What is the drug for?Loperamide? Reviews of this drug, its indications, side effects, instructions and contraindications will be presented in this article. We will also tell you about what pharmacological characteristics of the mentioned remedy, what is included in its composition, in what forms it is produced, etc.
Composition, packaging, form and description
In what form can you buy a medicine like Loperamide? Reviews of experts say that this drug comes to the pharmacy in the form of capsules, absorbable tablets and drops.
Две первые формы предназначаются для взрослых patients, as well as children older than six years. As for the latter, in some countries drops were used only for babies up to a year. However, in the Russian Federation, this form is not allowed to be implemented, as it was often used independently, without a doctor's prescription, which often led to serious complications, including death.
The active substance of tablets and capsules actsloperamide hydrochloride. Reviews of doctors state that this component in both forms is contained in the same amount, that is, 2 mg each. As for the additional elements, they include lactose, magnesium stearate, corn starch, talc and colloidal silicon dioxide.
Capsules are available in gelatinous shell. Their contents are white or almost white powder. Tablets, on the other hand, have a flat shape and may be yellowish.
Both types of medicine are contained in blister packs that are placed in cartons.
Pharmacological characteristics
What is a remedy like loperamide? Feedback from pharmacists informs us that this is a symptomatic antidiarrheal medication.
By binding to the opioid receptors of the intestinalwalls, the active substance of the drug reduces motility and tone of the smooth muscles of the intestine. Such an impact slows down the passage of its contents, and also reduces the release of electrolytes and liquids with faeces.
It should be noted that the considered agent increases the tone of the sphincter (anal), which ultimately contributes to the reduction of the urge to defecate and retain fecal masses.
How long does the drug "Loperamide"? Reviews of patients say that the effect of taking such medication comes very quickly. And it lasts for 5-6 hours.
Pharmacokinetic properties
How quickly the active substance is absorbedmedication in question (loperamide hydrochloride)? Reviews of specialists contain information that the greatest concentration of the active component of this tool is achieved 2.6 hours after administration. The absorption of the drug is 40%, and the connection with proteins - 97%.
It should also be noted that the drug does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In addition, its metabolism almost completely occurs in the liver (by conjugation).
The elimination half-life of the agent is 10-14 hours. It is derived mainly by the intestines, as well as the kidneys (a small part).
Indications
What is the prescribed drug "Loperamide" for children?Testimonials say that this drug can be taken not only to kids, but also to adults. It is intended for the symptomatic treatment of chronic and acute diarrhea of various origins (allergic, medicinal, emotional, radiation, etc.). In addition, this medicine is able to regulate stool in patients with a diagnosis such as an ileostomy.
Contraindications
If there are any states that can not be usedmedication "loperamide"? Instructions for use, reviews of doctors inform that the agent in question is not recommended to be prescribed to patients with hypersensitivity to the drug, lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption, diverticulosis, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis in the acute stage, diarrhea that occurred on the background pseudomembranous enterocolitis (acute).
Следует также отметить, что данный медикамент can not be used in monotherapy for dysentery and other infections of the gastrointestinal tract, pregnancy (especially in the 1st trimester) and during lactation.
Is it possible to give the drug "Loperamide" to children? Testimonials say that babies are not prescribed medicine in capsules.
With extreme caution, this medication is given to patients with liver failure.
Methods of intake and dosage of the drug
How should I take the drug "Loperamide" (indications for use, feedback on this tool can be found in the presented article)?
Капсулы необходимо проглатывать целиком, не chewing, squeezed with a small amount of water. As for pills, they are placed under the tongue. Within a few seconds, the medicine should completely dissolve, after which it is necessary to swallow all the saliva. Tablets should not be washed down with water.
The dosage of the agent in question depends on the age of the patient.
In chronic and acute diarrhea, 2 capsules are prescribed to adults (initially), and then 1 capsule after each bowel movement (if the stool is still fluid).
In case of acute diarrhea, children older than 6 years old are given a 1st capsule after each bowel movement.
The maximum daily dosage in adults (for chronic and acute diarrhea) is 8 capsules, and in children - 3.
In the absence of stool for more than 12 hours, as well as after its normalization, treatment with this drug should be stopped.
Overdose
Какие последствия возникнут, если пациент misused the drug "loperamide" (pills)? Reviews of doctors state that in this case the following symptoms of overdose may appear: intestinal obstruction, CNS depression (miosis, drowsiness, impaired coordination, respiratory depression and muscle hypertension).
Symptomatic therapy is used as a treatment. The patient is washed stomach, and also give activated charcoal.
In case of overdose, medical supervision is necessary for at least two days.
Lactation and pregnancy
Can I take the drug "Loperamide" withpregnancy? Reviews of specialists inform that this tool is contraindicated in the 1st trimester. As for the 2nd and 3rd, in this period, women can be prescribed anti-diarrheal medication, but only after an objective determination of the ratio of benefits for the mother and harm to the baby.
Due to the fact that a small amount of the drug is found in breast milk, breastfeeding should be discontinued at the time of its administration.
Side effects
As a rule, the drug "Loperamide"tolerated by patients quite well. However, in some cases, the patient may experience allergic reactions (eg, skin rash), as well as insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness, hypovolemia, nausea, dizziness, electrolyte disturbances, gastralgia, dryness of the oral mucosa, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, vomiting, intestinal colic and flatulence.
It should also be noted that very rarely, as a side effect, patients experience urinary retention and intestinal obstruction.
Features of medication
If the therapeutic effect is absent after 2 days of treatment with the agent being considered, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.
If abdominal distension or constipation occurs during therapy, the drug should be withdrawn. Patients with impaired liver function require careful monitoring of the symptoms of toxic CNS damage.
During the treatment of diarrhea, you should compensate for the loss of electrolytes and fluids.
Drug reviews
Reviews of such a drug as "Loperamide" aremostly positive. This is due to the fact that this medicine quite effectively eliminates diarrhea, which can occur for a variety of reasons (for example, after a festive feast, samples of exotic fruits, before an exciting event, etc.).
Loperamide tablets and capsules act very quickly. At the same time, they allow the patient to remain in a “working” state throughout the day.
In addition to high efficiency, the main advantage of this tool is its low cost.
Together, all the advantages of this drug have created a good reputation for him. By the way, positive feedback from those people who have ever used this tool has made a huge contribution to it.
It should also be noted that in addition to the advantages,This medicine has its drawbacks. Some patients complain of side effects. Although in general, even such negative moments do not spoil the general positive impression about this tool.
