"Lopedium" is a drug that inhibits peristalsis. It is a hard-shell gelatin capsule, painted in gray or dark green (they contain a homogeneous whitish powder) or white tablets.
Pharmacological properties
Lopedium tablets (instructions for use are given in this article) consist of a substance that can bind to opiate intestinal receptors. Due to this connection, the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins is suppressed. In this way, the pulse peristalsis is reduced and the time interval for the passage of food through the digestive tract is significantly increased. Also, the intestinal walls absorb more fluid, come in tone the sphincter muscle.
Pharmacokinetics
Most of the loperamide ingested is absorbed in the intestine, however, due to the intensive metabolism of the first pass, systemic bioavailability is only a quarter of a percent.
Thanks to studies, it was found that the drug is distributed relative to the intestinal wall, and at the same time binds to the receptors of the longitudinal layer of the muscle membrane. For the most part, loperamide binds to proteins, especially albumin.
Lopedium tablets (instructions for use classify them as safe drugs) are almost completely absorbed by the liver, where they are metabolized, conjugated and excreted from the body with bile. Due to the very intense effect of the first passage of the drug through the liver, the concentration of the drug itself in the blood decreases significantly, remaining very low. The drug is completely eliminated from the body after eleven to fourteen hours.
Indications for use
"Lopedium" (tablets) instructions for use are recommended in case of chronic and acute diarrhea. This drug can be taken by people traveling ("tourist diarrhea"). In this case, the course of treatment should be two days. However, in case of detection of blood in the feces, you should not use the medicine until the doctor determines the causes of the malaise.
Contraindications
Do not use tablets if there is an increased sensitivity to loperamide hydrochloride or any other components of the drug.
The main contraindications for patients:
- bacterial enterocolitis obtained as a result of the activity of certain microorganisms:
- Acute dysentery, accompanied by bloody diarrhea and fever.
Combine the drug with any antibiotics with extreme caution. Be sure to tell the doctor about this.
Do not use Lopedium tablets (instructions for use caution patients) for the development of constipation, bloating or intestinal obstruction. Avoid funds if you need to avoid inhibition of peristalsis.
How to take Lopedium tablets
The drug can be used by adults and children over six years of age. The capsule (tablet) must be swallowed whole, washed down with a small amount of clean water.
In chronic and acute diarrhea, the adult dose should be 4 mg of the drug (two pcs.). For children, one thing will be enough. The drug should be taken after each liquid bowel movement. The maximum daily intake for children and adults is six to eight tablets.
If the symptoms of acute diarrhea do not disappear within forty-eight hours, you should stop taking the drug.
Patients of advanced age do not need special adjustment of a dosage of capsules. The same goes for people with impaired renal function. "Lopedium" (tablets) does not recommend giving instructions for use to children 3 years old.
Application features
Typically, treatment for diarrhea is systematic. If the patient has the opportunity to determine the etymology of the disease, then in this case, specific treatment is necessary. It is possible that this drug is prescribed by doctors during the use of antibiotic therapy. In parallel with taking Lopedium (tablets), the instructions for use for children recommend replacement therapy to replenish electrolytes and fluids. This should be done if an imbalance and dehydration of electrolytes occurs.
Patients who have acquired acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with diarrhea should immediately stop taking "Lopedium" in case of bloating.
Lopedium (tablets): instructions for use during pregnancy and lactation
Doctors do not recommend taking the drug for pregnant and lactating women. This is due to the fact that a small amount of loperamide can pass into breast milk. That is why women "in position" should definitely consult a doctor before buying the drug.
Interaction with other drugs
Scientists are aware of cases of interaction with drugs that have similar pharmacological characteristics. Medicines that have a depressing effect on the central nervous system cannot be combined with Lopedium.
It is worth considering that loperamide is a substrate of P-glycoprotein. The simultaneous use of "Lopedium", as well as quinidine and ritonavir, can lead to a significant increase in the concentration of the drug in the blood. The dose may increase two to three times. A similar effect is observed with itraconazole and ketaconazole.
It was found that drugs with similar pharmacological properties can enhance the effect of loperamide several times. But drugs that accelerate the passage of contents through the gastrointestinal tract, on the contrary, reduce its effectiveness.
Overdose
Lopedium tablets (instructions for use describe the symptoms of an overdose) can lead to loss of coordination, headache, drowsiness, stupor and urinary retention. If you find these symptoms, you can take Naloxone. In rare cases, the stomach is washed and they drink activated charcoal.
Adverse reactions
Rashes may form on the skin, including Stevenson-Johnson syndrome; erythema multiforme; swelling itching and hives.
The drug can negatively affect the nervous system. Patients may experience drowsiness, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, hypertension, and tremor.
From the digestive system, patients may notice dry mouth, constipation, nausea, flatulence, vomiting, bowel obstruction. Many patients have rapid fatigue.
With extreme caution, it is worth using the drug for car drivers and working with mechanisms, since the medicine can lead to drowsiness.
Release form, packaging and composition
Each capsule (tablet) contains two milligrams of loperamide hydrochloride. In addition to the main medicinal substance, the preparation also contains auxiliary substances, namely: talc, magnesium stearate, corn starch and lactose monohydrate.
Ten tablets are on sale. The package can contain from one to five blisters.
The tablets are white and round in shape, convex on one side.
The drug should be stored in a dark, dry place out of the reach of children. The temperature should not exceed twenty-five degrees. Shelf life is five years from the date of manufacture. The drug can be bought at any pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. However, do not forget that self-medication can lead to negative consequences.