The active ingredient loperamide belongs to the group of opioids. While many opioids act primarily in the central nervous system, loperamide exerts its effect in the intestines. Therefore, the active ingredient is primarily used to treat acute diarrhea. Taking it can cause side effects such as headache, fatigue, dry mouth or abdominal cramps. Learn more about the effect and dosage as well as interactions, contraindications and side effects of loperamide here.
Effectively stop diarrhea
Loperamide is used to treat acute diarrhea when the cause of the diarrhea is unknown or when other treatment is not possible. If one knows what is causing the symptoms, causal therapy is better. This is because taking the active ingredient only combats the symptoms that occur. Loperamide is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, where diarrhea is the main symptom. Loperamide binds to the opioid receptors in the intestine and ensures that intestinal movement is inhibited. This decreases the frequency of defecation and stops diarrhea. Loperamide acts very quickly, usually after a few hours. Despite the administration of the drug, however, it should not be forgotten to counteract the loss of fluids, including through mineral-rich drinks.
Side effects of loperamide
Side effects may occur as a result of taking loperamide. The most common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Rarely, side effects include intestinal paralysis or obstruction, as well as skin rashes and itching. If there is a defective blood–brain barrier, there may be other side effects. This is because the active ingredient can then also have an effect on the central nervous system.
Taking loperamide: dosing it correctly
Loperamide is available in the form of capsules, tablets, drops and platelets, among others. Capsules and tablets should be taken unchewed with some liquid, while platelets should be allowed to dissolve in the mouth. You should always ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding the dosage of loperamide. Therefore, please understand the following dosage information only as a guideline: In general, four milligrams of loperamide can be taken once at the beginning of acute diarrhea. Thereafter, an additional two milligrams may be administered after each unformed stool. In total, a daily dose of twelve milligrams should not be exceeded. In children, the dosage should always be given individually by a doctor. Tablets and capsules are not suitable for children under twelve years of age due to the high active ingredient content. For children over twelve years of age, no more than eight milligrams should be administered per day and never more than two milligrams per single dose. In acute diarrhea, loperamide should be used for no more than two days in a row, otherwise severe constipation may occur. Long-term use of loperamide should be done only under medical supervision.
Interactions with other medications
If loperamide is taken at the same time as other medications, interactions may occur. For example, respiratory depression may occur if quinidine, ketoconazole, doxepin, and verapamil are taken at the same time. This means breathing becomes severely flattened. Likewise, interactions are possible in conjunction with the AIDS drug ritonavir. If a distended abdomen occurs in AIDS patients after taking the drug, it must be stopped immediately.
Contraindications
Loperamide must not be used if hypersensitivity to the active substance is present. Likewise, the active ingredient must not be taken if a slowing of bowel movement must be prevented. This is the case, among other things, with intestinal paralysis or intestinal obstruction, but also with constipation or flatulence. In addition, loperamide should also not be taken in the case of
- Diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics.
- Intestinal diseases caused by bacteria (for example, salmonella).
- Diarrhea associated with fever or blood in the stool.
- An acute episode of ulcerative colitis.
Patients suffering from liver disease or chronic diarrhea should take the drug only after a careful cost-benefit assessment by the attending physician.
Loperamide during pregnancy
Loperamide should not be taken during pregnancy because there is insufficient experience to date regarding possible consequences. Since the active substance can pass into breast milk in small amounts, it is also better to avoid it during breastfeeding. Likewise, the active ingredient should not be used in children under two years of age. In older children between two and twelve years of age, loperamide should only be used after a careful cost-benefit assessment by the attending physician. Since the tablets and capsules are usually overdosed, other dosage forms should be prescribed by the doctor here. The dosage must be calculated individually according to body weight.
