Loperamide: reviews, instructions, indications for use

Why do I need the drug Loperamide? Reviews about this drug, its indications, side effects, instructions and contraindications will be presented in this article. We will also tell you about the pharmacological characteristics of this remedy, what is included in its composition, in what forms it is released, etc.

Composition, packaging, form and description

In what form can you buy a medicine like Loperamide? Experts say that this drug comes to pharmacies in the form of capsules, absorbing tablets and drops.

The first two forms are intended for adult patients, as well as children older than six years. As for the latter, in some countries, drops were used only for toddlers for up to a year. However, in the Russian Federation, this form is not allowed for implementation, as it was very often used independently, without the appointment of a doctor, which often led to serious complications, including fatalities.

The active substance of tablets and capsules is loperamide hydrochloride. The doctors say that this component in both forms is contained in the same amount, that is, 2 mg each. As for the additional elements, they include lactose, magnesium stearate, corn starch, talc and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Capsules are available in a gelatin shell. Their contents are white or almost white powder. Tablets also have a flat shape and can be with a yellowish tinge.

Both types of medicinal products are contained in contour mesh packages, which are placed in cardboard packs.

Pharmacological characteristics

What is a remedy like Loperamide? The reviews of pharmacists inform us that this is a symptomatic antidiarrhoeal drug.

By binding to the opioid receptors of the intestinal walls, the active substance of the drug reduces the motility and tone of the smooth muscles of the intestine. This effect slows the passage of its contents, and also reduces the release of electrolytes and fluid with feces.

It should also be noted that this means increases the tone of the sphincter (anal), which ultimately contributes to the reduction of the urge to defecate and retain stool.

How long does the drug Loperamide last? The patient's feedback indicates that the effect of taking such a medicine comes very quickly. And it lasts for 5-6 hours.

Pharmacokinetic properties

How quickly is the active substance of the medicament under consideration absorbed (loperamide hydrochloride)? The feedback from specialists contains information that the maximum concentration of the active component of this drug is achieved 2.6 hours after admission. Absorption of the drug is 40%, and the connection with proteins is 97%.

It should also be noted that the drug does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In addition, its metabolism almost entirely occurs in the liver (by conjugation).

The half-life of the drug is 10-14 hours. It is excreted mainly by the intestines, as well as by the kidneys (an insignificant part).

Indications

What is the purpose of Loperamide for children? Experts say that this drug can be taken not only by babies, but also by adults. It is intended for symptomatic treatment of chronic and acute diarrhea of various origins (allergic, medicinal, emotional, radiation and others). In addition, this medication is able to regulate stool in patients with a diagnosis such as ileostomy.

Contraindications

In the presence of which states can not use the drug "Loperamide"? Instructions for use, doctors' reviews inform you that it is not recommended to use this drug for patients with hypersensitivity to the drug, intolerance to lactose, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption, diverticulosis, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis in the acute stage, diarrhea that has arisen in the background Pseudomembranous enterocolitis (acute).

It should also be noted that this medication can not be used in monotherapy for dysentery and other infections of the gastrointestinal tract, pregnancy (especially in the first trimester) and during lactation.

Is it possible to give Loperamide to children? Experts say that the medicine in capsules is not prescribed for babies.

With special care this medication is given to patients with hepatic insufficiency.

Methods of taking and dosage of the drug

How should I take the drug "Loperamide" (indications for use, reviews about this tool you can find in the article)?

Capsules must be swallowed whole, not liquid, squeezed with a small amount of water. As for the tablets, they are put under the tongue. Within a few seconds, the drug should completely dissolve, after which it is required to swallow all the saliva. Do not take tablets with water.

The dosage of the agent under consideration depends on the age of the patient.

For chronic and acute diarrhea, adults are prescribed 2 capsules (initially), and then on the 1st capsule after each defecation (if the stool is still liquid).

In acute diarrhea, babies older than 6 years are given a 1 capsule after each bowel movement.

The maximum daily dosage in adults (with chronic and acute diarrhea) is 8 capsules, and in children - 3.

If there is no stool for more than 12 hours, and also after its normalization, treatment with this drug should be stopped.

Overdose

What consequences will arise if the patient incorrectly took Loperamide (tablets)? The doctors say that in this case, the following symptoms of overdose may appear: intestinal obstruction, CNS depression (miosis stupor, drowsiness, impaired coordination, respiratory depression and muscle hypertension).

As a treatment, symptomatic therapy is performed. The patient is washed with a stomach, and also gives activated charcoal.

In case of an overdose, medical supervision is necessary for at least two days.

Lactation and pregnancy

Can I take Loperamide during pregnancy? The feedback from specialists informs us that this remedy is contraindicated in the first trimester. As for the 2nd and 3rd, during this period, women can be prescribed antidiarrhoeal medicines, but only after an objective determination of the ratio of benefit to the mother and harm to the baby.

In view of the fact that a small amount of the drug is found in breast milk, breastfeeding should be stopped during its priming.

Side effects

As a rule, the drug "Loperamide" is tolerated by patients rather well. However, in some cases, the patient may experience allergic reactions (eg skin rash), as well as insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness, hypovolemia, nausea, dizziness, electrolyte disorders, gastralgia, dry mouth, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, vomiting, intestinal Colic and flatulence.

It should also be noted that very rarely as side effects in patients there is a delay in urine and intestinal obstruction.

Features of the medicine

If the therapeutic effect is absent after 2 days of treatment with the drug in question, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

If a bloating or constipation occurs during therapy, the drug should be discontinued. Patients with impaired liver function require careful monitoring of symptoms of toxic CNS damage.

During the treatment of diarrhea , the loss of electrolytes and fluid should be compensated.

Reviews about the drug

Reviews about such a drug as "Loperamide", are mostly positive. This is due to the fact that this medication effectively eliminates diarrhea, which can occur for a variety of reasons (for example, after a festive feast, samples of exotic fruits, before an exciting event, etc.).

Tablets and capsules "Loperamide" are very fast. At the same time, they allow the patient to remain in the "working" state throughout the day.

In addition to high efficiency, the main advantage of this tool is its low cost.

Together, all the advantages of this drug have created him a good reputation. By the way, its huge contribution to it was made by positive responses from those people who have ever used this tool.

It should also be noted that in addition to the pluses, this medication has its drawbacks. Some patients complain of side effects. Although in general, even such negative aspects do not spoil the overall positive impression about this tool.