Loperamide is a medication which is used for the relief of acute diarrhea and management of chronic diarrhea in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease. The efficacy of loperamide is comparable to that of another anti-diarrhoea, diphenoxylate (Lomotil). Loperamide helps to reduce diarrhea by accelerating the propulsion of the bowel muscles forward. Even though loperamide is chemically related to narcotics such as morphine, it has no pain-relieving effects even at high doses.
Loperamide Uses
Loperamide drug is used for the treatment of diarrhea. This works by slowing down the movement of the gut. It helps in decreasing the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery. Loperamide is also used for reducing the amount of discharge in a patient who has undergone an ileostomy. The medication is also used for the treatment of on-going diarrhea with inflammatory bowel disease.
Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Loperamide are:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
Some of the major side effects of Loperamide are:
- Rash
- Peeling
- Blistering skin
- Hives
- Itching
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Swelling
- Bloody stools
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Loperamide if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Loperamide side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Loperamide talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or some other medication. The product may contain some inactive ingredient which can cause some allergic reaction or some other problems.
The medication should not be used if you are having any of the medical condition. Before using the medication talk to your doctor if you are having any:
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal pain
- Bowel obstruction
How to take Loperamide?
Loperamide comes as a tablet, a capsule, and as a suspension or solution (liquid) to be taken orally. Non-prescription (over-the-counter) loperamide is usually taken promptly after each loose bowel movement and not more than the maximum 24-hour period indicated on the label. Loperamide prescription is sometimes taken on a schedule (one or more times a day).
Dosage for Loperamide
Adult Dosage
In adults and children 12 years of age and older, the recommended dosage is initially 4 mg followed by 2 mg per loose stool. The maximum daily dose is 16 mg per day (8 mg if self-medicating).
Chronic diarrhea: 4-8 mg per day may be undertaken after control has been achieved.
Children
Acute Diarrhea in Children
Age 8 to 12 years – 2 mg three times in a day
Age 6 to 8 years- 2mg twice a day
Chronic Diarrhea
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Loperamide won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Loperamide tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Is Loperamide safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
There are no appropriate studies of loperamide in pregnant women. However, research in animals receiving very high doses of loperamide does not suggest any significant adverse effects on the fetus. Doctors usually recommend loperamide during pregnancy if the advantages of loperamide outweigh the potential but unknown risks.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Loperamide consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Loperamide rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Loperamide.
Loperamide vs Decyclomine
Loperamide |
Decyclomine |
|---|---|
| Loperamide is a medication which is used for the relief of acute diarrhea and management of chronic diarrhea in patient with inflammatory bowel disease. | Dicyclomine belongs to the class of medication called anticholinergics. This helps in relieving the muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract by blocking the the activity of various natural substances in the body. |
| Loperamide drug is used for the treatment of diarrhea. This works by slowing down the movement of the gut. It helps in decreasing the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery. | Dicyclomine is used for the treatment of intestinal problem called irritable bowel syndrome. It helps in reducing the symptoms of stomachs and intestinal crampings. |
Some of the major side effects of Loperamide are:
|
Some of the serious side effects of Dicyclomine are:
|
