Loperamide

Molecule Description

Loperamide is used in the treatment of acute diarrhoea due to food poisoning or

viral infections. It reduces the frequency of stools. It is not suitable for all types of diarrhoea. It belongs to an anti-diarrhoeal group of medicines. Loperamide is available in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup, suspension. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding and about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from, before starting loperamide.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Loperamide

Loperamide is used for the treatment of acute diarrhoea due to viral infections or food poisoning.

Contraindications of Loperamide

When should one not use Loperamide

If you are allergic to loperamide or similar medicines
If there is unexplained swelling of the stomach during or before treatment which does not get relieved on its own
If you already suffer from constipation or develop it during treatment
If you have ulcerative colitis (symptoms like stomach pain or cramps, weight loss, fatigue) which is a chronic disease of the gut.
If you have diarrhoea due to infection caused by bacterial or use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporins
If you have diarrhoea with blood in stools or have a high fever
If the patient is less than 9 years old

Side effects of Loperamide

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain or discomfort
Constipation
Dry mouth

Precautions and Warnings of Loperamide

Pregnancy

Can I take loperamide during pregnancy?

Consult your doctor before taking loperamide during pregnancy as limited information is available about its safety in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

Can I take loperamide while breastfeeding?

Loperamide is not recommended while breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed loperamide?

Loperamide may make you feel dizzy, thus you need to be cautious while driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with loperamide?

Avoid consuming alcohol with loperamide, as it may worsen the side effects.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have problems with your liver
You are suffering from acute diarrhoea or have diarrhoea from several days
You are an AIDS patient suffering from diarrhoea
Loperamide should be used cautiously in children and patients on a low sodium diet.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment
It should be discontinued promptly if signs of constipation, stomach distension or stomach pain develop.

Mode of Action of Loperamide

How Does It Work?

Loperamide acts on the internal intestinal lining (layer) and reduces intestinal movement.
Due to this, the movement of food along the intestine is slowed down.
This makes way for more water and salts to be absorbed, preventing their loss in each episode of loose stools.
It also relieves the feeling of the urgency of passing stools.
It also increases control over defecation (excretion or bowel movement) by increasing the power of the natural control valve of the anus, which weakens during acute diarrhoea.

Interactions of Loperamide

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way loperamide works, or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplement...
Read more
You should avoid this medicine in combination with medicines known to cause ECG changes e.g. Quinidine (medicines given for malaria and for disorders affecting the heart rate), Procainamide, Amiodaron...
Read more

Dosage of Loperamide

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include palpitations, vomiting, sleepiness, constipation. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect an overdose.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed any dose of loperamide then take it as soon as you remember. If it is already time for the next dose then skip the missed dose and follow the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a ...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does loperamide cause dizziness?

A: Loperamide may cause dizziness as a side effects.

Q: In which all dosage forms is loperamide available?

A: Loperamide is available in the form of tablet, capsule, syrup, suspension.

References

View All

Last Updated on: 11 Oct 2021 | 03:07 PM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Recent articles

See All

High Cholesterol Diet – Foods to Eat & Avoid!

Introduction Heart disease is the primary cause of deaths around the world. Having too much cholesterol can lead to severe cardiac issues. Thankfully, you can control and reduce the cholesterol levels by watching what you eat, i.e. the right cholesterol foods. Everything that you ingest has an impact on your cholesterol levels. Here is our

Your Ultimate Guide To A Balanced Diet For Diabetes

Introduction Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting more than 100 million people in India. Diabetes occurs either due to insufficient insulin production, insulin resistance, or both which results in high levels of glucose in blood. Managing diabetes is crucial because uncontrolled diabetes can have serious complications like vision loss, kidney failure,

Benefits of Figs Soaked in Water Overnight: Exploring Nutritional Advantages

Key Highlights: Introduction Figs are versatile and scrumptious fruit that has been revered for its proposed nutritional benefits since ancient times. This little fruit, filled with a burst of sweetness, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that may enhance your well-being. When soaked in water overnight, figs can make a valuable addition to your daily

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Introduction: Recently, dry ice has been in the news due to an unfortunate incident that occurred at a cafe in Gurugram, Haryana. Five diners unwittingly consumed dry ice, mistaking it for mouth freshener. As per news reports, the diners suffered serious injuries to their food pipe and oral cavity after accidentally ingesting the dry ice.

Bubonic Plague Reported: Are We In Danger?

Bubonic plague, which became notorious during the 14th Century in Europe and swept through India from the 1890s to 1910s, is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. Contrary to popular belief, this plague isn’t caused by rat bites. The cause of bubonic plague is the bite of infected fleas. These fleas live in the hairs

Simple and Effective Skin Care Routine

Introduction Healthy skin is indicative of the quality of diet and lifestyle one follows. The largest organ of the human body and often overlooked, the skin acts as a barrier and prevents the external components from entering the inside of the body. This entails that, at times, it is exposed to critically harsh conditions, and

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.