensate for the loss of water, which causes dehydration.
Loperamide can be given to children only after 6 years of age under the strict supervision of a doctor. This is due to the fact that during the use of the medicine the following are possible:
- stopping peristalsis;
- retention of food bolus in the intestines;
- absorption of fluid with toxins into the blood;
- bloating of the large intestine;
- tissue necrosis;
- circulatory disorders;
- intestinal paralysis;
- life threat.
Loperamide during pregnancy
Although the drug is inexpensive and available, it can be dangerous for pregnant women to take. Can pregnant women take Loperamide? In the first three months it is strictly prohibited. This is due to the formation of basic systems and organs in the unborn child during this period, which may be disrupted. At later stages, the decision to take medication should be made by a doctor, taking into account the threat to life expectant mother and fruit. The effect of Loperamide on intrauterine development the child has not been fully studied.
How to take Loperamide
What the drug has good feedback and is freely sold at an affordable price does not mean its thoughtless use. It is advisable to discuss this issue with your doctor. How to take Loperamide? This depends on the nature of the disease. For the chronic form in adults, 4 mg is prescribed per day. Acute illness Diarrhea is treated with a maximum daily dose of 16 milligrams. Treatment regimen:
- first dose – 2 tablets or capsules;
- after each diarrhea - one.
Loperamide tablets
The drug, produced in the form of tablets, received positive reviews, the price of which is an order of magnitude lower than that of its analogue, Imodium. They are covered with a special shell and are white or pale yellow in color. Conveniently, Loperamide does not need to be taken with water - they are placed on the tongue and dissolved. During use, you may experience a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth. The drug begins to act within an hour. The dosage is 2 mg.
Loperamide capsules
The affordable price of the drug makes it possible to have it on hand when a person needs to quickly cope with non-infectious diarrhea. According to the instructions, taking the medicine in the form of a capsule for diarrhea requires drinking water. Inside the gelatin shell is powdery substance white or yellowish. Capsules are swallowed without chewing, the dosage is similar to tablets.
Loperamide - contraindications
Loperamide instructions do not recommend the use of the drug during infectious diarrhea. In such a situation, harmful bacteria and viruses must be eliminated from the body, and diarrhea contributes to this. If it is stopped, the absorption of toxins into the blood will begin, which will worsen the patient’s condition. For the same reason, the use of this antidiarrheal medicine for poisoning is prohibited.
There are contraindications for Loperamide during an acute form of dysentery with blood in the discharge and fever. According to the instructions, the use of the drug is prohibited in the following cases:
- intestinal obstruction;
- acute ulcerative colitis;
- lactose intolerance;
- constipation;
- sensitivity to components;
- 1st trimester of pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- diverticulosis;
- monotherapy for dysentery.
Loperamide - side effects
Due to its affordable price, the drug can be found in home medicine cabinets. The medicine is used without the consent of the doctor, without thinking about the possible side effects of Loperamide. If the product is used in large quantities, it is recommended to take the antidote drug Naloxone. According to the instructions, in case of overdose the following are observed:
- respiratory depression;
- drowsiness;
- lack of coordination;
- stupor;
- intestinal obstruction.
Due to the active effect of antidiarrheal medicine on the body, its long and uncontrolled use, the appearance of side effects. Alcohol consumption aggravates this situation. Loperamide instructions note that they observe:
- allergies;
- lethargy;
- skin rashes;
- dizziness;
- insomnia;
- intestinal colic;
- bloating;
- nausea;
- stomach pain;
- dry mouth;
- vomiting;
- abdominal discomfort;
- flatulence;
- dehydration;
- electrolyte disturbances;
- delay in urine output.
Loperamide price
This medicinal product sold without prescription in pharmacies, unlike analogues - it has affordable price. It is possible to order it on special websites or buy it at an online pharmacy. How much does Loperamide cost? The price depends on the number of tablets, capsules in the package, release form and manufacturer. The cost of Loperamide and its analogues in rubles is for 20 pieces:
- tablets – 15-100;
- capsules – 25-95;
- Loperamide-acri – 50-70;
- Diara – 250-280;
- Imodium – 510-640.
The drug Loperamide belongs to pharmacological group remedies for diarrhea. It is available in oral dosage forms and is used for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea. Contraindications to the use of the drug are individual intolerance, childhood up to 6 years, pregnancy at early stages, as well as certain pathological conditions affecting the organs of the digestive system.
Dosage form
The drug Loperamide is available in the dosage form of tablets and capsules for oral administration. The tablets have round shape, flat surface And White color. The capsules have an oblong shape and a smooth blue cap. They are packaged in blisters of 10 (tablets) or 12 (capsules). A cardboard pack contains 2 blisters.
Description and composition
The main active ingredient of the drug is loperamide; its content in 1 tablet or capsule is 2 mg. The tablet also contains the following auxiliary compounds:
- Potato starch.
- Calcium stearate.
- Granulak 70.
The capsules contain the following auxiliary components:
- Milk sugar.
- Magnesium stearate.
- Talc.
- Corn starch.
- Aerosil.
Pharmacological group
The mechanism of action of loperamide, which is the main active ingredient of the drug, is to suppress peristalsis (wave-like movements aimed at pushing the contents) of the intestines and increase the tone of the anal sphincter muscles. The therapeutic effect is realized due to the effect on the opiate receptors of the walls of hollow organs gastrointestinal tract, as well as suppression of the release of acetylcholine, prostaglandin and other biologically active compounds. After taking a tablet or capsule orally, the therapeutic effect develops quite quickly and lasts for 4-6 hours.
Indications for use
The main medical indication for the use of the drug Loperamide is diarrhea of various origins.
for adults
Taking Loperamide capsules or tablets for adults is indicated for symptomatic reduction in the severity of diarrhea, which is of allergic, psycho-emotional, medicinal, and radiation origin. The drug is used for loose stools associated with changes in the nature of nutrition, metabolism or absorption of certain compounds in the intestine. As an adjuvant, the medicine can be used for diarrhea of infectious origin.
for children
Loperamide tablets or capsules can be used in children over the age of 6 years according to the same medical indications, as for adults.
The medicine is not used during pregnancy (especially in the early stages in the first trimester), as well as during lactation.
Contraindications
Taking Loperamide capsules or tablets is contraindicated in certain pathological and physiological conditions:
- Individual intolerance to any of the components of the medication.
- Pathology of the large intestine, which includes ulcerative colitis.
- Intestinal obstruction of various origins.
- Diverticulosis.
- Diarrhea of infectious origin, if the drug is planned to be used as monotherapy.
- Diarrhea in acute pseudomembranous colitis.
- Children under 6 years of age (for dosage form in capsules).
The drug is used with caution in case of concomitant liver failure.
Applications and dosages
Loperamide capsules are taken orally, not chewed, and washed down with water. The tablets can be placed on the tongue and then swallowed with saliva after dissolution.
for adults
For acute diarrhea for adults, the initial dosage is 2 mg (1 capsule or tablet). Then after each act of defecation, subject to preservation loose stool it increases by another 2 mg. The maximum dosage should not exceed 16 mg.
For chronic diarrhea in adults, the drug is prescribed at a dose of 4 mg per day. If necessary, it can be increased, but not more than 16 mg per day.
for children
For children under 6 years of age, Loperamide tablets are prescribed. For acute diarrhea, the initial dosage is 2 mg. With each act of defecation, it is possible to increase the dose, but it should not exceed 8 mg. For chronic diarrhea, the average dosage is 2 mg once a day.
for pregnant women and during lactation
Taking Loperamide tablets or capsules is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Side effects
When using the drug, the following negative reactions may develop:
- Allergic reactions in the form of skin rash, itching.
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Electrolyte disturbances, as well as hypovolemia (decreased fluid volume in the body).
- Intestinal colic, which is more pronounced in childhood.
- Pain, discomfort in the abdomen, including the stomach area.
- Periodic nausea.
- Bloating (flatulence).
- Intestinal obstruction, which rarely develops.
An extremely rare side effect is the development of acute urinary retention.
Interaction with other drugs
The therapeutic effect of the active component of Loperamide tablets or capsules is greatly enhanced when used together with opiate painkillers. This increases the risk of developing severe disease.
special instructions
Before you start using the drug, be sure to pay attention to the following special instructions:
- If within 2 days after starting to take tablets or capsules and increasing the dosage of the drug there is no therapeutic effect, then you should consult a doctor.
- In patients with concomitant impairment of the functional state of the liver while using the drug, it is important to monitor the condition of the structures of the central nervous system, since toxic effects cannot be excluded.
- With significant diarrhea, a significant volume of fluid and mineral salts is lost, therefore, in addition to the drug Loperamide, therapy for diarrhea should include rehydration.
- Dehydration of the body, which develops against the background of severe diarrhea, enhances the therapeutic effects of the drug and increases the risk of overdose.
- The use of the drug in children over 6 years of age requires special caution, since the children's body remains very sensitive to the opiate-like effects of the drug.
- Suppression of diarrhea during infectious pathology provokes the retention of toxins in the intestines and their absorption into the systemic bloodstream with the development of severe intoxication.
- While taking the drug, special care should be taken when performing work that requires increased concentration attention, as well as the speed of psychomotor reactions.
Overdose
Significant excess of the recommended therapeutic dosage for medication Loperamide leads to inhibition of the functional activity of the central nervous system and intestines. This is accompanied by depression of consciousness, drowsiness, constriction of the pupils (miosis), increased muscle tone, impaired coordination of movements, respiratory depression, and intestinal obstruction.
Treatment of overdose consists of gastric lavage, intestinal lavage, and the administration of intestinal sorbents. In case of severe impairment of the functional state of the structures of the central nervous system, treatment is carried out only in a medical hospital. Naloxone is used as an antidote. Since after the initial administration it is often not possible to achieve the required therapeutic effect, re-use of the antidote may be required.
Storage conditions
Tablets and capsules should be stored in a dark, dry place, out of reach of children, at an air temperature no higher than +25° C. Shelf life is 2 years.
Analogs
Structural analogues for the drug Loperamide are the following medicines:
- – medicine in the form of tablets containing 2 mg of loperamide. They are used for adults and children over 6 years of age for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea. The drug is contraindicated for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as for certain intestinal pathologies.
- Superilop - capsules containing 2 mg of loperamide. They are used for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea in adults and children over 6 years of age. Pregnant women and lactation should not use the drug.
Price
The cost of Loperamide is on average 23 rubles. Prices range from 6 to 55 rubles.
Formula: C29H33ClN2O2, chemical name: 4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-alpha,alpha-diphenyl-1-piperidine butanamide (as hydrochloride).
Pharmacological group: organotropic agents / gastrointestinal agents / antidiarrheals.
Pharmachologic effect: antidiarrheal.
Pharmacological properties
Loperamide interacts with opiate receptors located in the circular and longitudinal muscles of the intestinal wall and inhibits the release of prostaglandins and acetylcholine. Loperamide inhibits intestinal motility and increases intestinal transit time. Loperamide increases the tone of the anal sphincter, helps reduce the urge to defecate and retain feces. Loperamide inhibits the release of electrolytes and fluid into the intestinal lumen and/or stimulates their absorption from the intestine. In high doses, loperamide may reduce gastric formation of hydrochloric acid. The effect of loperamide develops quickly and lasts 4–6 hours.
There were no cases of development after taking loperamide. drug addiction or tolerance. But morphine-like dependence was observed in monkeys when high doses of loperamide were used.
It is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (approximately 40% of the dose). Thanks to high degree biotransformation during the “first pass” through the liver and the high affinity of the drug for the receptors of the intestinal wall, the content of unchanged loperamide after using 2 mg of the drug is less than 2 ng/ml. The maximum concentration in the blood is achieved 2.5 hours after taking the solution and 5 hours after taking the capsules. Loperamide is 97% protein bound. The half-life is 9.1–14.4 hours (average approximately 10.8 hours). Loperamide is metabolized in the liver, mainly excreted in the form of metabolites in bile and feces, and partially excreted in the urine. In a study in rats (duration 1.5 years), no carcinogenic effect of loperamide was found when using doses exceeding the MRDC up to 133 times. Mutagenicity studies of loperamide have not been performed. In reproduction studies in rats, it was found that loperamide can cause decreased fertility in males and infertility in females when using high doses of the drug (150-200 times the MRDI). In reproduction studies in rabbits and rats, it was shown that when using doses of loperamide no more than 30 times higher than the MRDC, the drug does not harm the offspring and does not have teratogenic effects. It is not known whether loperamide passes into breast milk. In a study of post- and prenatal development of rat offspring, a decrease in offspring survival was noted when 40 mg/kg loperamide was used in lactating females.
Indications
Symptomatic treatment of chronic and acute diarrhea, which is caused by changes in the qualitative composition of food and diet, impaired absorption and metabolism, as well as emotional, allergic, radiation, medicinal origin; for diarrhea of infectious origin, as an adjuvant; ileostomy (to reduce the volume and frequency of stool, to make its consistency denser).
Method of administration of loperamide and dose
Loperamide is taken orally (regardless of food intake; the lingual tablet is placed on the tongue, after a few seconds it disintegrates, after which, without washing down with water, it is swallowed with saliva; capsules are taken with water, without chewing). The dosage regimen depends on the indications. Acute diarrhea, adults: 4 mg – initial dose, then after each shapeless stool 2 mg, 16 mg – maximum daily dose; chronic diarrhea, adults 4 mg/day. If there is no stool for more than 12 hours or normalization of stool consistency, therapy should be discontinued. Children 2–12 years old are prescribed under the supervision of a doctor, depending on age and body weight.
If, with acute diarrhea, constipation, partial intestinal obstruction, bloating develops within 2 days, or clinical improvement is not observed, then loperamide should be discontinued. For chronic diarrhea, the use of loperamide is possible only as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision. Use loperamide with caution in children younger age due to high sensitivity to the opiate-like properties of loperamide - effects on the central nervous system. When treating diarrhea (especially in children), it is necessary to replenish the loss of electrolytes and fluids. Dehydration may cause changes in the response to loperamide. Loperamide should be used with caution in elderly patients (as the response to loperamide may vary and symptoms of dehydration may be masked). In patients with liver dysfunction, careful monitoring should be carried out for signs of toxic damage to the central nervous system (due to slower metabolism of loperamide). In patients with traveler's diarrhea, the decrease in intestinal motility, which is caused by loperamide, can cause a prolonged increase in temperature due to inhibition of the excretion of microorganisms (Salmonella, Shigella, some strains of Escherichia coli and others) and their penetration into the intestinal mucosa. During therapy with loperamide, extreme caution must be exercised when driving vehicles or operating machinery.
Contraindications for use
Hypersensitivity, diverticulosis, intestinal obstruction, pseudomembranous colitis, which is caused by taking antibacterial agents wide range actions; acute ulcerative colitis, other conditions in which intestinal motility cannot be suppressed; acute dysentery (especially if there is blood in the stool and accompanied by hyperthermia) and others infectious diseases gastrointestinal tract (which are caused, including Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp.); age up to 6 years.
Restrictions on use
Severe liver dysfunction, age from 2 to 12 years (only under medical supervision).
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
You should not use loperamide during pregnancy (especially in the 1st trimester) and breastfeeding, since strictly controlled and adequate studies have not been conducted in lactating and pregnant women.
Side effects of loperamide
Digestive system: bloating, constipation, intestinal colic, discomfort or abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, intestinal obstruction, additionally for lozenges: a tingling or burning sensation of the tongue that occurs immediately after taking the tablets;
nervous system: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness;
allergic reactions: urticaria, skin rash, very rarely - bullous rash, including toxic epidermal necrolysis; anaphylactic shock;
others: urinary retention.
Interaction of loperamide with other substances
Concomitant use of loperamide with opioid analgesics may increase the risk of developing severe constipation. When loperamide and cholestyramine are used together, the effectiveness of loperamide may be reduced. When loperamide is used together with ritonavir, co-trimoxazole, the bioavailability of loperamide increases.
Overdose
In case of an overdose of loperamide, the following occur: intestinal obstruction, depression of the central nervous system (drowsiness, miosis, stupor, muscle hypertonicity, respiratory depression, impaired coordination of movements).
Therapy: if necessary, use the antidote - naloxone. Given that the duration of action of loperamide is longer than that of naloxone, repeated use of naloxone is possible. It is also necessary to carefully and long-term (at least 1 day) observation of the patient and carry out symptomatic treatment, gastric lavage, administration activated carbon, artificial ventilation (if necessary).
Loperamide is a symptomatic antidiarrheal drug indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic non-infectious diarrhea.
The active substance, loperamide hydrochloride, reduces the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits the movement of intestinal contents.
Loperamide hydrochloride binds to opiate receptors in the intestinal wall, resulting in the suppression of the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins. Slows down propulsive intestinal motility, and also increases the time of passage of intestinal contents through the digestive tract and the ability of the intestinal wall to absorb fluid.
Loperamide increases the tone of the anal sphincter, thereby reducing fecal incontinence and the urge to defecate.
The half-life is approximately 11 hours with a range of 9-14 hours. Excretion of the unchanged active substance and its metabolites occurs mainly in the feces.
Loperamide is not intended for the initial treatment of severe diarrhea that is accompanied by decreased fluid and electrolyte levels. In particular, in children, it is advisable to compensate for this loss by prescribing replacement therapy parenterally or orally.
If there is no effect after 2 days of therapy, you should consult a doctor. During the treatment of diarrhea, it is necessary to replace the loss of fluid and electrolytes.
Indications for use
What does Loperamide help with? According to the instructions, the drug is prescribed in the following cases:
- conditions of chronic and acute diarrhea that have developed for various reasons, including its allergic, drug, emotional and radiation origin (for symptomatic therapy);
- situations of development of diarrhea due to sudden change food composition and diet in case of malabsorption and metabolism (traveler's diarrhea);
- infectious diarrhea (as an adjuvant treatment);
- the need to regulate stool consistency in patients with ileostomy.
Instructions for use of Loperamide, dosage
Inside (capsules - without chewing, washed down with water; lingual tablet - on the tongue, within a few seconds it disintegrates, after which it is swallowed with saliva, without water).
Standard dosages of Loperamide according to the instructions for use:
- for acute diarrhea, 2 mg after each bowel movement. In this case, the first dose should be 4 mg;
- for chronic diarrhea, the dose of the drug is selected so that the frequency of stool does not exceed 1-2 times a day. In this case, the first dose should be 2 mg.
For adults, the maximum daily dose of the drug should not exceed 16 mg.
Loperamide dosages for children:
- at the age of 2 to 5 years, it is prescribed at a dose of 100 mcg/kg 2-3 times a day;
- at the age of 6-8 years, 2 mg is prescribed 2 times a day;
- Children 9-12 years old are prescribed 2 mg three times a day. If diarrhea continues, the drug is prescribed 2 mg after each bowel movement. In this case, the maximum daily dose of 6 mg per 20 kg of body weight should not be exceeded.
For chronic diarrhea, children over 5 years of age are prescribed a daily dose of 2 mg.
If there is no stool for more than 12 hours and when it normalizes, the drug should be discontinued.
Side effects
The instruction warns about the possibility of developing the following side effects when prescribing Loperamide:
- from the nervous system: drowsiness, dizziness, increased fatigue;
- from the gastrointestinal tract: dry mouth, intestinal colic, nausea, painful sensations or abdominal discomfort, constipation or bloating, vomiting, intestinal obstruction;
- allergic reactions: hives or skin rash; extremely rarely - bullous rash or anaphylactic shock;
- other effects: in rare cases - urinary retention.
Contraindications
Loperamide is contraindicated in the following cases:
- hypersensitivity, intestinal obstruction, diverticulosis, acute ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis caused by taking broad-spectrum antibiotics;
- other conditions in which inhibition of intestinal motility is unacceptable;
- acute dysentery (especially with blood in the stool and accompanied by elevated body temperature);
- children's age (up to 2 years).
Overdose
In case of overdose, the following symptoms may appear: depression of the central nervous system (stupor, loss of coordination, drowsiness, miosis, muscle hypertension, respiratory depression), intestinal obstruction.
A specific opiate antidote is prescribed - naloxone (0.4 mg/ml IV repeatedly, at 2-3 minute intervals); clinical observation for 48 hours.
Drug interactions
Cholestyramine may reduce the effectiveness of Loperamide capsules or tablets.
When used together with ritonavir or co-trimoxazole, the bioavailability of the drug increases. This is due to inhibition of the metabolism of the active substance of the drug when passing through the liver.
Analogues of Loperamide, price in pharmacies
If necessary, you can replace Loperamide with an analogue for therapeutic action - these are the following drugs:
- Lopedium,
- Loperamide-Akrikhin,
- Imodium Plus,
- Uzara,
- Loflatil,
- Diaremix.
By ATX code:
- Diara,
- Imodium,
- Laremid,
- Loperacal,
- Superilol.
When choosing analogues, it is important to understand that the instructions for use of Loperamide, price and reviews do not apply to drugs with similar effects. It is important to consult a doctor and not independent replacement drug.
Price in Russian pharmacies: Loperamide tablets 2 mg 20 pcs. – from 7 to 12 rubles, 2 mg capsules 20 pcs. – from 40 to 49 rubles, according to 792 pharmacies.
Store in a dry place, protected from light and out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding +25°C. Shelf life – 2 years.
What do the reviews say?
According to reviews from doctors, Loperamide is an inexpensive, accessible, effective and fast-acting drug.
Users note that it does not help with diarrhea of infectious etiology. Side effects are rarely reported.
Antidiarrheal symptomatic drug
Active substance
Loperamide hydrochloride (loperamide)
Release form, composition and packaging
10 pieces. - contour cellular packaging (1) - cardboard packs.
10 pieces. - contour cell packaging (2) - cardboard packs.
pharmachologic effect
Dosage
Orally, without chewing, with water.
For adults for acute and chronic diarrhea, 2 capsules (0.004 g) are initially prescribed, then 1 capsule (0.002 g) after each bowel movement in case of loose stools. For acute diarrhea children over 6 years old, prescribe 1 capsule (0.002 g) after each act of defecation in case of loose stools.
Maximum daily dose. For acute and chronic diarrhea in adults- 8 capsules (0.016 g); at children- 3 capsules (0.006 g).
After normalization of stool or in the absence of stool for more than 12 hours, treatment with Loperamide should be discontinued.
Side effects
Allergic reactions (), drowsiness or insomnia, dizziness, hypovolemia, electrolyte disturbances; dryness of the oral mucosa, intestinal colic, gastralgia, abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, flatulence.
Rarely - urinary retention, extremely rarely - intestinal obstruction.
Overdose
Symptoms: depression of the central nervous system (stupor, loss of coordination, drowsiness, miosis, muscle hypertension, respiratory depression), intestinal obstruction.
Treatment: antidote - naloxone; Given that the duration of action of loperamide is longer than that of naloxone, repeated administration of the latter is possible.
Symptomatic treatment:, gastric lavage, artificial ventilation.
Necessary medical supervision, By at least, within 48 hours.
special instructions
If there is no effect after 2 days. When using Loperamide, you should consult a doctor.
If constipation or bloating develops during treatment, loperamide should be discontinued. In patients with impaired liver function, careful monitoring for signs of toxic damage to the central nervous system is necessary.
During the treatment of diarrhea, it is necessary to replace the loss of fluid and electrolytes.
During treatment, care must be taken when managing vehicles and other activities potentially dangerous species activities requiring increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.
