Watery stools can occur at any age. In this case, it is important to choose an effective, but safe tool. To eliminate symptoms, doctors often prescribe the drug "Loperamide". Instructions for use position it as an antidiarrheal drug that quickly copes with the problem.
Short description
The medication consists of a chemical substance that has a bitter taste and a whitish hue. Moreover, it also dissolves poorly in water. Depending on the manufacturer, a medicine based on this component may have several names, but, regardless of the name, the main active ingredient is loperamide hydrochloride. In this case, the dosage of the active substance is always the same, which is 2 mg per dose (tablet or capsule). In the pharmacy you can find the following drugs that have different names, but, in fact, are one and the same means:
- Loperamide
- "Loperamide Acre;
- "Loperamide Akrikhin".
The instructions for use indicate complete information about taking the medication, which in each case will be almost the same.
Variety of release forms
The chemical actively eliminates the symptoms of diarrhea, but it is worth choosing the optimal form of release depending on preferences:
- tablets;
- capsules;
- drops;
- syrup.
In pharmacies, capsules and ordinary white tablets are most often found. Some countries don’t have a medicine in the form of drops and syrup, because pharmaceutical companies do not have a license to produce such drugs. A similar problem should be taken into account when traveling abroad.
The most popular are capsules. The active substance is enclosed in a gelatin shell, which has a neutral aroma. Thus, the manufacturer solves the problem of reception, neutralizing the bitter taste. In addition, the shell has a smooth surface, which contributes to an easier advancement of the pill through the esophagus. The capsule is not recommended to chew. It must be swallowed whole and washed down with plenty of liquid.
Current composition
Any form of the drug has one active ingredient - loperamide hydrochloride. It forms the medical basis of the medication. There are also auxiliary components that help shape the pill, its color, taste and aroma.
Additional substances of the tablet are:
- starch;
- magnesium stearate;
- granulac.
The capsule has a slightly different auxiliary composition. It has a shell that quickly dissolves under the action of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. In this case, the active substance is released. Fast and effective Loperamide. In the instructions for use, all the components of which the capsule consists are prescribed:
- Loperamide hydrochloride is a therapeutic active substance.
- Lactose is an additional component.
- Corn starch is an additional ingredient.
- Magnesium stearate.
- Aerosil.
Regardless of the form of the medication, the therapeutic component is always one and is contained in the same dosage - 2 mg per pill.
When to take
To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms that accompany loose stool, Loperamide is intended. The instructions for the use of tablets and capsules detail the indications for taking the medication. Treatment will be effective in the following disorders and conditions:
- an allergic reaction, which manifests itself in the form of loose stools;
- to eliminate unpleasant consequences after surgery in the gastrointestinal tract;
- indigestion and diarrhea resulting from taking antibiotics;
- loose stools accompanying infectious diseases;
- diarrhea manifested in a viral disease;
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which may be accompanied by diarrhea (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis);
- diarrhea that was caused by a malfunction in the diet;
- diarrhea, which manifests itself in travel due to changes in climate, water and a normal diet.
Quite a lot of evidence has "Loperamide". The instructions for use also indicate that the medicine is able to eliminate the unpleasant consequences that are expressed in diarrhea after severe alcohol poisoning. In addition, the drug is indicated for fecal incontinence in the elderly. A similar problem arises from the weakness of the anal sphincter and a decrease in bowel tone. At the same time, doctors diagnose the patient with encopresis and as a complex therapy may prescribe loperamide hydrochloride. Instructions for use of the drug based on it contain comprehensive information about the methods of administration and dosage.
Treatment features
The medication is not prescribed for babies up to two years. However, travelers should consider that in some countries, admission is prohibited for up to six years, and in Australia for up to twelve. Also use the drug with caution during pregnancy. If a woman in a position suffers from diarrhea of an infectious nature or in connection with the intake of poor-quality food, then the doctor may prescribe Loperamide. The instructions for the use of capsules or tablets say that such an appointment is possible only in the third or second trimester of pregnancy.
At the beginning of pregnancy, no medication is prescribed. This is due to the lack of sufficient experience of use and clinical studies that would prove the safety of the active component in the developing fetus. In addition, the drug is not used during breastfeeding, because the active substance is found in large quantities in breast milk.
Appropriateness of appointment
When treating diarrhea of various origins, doctors often recommend the use of Loperamide. The instruction for the use of tablets and pills is quite detailed and describes all the possible conditions in which the reception is indicated. Of course, any specialist has many recommendations on how to relieve the patient of diarrhea, but loperamide-based products are prescribed first. However, before the specialist will assess the patient’s condition and take into account all possible contraindications.
With the occurrence of loose stools of various genesis, the effectiveness of treatment with the help of the drug in question is clinically proven. The chemical substance has been used successfully in medical practice in many countries for a very long time.
Reviews often mention the effectiveness of the drug and its availability in all pharmacies. The ability to purchase it without a prescription, as well as an affordable price, adds popularity to the medication.
Dosage calculation
Different categories of patients may be recommended "Loperamide". In the instructions for use, all dosages are clearly painted, depending on the age of the patient. However, the doctor can make adjustments based on the weight of the person, his general condition and related diseases.
Use in childhood
Depending on the age of the baby, the dosage "Loperamide" is calculated. Instructions for use for children prescribe the following:
- From 2 to 8 years - the drug is best offered in drops. On the first day, when there is an exacerbation, the baby is given 30 drops of the medicine three times a day. The next day, the dosage can be reduced if the condition improves. You can use the drug in tablet form. In this case, a single dosage is 1/2 pill three times a day.
- From 9 to 12 years old - offer one tablet 3-4 times a day.
- Children after 12 years old are already receiving treatment according to adult dosages.
Capsules for the treatment of children under 12 years of age are not used.
Prescribing to adult patients
Eliminate manifestations of diarrhea will help Loperamide. In the instructions for use by adults, the recommended dosages are indicated:
- On the day of exacerbation, two tablets should be taken immediately. Then the reception is necessary after each loose stool.
- Adult patients can also use capsules. It should be noted that the maximum daily dose should not exceed more than 8 pills.
- If the patient has problems with the swallowing process, drops are recommended. Also, a similar form can be assigned to the elderly. In this case, in the first step, you need to drink 60 drops of the product. Then a dosage of 30 drops is used after each bowel movement. But for a day you can not exceed the dosage of 180 drops.
A medication can be prescribed for chronic diarrhea. In this case, the individual dosage of the fastener should be selected by the doctor. In this case, the frequency of stools in a patient can be up to two times a day.
Drug Replacement
If for some reason it was not possible to purchase Loperamide, the pharmacist can offer a replacement. An analogue of the drug is a medication that is similar in structural effects on the body and has the same active component. Among medicines of this format, the most famous are:
- Imodium;
- Diara
- "Superylol";
- Enterobene;
- Diarol
- Laremide.
These drugs can successfully replace Loperamide. In the instructions for use of the analogue, the same active component must be indicated. If this was not found or there are good reasons for refusing, then the doctor will recommend a medicine that eliminates the symptoms of the disease, but having a different composition.
Adverse Effects
Judging by the reviews, the drug rarely causes side effects. Experts note that such problems are most often fixed with the illiterate use of the drug or its overdose. Doctors focus on the fact that if, after self-administration, no improvement is observed within two days, then you should consult a specialist for advice.
When taking the medicine, the following unpleasant symptoms can be:
- allergic reactions to the skin;
- dry mouth
- fainting conditions;
- nausea;
- Dizziness
- pain in the abdomen;
- constipation;
- vomiting
- heartache;
- arrhythmia.
Despite the side effects, the drug is currently considered relatively harmless.
Contraindications
The drug has a fairly strong effect on the body and penetrates many organs and systems of the body. Therefore, there are contraindications for taking:
- children's age up to two years (capsules up to 12);
- pregnancy (1 trimester);
- lactation;
- acute dysentery;
- intestinal paresis;
- colitis;
- conditions in which it is undesirable to inhibit bowel function.
Experts insist on a doctor with prolonged diarrhea, even though Loperamide can be bought without a prescription.
Patient Reviews
A rather popular drug is Loperamide. Instructions for use and feedback on use excite potential buyers in the first place. Basically, everyone notes the effective and rapid effect of the medication. Liquid stool passes after 2-3 pills. It is important that there are practically no side effects, the tablets are well tolerated. Parents with a violation of the diet often offer the drug to children. Even the little ones feel good, and the symptoms go away the very next day.
But there is an insignificant category of patients who noted negative reactions during administration. However, doctors note that such conditions are usually associated with the wrong choice of medication, self-prescribing and over-dosage. It is especially dangerous to take medicine during dysentery, as indicated in the instructions.