Loperamide Pharmacology

Loperamide

About Loperamide
A synthetic piperidine derivative, Opioid, Antidiarrhoeal, Analgesic.
Mechanism of Action of Loperamide
Loperamide is a mu receptor agonist. It inhibits the release of Acetylcholine on myenteric plexus in the gastrointestinal tract. This results in slowing intestinal motility and reduces peristalsis and increase intestinal transit time. This will results in increased absorption of water from fecal matter. Loperamide also has a direct action on intestinal smooth muscle. It does not have any effect on central nervous system.
Pharmacokinets of Loperamide
Absorption: Loperamide is poorly absorbed after oral administration
Distribution: It is widely distributed mainly in protein bound form
Metabolism: Absorbed drug undergoes metabolism in the liver
Excretion: It is excreted mainly in the faeces and small amount in the urine.
Onset of Action for Loperamide
1 - 2 hours.
Duration of Action for Loperamide
1 day
Half Life of Loperamide
7 - 14 hours
Side Effects of Loperamide
1.Dry mouth
2.Abdominal pain
3.Nausea
4.Vomiting
5.Gastric discomfort
6.Drowsiness
7.Dizziness
8.Tiredness
9.Constipation
10.Allergic reaction
11.Toxic megacolon
Contra-indications of Loperamide
1.Hypersensitivity to Loperamide
2.Severe diarrhoea where inhibition of peristalsis is not desirable
3.Fever
4.Bloody stool diarrhoea
5.Pseudomembranous enterocolitis
Special Precautions while taking Loperamide
1.Hepatic impairment
2.Acute ulcerative colitis
3.Crohn`s disease
4.Intestinal stasis
5.Pyloric obstruction
6.Urinary bladder neck obstruction
7.Gastric retentions
8.Use caution while driving vehicle or operating machine or performing activities requiring mental alertness
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Below 2 years: contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Loperamide
1.Diarrhoea
Interactions for Loperamide
N/A
Typical Dosage for Loperamide
Adult (Oral): Initial dose: 4 mg followed by 2 mg after each loose motion. Maintenance dose: 6 - 8 mg daily
Maximum dose: 16 mg / day
Children:
2 - 5 years: 3 mg / day in 3 divided doses
6 - 8 years: 4 mg / day in 2 divided doses
8 - 12 years: 6 mg / day in 3 divided doses
Schedule of Loperamide
H
Storage Requirements for Loperamide
Store the drug at 15 - 30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat and light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Loperamide
Do not apply if it is taken as to control diarrhoea.
If it is taken as a regular schedule then take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Loperamide
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by gastric lavage. Absorption of the drug can be reduced by administration of activated charcoal. Respiratory depression can be treated with Naloxone.

Home Delivery for Loperamide in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including loperamide.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for loperamide and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for loperamide may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take loperamide only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for loperamide before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for loperamide with the pharmacy.

Loperamide is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for loperamide might be better known than loperamide itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have loperamide in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for loperamide.