Why is the drug Loperamide necessary? 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 the tool, what is included in its composition, in what forms it is released, etc.
Composition, packaging, form and description
In what form can I buy a medicine like Loperamide? Reviews of experts claim that this medication goes to pharmacies in the form of capsules, absorbable tablets and drops.
The first two forms are intended for adult patients, as well as children over six years of age. As for the latter, in some countries drops were used only for babies up to a year old. However, in the Russian Federation this form is not allowed for sale, as it was often used independently, without a doctor’s prescription, which often led to serious complications, including death.
The active substance of tablets and capsules is loperamide hydrochloride. Reviews of doctors say that this component in both forms is contained in the same amount, that is, 2 mg. 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. The tablets are flat in shape and may be yellowish in color.
Both types of medicine are contained in blister packs, which are placed in cardboard boxes.
Pharmacological characteristics
What is a tool like Loperamide? Reviews of pharmacists inform us that this is a symptomatic antidiarrheal medication.
By binding to 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 down the passage of its contents, and also reduces the release of electrolytes and liquid with feces.
It should be noted that the agent in question increases the tone of the sphincter (anal), which ultimately helps to reduce the urge to defecate and retain feces.
How long does the drug "Loperamide"? Patient reviews suggest that the effect of taking such a medicine occurs very quickly. Moreover, it lasts for 5-6 hours.
Pharmacokinetic properties
How quickly is the active substance of the drug in question (loperamide hydrochloride) absorbed? The reviews of specialists contain information that the highest concentration of the active component of this agent is achieved 2.6 hours after administration. The 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 occurs almost completely 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
Why is Loperamide prescribed for children? Reviews of experts say that this drug can be taken not only for babies, but also for adults. It is intended for the symptomatic treatment of chronic and acute diarrhea of various origins (allergic, drug, emotional, radiation, etc.). In addition, this medication is able to regulate stool in patients with a diagnosis such as ileostomy.
Contraindications
In the presence of what conditions can not use the drug "Loperamide"? Instructions for use, reviews of doctors inform that the drug in question is not recommended for patients with hypersensitivity to the drug, lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption, diverticulosis, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis in the acute stage, diarrhea that has arisen against 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 1st trimester) and during lactation.
Can I give the drug "Loperamide" to children? Reviews of experts say that the medicine in capsules is not prescribed for babies.
With extreme caution, this medication is given to patients with liver failure.
Methods of administration 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 without chewing, washed down with a small amount of water. As for the tablets, they are placed under the tongue. Within a few seconds, the medicine should completely dissolve, after which it is necessary to swallow all the saliva. Tablets should not be washed with water.
The dosage of the drug in question depends on the age of the patient.
In chronic and acute diarrhea, adults are prescribed 2 capsules (initially), and then 1 capsule after each bowel movement (if the stool is still loose).
With acute diarrhea, children over 6 years old are given a first capsule after each bowel movement.
The maximum daily dosage in adults (with chronic and acute diarrhea) is 8 capsules, and in children - 3.
In the absence of stool for more than 12 hours, as well as after its normalization, treatment with this drug must be stopped.
Overdose
What are the consequences if the patient took the drug “Loperamide” (tablets) incorrectly? The doctors say that in this case, the following symptoms of an overdose may appear: intestinal obstruction, central nervous system depression (stupor, miosis, drowsiness, impaired coordination, respiratory depression and muscle hypertension).
As a treatment, symptomatic therapy is performed. The patient is washed with a stomach, and also give activated charcoal.
In case of an overdose, medical supervision is necessary for at least two days.
Lactation and pregnancy
Can I take the drug "Loperamide" during pregnancy? Reviews of experts inform that this tool is contraindicated in the 1st trimester. As for the 2nd and 3rd, during this period women can be prescribed antidiarrheal medication, but only after an objective determination of the ratio of benefits for the mother and harm for the baby.
Due to the fact that a small amount of the drug is found in breast milk, during its priming, breastfeeding should be discontinued.
Side effects
As a rule, the drug Loperamide is well tolerated by patients. However, in some cases, the patient may experience allergic reactions (for example, a skin rash), as well as insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness, hypovolemia, nausea, dizziness, electrolyte disturbances, gastralgia, dry mouth, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, vomiting, intestinal colic and flatulence.
It should also be noted that very rarely urinary retention and intestinal obstruction are observed as side effects in patients.
Drug features
If the therapeutic effect is absent after 2 days of treatment with the drug in question, then you must consult a doctor.
If bloating or constipation occurs during therapy, the drug should be discontinued. In patients with impaired liver function, careful monitoring of the symptoms of toxic damage to the central nervous system is required.
During treatment of diarrhea , the loss of electrolytes and fluid should be replenished.
Drug Reviews
Reviews about such a drug as Loperamide are mostly positive. This is due to the fact that this medication quite effectively eliminates diarrhea, which can occur for a variety of reasons (for example, after a festive feast, sample of exotic fruits, before an exciting event, etc.).
Loperamide tablets and capsules act very quickly. Moreover, they allow the patient to remain in a “working” state throughout the day.
In addition to high efficiency, the main advantage of this tool is its low cost.
In total, all the advantages of this drug created him a good reputation. By the way, positive feedback from those people who have ever used this tool also made a huge contribution to it.
It should also be noted that in addition to the pros, this medicine has its drawbacks. Some patients complain of side effects. Although in general, even such negative aspects do not spoil the overall positive impression of this tool.