Loperamide

Dosage Forms Available for Loperamide

• Loperamide can be taken orally (tablet and capsule). 

Age And Dosage Restrictions for Loperamide

• It is given to adults and children above 12 years of age. 

Contraindications of Loperamide

• It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Loperamide, patients having inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, or renal impairment.

Medications To Avoid With Loperamide

• Avoid taking medications for HIV (ritonavir), medications for abnormal heartbeats (quinidine), antifungals (itraconazole), medications for high cholesterol (gemfibrozil), medications for excessive urination (desmopressin), and antiallergics (diphenhydramine) with Loperamide. These medications may alter the safety and effectiveness of Loperamide.

Overdose And Missed Dose

• Overdose can cause sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, constipation, difficulty passing urine, weak breathing, muscle stiffness and uncoordinated movements. These symptoms need to be managed as an emergency in a hospital setting. Therefore, strict adherence to the prescribed dose is essential.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing regime.

​​Management Of Side Effects

• Continue taking the medication as prescribed. If side effects worsen or persist, consult your doctor for a possible treatment plan adjustment.

Use In Driving And Operating Machinery

• This medicine can cause dizziness. It is not recommended to drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental alertness or coordination after taking this medicine. 

Use In Pregnancy And Lactation

• Loperamide is not recommended in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Caution In Other Conditions

• Caution is advised in elderly patients, especially patients with severe diarrhoea, liver and kidney impairment.

Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation

• Take a balanced diet with adequate fluid and electrolyte intake.
• Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so it is essential to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. 
• Patients should be encouraged to drink water and clear fluids such as broth and sports drinks to maintain hydration. 
• Additionally, patients should eat foods that are easy to digest and avoid foods that can aggravate diarrhoea, such as spicy or high-fibre foods.
• One should rest and avoid strenuous physical activity during bouts of diarrhoea. 
• Additionally, practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others to prevent the spread of infection. 
• Avoid smoking, as smoking can irritate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhoea.