In this blog, we learn about Loperamide medicine which is use to decrease frequency of diarrhoea. It is available in market under brand names like lopox, lmodium, etc.
It is not recommended for those who have blood in the stool, mucus in the stool, or fever. It is available in oral tablet form.
Loperamide was first made in 1969 and used medically in 1976. Loperamide is most essential medicine in list of World Health Organization. It is available as a generic medication.
We learn this topic in below format
INDICATION
- Nonspecific diarrhoea
- Mild traveller’s diarrhoea
- Chronic diarrhoea due to bowel resection
- Chronic diarrhoea secondary to inflammatory bowel disease
- Food poisoning due to salmonella
- To reduce fluid loss after colostomy or ileostomy
CONTRAINDICATION
It is more important than indication. Because we must understand that in what condition we must not give to patient.
- Acute infective diarrhoea
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Acute pseudomembranous colitis
- Hepatic dysfunction
DOSAGE
Acute diarrhoea
Initially 4mg than 2mg after each loose motion (maximum 16mg)
Chronic diarrhoea
4 to 8 mg per day
Patient should take enough fluid, sugar & salt
Effect of loperamide starts within 1-2 hrs after taking it & effect last for 6-18 hrs.
SIDE-EFFECT
Each & every molecule which have effect also have side-effect. But, it not occurs to everyone. It occurs to only who have sensitivity to particular molecule.
If adverse effect occurs, that may be one of below
- Dry mouth, constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating of abdomen, abdominal distension
- Rashes, itching
- Intestinal stasis
- Drowsiness, dizziness
- Toxic megacolon
SPECIAL PRECAUTION
- Use cautiously in liver & kidney disease
- After abdominal surgery
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Severe Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
MECHANISM OF ACTION
It has opiate like activity on small intestines and colon with mild secretory activity.
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