Loperamide tablet 2 mg
Loperamide Capsule 2 mg
Image Source: Loperamide pill images - what does loperamide look like? Drugs.com. (n.d.). https://www.drugs.com/image/loperamide-images.html
Overview
Loperamide, usually under the brand name Imodium, is a drug to treat diarrhea. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
It works by aiming towards the muscles and nerves in our digestive system and slows down the muscle contractions in the intestines.
Medical Uses
Loperamide is used to treat both acute and chronic diarrhea. Also, it’s frequently used to treat diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Side Effects
Common side effects of loperamide include:
Constipation
Abdominal cramps
Dizziness
Drowsiness
The side effects are usually mild. However, in rare conditions, loperamide can lead to severe side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias and serious allergic reactions.
Moreover, Loperamide has been subject to misuse and abuse, as high doses of the medication can produce opioid-like effects. It is essential to use the medication as directed.
Drug Interactions
The following drug, combined with Loperamide, may cause you to experience some side effects. Therefore, It is important to inform your doctor about all your medications.
*Disclaimer: the list is inconclusive
Itraconazole
Clarithromycin
Fluoxetine
Citalopram
Omeprazole
Verapamil
Gemfibrozil
Ritonavir-containing medications
Dosing
For adults, take 2 capsules or tablets, which is about 4 mg. Then take 1 capsule or tablet after another diarrhea symptom. And stop taking loperamide as soon as your symptoms settle down.
The recommended maximum dose in 24 hours is:
OTC: 6 capsules or tablets
By prescription: 8 capsules or tablets
Please note that do not take loperamide for more than 48 hours without talking to a doctor.
Notes
Loperamide should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in children, with dosage adjustments as recommended by a healthcare professional.
Also, tonic water and grapefruit juice can interact with loperamide. Therefore, please be aware of the beverages and food you eat during medications.
Citation:
GoodRx. (n.d.). The 10 most common imodium interactions and what they mean. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/imodium/interactions#
Loperamide - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557885/
Loperamide. Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online. (n.d.). https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00836
NHS. (n.d.). NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loperamide/#:~:text=1.-,About%20loperamide,colitis%20and%20short%20bowel%20syndrome
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