Loperamide Hydrochloride: Antidiarrheal drug from India
Loperamide hydrochloride is an antidiarrheal agent that is widely used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea. It can also be used to reduce the frequency and volume of stool in patients with ileostomy, as well as to provide firmer consistency. Loperamide hydrochloride is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Panacea Biotech in India.
Loperamide is the international name of this drug and it is also known by various synonyms such as Vero-Loperamide, Diarol, Imodium, Lopedium, Lopedium ISO, Loperamide, Loperamide-Ratiopharm, Loperamide-Acri, Loperamide-Rivo, Loperamide-Rivopharm, Loperamide hydrochloride "LH", Neo-enteroseptol, Superilop and Enterobene. The dosage form of loperamide hydrochloride is capsules containing the active substance loperamide.
Loperamide hydrochloride is used for the symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea. It helps reduce the frequency and intensity of stool, reduces the liquid consistency of stool. However, it should be noted that this drug does not treat the cause of diarrhea, so it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Loperamide hydrochloride has some contraindications. It is not recommended for hypersensitivity to the drug, dysentery (especially with the presence of blood in the stool and elevated temperature), ulcerative colitis in the acute stage, acute pseudomembranous colitis, as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children under 6 years of age.
Some side effects may occur when using loperamide hydrochloride. This may include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rare cases of constipation or bloating.
There is no data on the interaction of loperamide hydrochloride with other drugs. However, as with any medicine, before you start taking loperamide hydrochloride, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions with other medicines you are using.
In case of overdose In cases of overdose of loperamide hydrochloride, you should immediately contact a medical facility or consult a poison center. Symptoms of overdose may include constipation, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, drowsiness, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythm. In severe cases of overdose, serious heart problems may occur, including arrhythmia and cardiac arrest.
It is important to follow the recommended dosage of loperamide hydrochloride and not exceed it. If diarrhea continues for more than 48 hours or worsens, you should consult your doctor.
Overall, loperamide hydrochloride is an effective antidiarrheal agent that is widely used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea. However, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.