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molecule

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

Uses of Loperamide

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

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
sideEffects

Side effects of Loperamide

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain or discomfort
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Loperamide

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take loperamide during pregnancy?
A:
Consult your doctor before taking loperamide during pregnancy as limited information is available about its safety in pregnant women.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take loperamide while breastfeeding?
A:
Loperamide is not recommended while breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed loperamide?
A:
Loperamide may make you feel dizzy, thus you need to be cautious while driving.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with loperamide?
A:
Avoid consuming alcohol with loperamide, as it may worsen the side effects.
otherGeneralWarnings

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.
modeOfAction

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

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...
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  • 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

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 ...
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Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY
doctor

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

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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.
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