Loperamide is a medication to relieve diarrhea. This drug can also be used to reduce the amount of stool in patients installedIleostomy, which is a hole in the abdominal wall instead of the anus.
Loperamide works by slowing bowel movements and making stools denser. By taking this drug, the frequency of bowel movements can be reduced. Keep in mind that loperamide cannot cure the underlying cause of diarrhea.
Loperamide trademark: Antidia, Diadium, Imodiar, Imodium, Licodium, Lodia, Loperamide, Normotil, Normudal, Renamid, Rhomuz.
What is Loperamide
| group | Antidiarrhea |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treat diarrhea |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 2 years old |
| Loperamide for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Loperamide can be absorbed into breast milk, this drug should not be taken during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Loperamide
Loperamide should not be taken carelessly. There are several things that must be considered before taking this drug, including:
- Do not use loperamide if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not give loperamide to children under 2 years of age because it can cause serious side effects.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with loperamide.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking loperamide, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea with bloody or mucus-like stools, especially if it is accompanied by a fever. Loperamide is not intended to treat diarrhea due to dysentery, bacterial infection, or diarrhea due to antibiotic use.
- Tell your doctor about any medical history you have, including HIV/AIDS, liver disease, electrolyte imbalance, glaucoma, arrhythmias, or constipation.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking loperamide.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Loperamide
The dose of loperamide will be given by the doctor according to the condition and age of the patient. In general, the following are loperamide doses for diarrhea relief:
- Mature: The initial dose of 4 mg is given after a bowel movement, followed by 2 mg after each bowel movement. The maximum dose is 16 mg per day.
- Children ages 6–8 years: The initial dose of 2 mg is given after a bowel movement, followed by 1 mg after each bowel movement. The maximum dose is 4 mg per day.
- Children ages 9–11: The initial dose of 2 mg is given after a bowel movement, followed by 1 mg after each bowel movement. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.
How to Take Loperamide Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before taking loperamide.
If you are advised to take loperamide in tablet form, swallow the medication whole with a glass of water. Do not split or chew let alone crush the tablet.
Drink plenty of water or fluids that contain electrolytes to replace the fluids lost when you have diarrhea. Consult a doctor if symptoms of dehydration appear.
If you forget to take loperamide, it is advisable to take it as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Stop taking loperamide and see a doctor if diarrhea doesn't improve within 2 days, stools are bloody, runny, or signs and symptoms of dehydration appear.
Store loperamide at room temperature. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight.
Loperamide Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that may occur if you take loperamide with other drugs:
- Increased blood levels of loperamide if taken with ritonavir, abiraterone, amiodarone, cimetidine, or ketoconazole
- Decreased effectiveness of loperamide when taken with cholestyramine
- Increased risk of heart problems and fatal side effects if taken with azithromycin, clarithromycin, clopidogrel, or ciclosporin
Loperamide Side Effects
Side effects that may appear after taking loperamide are:
- Dizzy
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Nauseous
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if after taking loperamide, an allergic reaction occurs to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Severe constipation
- Diarrhea continues or bloody stools
- Severe stomach pain or bloating
- Dizziness so bad that you feel like passing out
- Heart palpitations (palpitations) or fast heart rate