LOPERAMIDE
About
LOPERAMIDE is an anti-diarrheal medicine used to treat diarrhoea. It is also indicated in the treatment of diarrhoea associated with inflammatory bowel disease and in reducing the volume of discharge from ileostomies. Diarrhoea is a condition in which bowel movements are too frequent, leading to loose, watery stools.
LOPERAMIDE contains Loperamide, which works by slowing down an overactive bowel. This allows water and salts that are usually lost in diarrhoea to be absorbed by the body. Thereby, LOPERAMIDE helps treat diarrhoea.
The most common side effects of LOPERAMIDE are headache, nausea, and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take LOPERAMIDE if you are allergic to any of its components. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. LOPERAMIDE may cause dizziness; therefore, do not drive unless you are alert. Keep the doctor informed about your health conditions and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of LOPERAMIDE
Medicinal Benefits
LOPERAMIDE belongs to the class of anti-diarrheal medication used to treat diarrhoea. It is also indicated in the treatment of diarrhoea associated with inflammatory bowel disease and for reducing the volume of discharge from ileostomies. LOPERAMIDE contains Loperamide, which works by slowing down an overactive bowel. This allows water and salts that are usually lost in diarrhoea to be absorbed by the body. Thereby, LOPERAMIDE helps treat diarrhoea.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of LOPERAMIDE
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take LOPERAMIDE if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics, ulcerative colitis, constipation, or acute dysentery (blood in stools). Inform the doctor if you have AIDS and your stomach becomes swollen, liver or kidney disease, diarrhoea for more than 48 hours, severe diarrhoea, a history of drug abuse, slow or irregular heartbeat, low level of potassium in your blood, or prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking loperamide: fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; dizziness; lightheadedness; unresponsiveness; or fainting. Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage, as it may lead to serious heart problems.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform the doctor if you are taking medicines used to treat HIV (ritonavir), abnormal heart rhythms (quinidine), excessive urination (desmopressin), fungal infections (itraconazole, ketoconazole), high cholesterol (gemfibrozil).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform the doctor if you have infectious diarrhoea or acute dysentery.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid/limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the side effects of this medicine, such as dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionLoperamide belongs to pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeSmall amounts of Loperamide may appear in human breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended during breast-feeding.
Driving
cautionLOPERAMIDE may cause dizziness, tiredness or sleepiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
consult your doctorNo data is available in patients with liver impairment. Please consult the doctor if you have liver problems or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorNo data is available in patients with renal impairment. Please consult the doctor if you have kidney problems or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionLOPERAMIDE is contraindicated in children below 2 years due to the risk of heart and breathing problems. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of LOPERAMIDE in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Include bland foods such as bananas, rice, apples, cream of wheat, soda crackers, farina, applesauce, and toast to avoid the aggravation of the digestive system.
Avoid eating foods such as milk, dairy products, spicy foods, processed foods, pork, veal, sardines, raw vegetables, rhubarb, onions, corn, citrus fruits, alcohol, pineapples, cherries, seeded berries, grapes, caffeinated and carbonated drinks.
Eat fibre-rich food such as whole grains, lentils, beans, broccoli, and peas.
Wash your hands properly after using the toilet to prevent infections.
Clean the toilets regularly with a disinfectant.
Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, while preparing or serving.
Special Advise
- Drink plenty of fluids/water to replace lost fluids due to diarrhoea.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea is a condition in which there is a frequent need to empty the bowels. It is characterised by loose and watery stools. Diarrhoea could be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhoea generally lasts for a few days. It could occur due to bacterial or viral infection or food poisoning. Chronic diarrhoea lasts for at least four weeks. It could occur due to intestinal disease/disorder such as Crohn’s or celiac disease. The causes of diarrhoea include food intolerance, food allergy, adverse reactions to medicine, viral infection, bacterial infection, intestinal disease, parasitic infection, and stomach or gallbladder surgery. The symptoms of diarrhoea include nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, dehydration, bloating, frequent urge to empty the bowels, and large or watery stools.
FAQs
LOPERAMIDE is used to treat diarrhoea. It is also indicated in the treatment of diarrhoea associated with inflammatory bowel disease and in reducing the volume of discharge from ileostomies.
LOPERAMIDE works by slowing down the movement of the bowel to decrease the number of bowel movements. It also helps lower the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel.
Yes, diarrhoea may cause dehydration due to loss of fluid in stools. So, drink plenty of fluids/water to replace lost fluids due to diarrhoea. Talk to your doctor about rehydration therapy to replace lost salts.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as it may cause serious or life-threatening changes in your heart rhythm. Avoid taking a larger dose, taking it for a longer period of time, or taking it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
