Loperamide

Loperamide: an effective antidiarrheal agent

Loperamide is a drug used for the symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea. It belongs to the group of antidiarrheal drugs and is widely used in medicine. Loperamide is the active ingredient in many drugs available on the market under various trade names.

Producing countries

Loperamide is produced in different countries around the world. Some of them include Poland, Latvia, Ukraine, UK, Russia and Belgium. Some of the well-known manufacturers include Warsaw Pharmaceutical Plant Polfa, Grindeks Public Joint Stock Company, Concern Stirol, Norton Healthcare Ltd, Obolensk Pharmaceutical Enterprise, Ozon, North Star and Serta SA.

Dosage form and composition

Loperamide is available in the form of capsules and tablets containing the active ingredient loperamide. Each capsule or tablet contains 2 mg of loperamide.

Indications for use

Loperamide is effective in the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea. It is used to reduce the frequency and volume of stools, as well as to increase the consistency of stools in patients with ileostomy. Loperamide helps eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of diarrhea and restore normal intestinal function.

Contraindications and side effects

Loperamide is not recommended in case of hypersensitivity to the drug, as well as in the presence of dysentery with blood in the stool and fever. It is also contraindicated in acute ulcerative colitis, acute pseudomembranous colitis, pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children under 6 years of age.

Some side effects may occur with loperamide, including drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rarely, constipation or bloating.

Interaction with other drugs

At the moment, there is no reliable data on the interaction of loperamide with other drugs. However, if used simultaneously, use caution and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose and special instructions

An overdose of loperamide may cause symptoms of depression of the central nervous system, such as stupor, loss of coordination, drowsiness, muscle hypertension, and increased side effects. In case of overdose, seek medical help immediately.

There are some special precautions you should follow when using loperamide:

1. Follow the recommended dosage and do not exceed the recommended dosage of the drug. If diarrhea symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor.

2. Loperamide is for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea only and is not recommended for long-term use without medical advice.

3. If you have loose stools, you should drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

4. Loperamide may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Be careful when driving or performing other tasks that require alertness.

5. The use of loperamide in children under 6 years of age is not recommended without consulting a doctor.

6. If you have other medical conditions or are taking medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking loperamide.

It is important to remember that the information provided here is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for specific medical information and advice.