Loperamide caps 2mg #20

Loperamide is a symptomatic antidiarrheal agent.

Release form and composition

Dosage Forms:
    Capsules (in blister packs: 10 pcs., In a cardboard bundle of 1, 2 or 3 packs; 5 pcs., In a cardboard bundle of 2 or 4 packs; 7 pcs., In a cardboard bundle of 1, 2 or 4 packs; in a dark glass jar or polymer bottle of 20 pcs., in a cardboard bundle 1 can or 1 bottle).
The active substance of Loperamide - loperamide hydrochloride:
    1 capsule - 2 mg.
Auxiliary components:
    Capsules: milk sugar, magnesium stearate, corn starch, aerosil, talc.

Pharmacodynamics

The effect of the drug is due to the binding of loperamide hydrochloride with opioid receptors of the intestinal wall (cholinergic and adrenergic neurons are stimulated via guanine nucleotides).
The main effects of the drug:
    decreased tone and motility of smooth muscles of the intestine;
    slowing down the passage of intestinal contents;
    decrease in excretion with feces of electrolytes and liquids;
    increased tone of the anal sphincter, which helps to keep feces and reduce the number of urges to defecate.
The therapeutic effect occurs quickly, its duration on average is from 4 to 6 hours.

Pharmacokinetics

The absorption of loperamide hydrochloride is 40%. Cmax (maximum concentration of the substance) is achieved in 2.5 hours. Communication with plasma proteins is 97%.
The elimination half-life is in the range from 9 to 14 hours. Almost completely metabolized in the liver by conjugation. Does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Excretion is carried out mainly through the intestines, a small amount is excreted by the kidneys (like conjugated metabolites).

Indications for use

According to the instructions, Loperamide is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of chronic and acute diarrhea of ​​various etiologies, including drug, allergic, emotional and radiation, as well as diarrhea caused by a change in the quality of food and nutrition, metabolic and absorption disorders.
The drug is prescribed for the regulation of stool with ileostomy and as part of the complex treatment of diarrhea of ​​infectious origin.

Contraindications

    Monotherapy of infections of the gastrointestinal tract (including acute dysentery);
    Ulcerative colitis in the acute stage;
    Pseudomembranous enterocolitis;
    Intestinal obstruction;
    I trimester of pregnancy;
    Period of breastfeeding;
    Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
With caution, the drug should be prescribed to patients with liver failure and functional liver disorder.
The appointment of loperamide in the II and III trimesters of pregnancy is possible only if the potential threat to the fetus is less than the expected effect of therapy for the mother.
In addition, the use of loperamide is contraindicated:
with glucose-galactose malabsorption, lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, diverticulosis, children under the age of 6 years.

Instructions for use: method and dosage

Loperamide capsules are swallowed whole with water. At the beginning of therapy for acute or chronic diarrhea, adults take 2 capsules, then 1 capsule after each bowel movement with a liquid stool structure. The maximum daily dose is 8 capsules. Children over 6 years old with acute diarrhea are prescribed 1 capsule after each loose stool, but no more than 3 capsules per day. If there is no bowel movement for more than 12 hours, the drug should be discontinued.

Side effects

The appearance of an allergic reaction (skin rash), drowsiness or insomnia, dizziness, hypovolemia, electrolyte disturbances, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, intestinal colic, dry mouth, nausea, gastralgia, vomiting, flatulence; rarely - urinary retention; extremely rare - intestinal obstruction.

Overdose

The main symptoms: intestinal obstruction, depression of the central nervous system (manifested in the form of muscle hypertension, stupor, impaired coordination, miosis, drowsiness, respiratory depression).
The antidote is naloxone. Considering that the duration of action of loperamide is longer than that of naloxone, it may be necessary to re-administer the latter.
Symptomatic therapy: gastric lavage, the appointment of activated charcoal, mechanical ventilation. After an overdose, medical supervision is indicated for at least 48 hours.

Special instructions

If there is no clinical effect after two days of taking loperamide, you must consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and exclude the infectious nature of the disease.
If bloating or constipation occurs, the drug should be discontinued.
During therapy, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of patients with liver failure and functional liver disorder, since there is a risk of toxic damage to the nervous system.
In the treatment of diarrhea, the patient is shown abundant drinking, it is recommended to regularly compensate for the loss of fluid and electrolytes.
You can not use Loperamide tablets in clinical situations requiring inhibition of intestinal motility.
For the treatment of overdose of loperamide, naloxone should be used as an antidote.
During the period of taking the drug, patients should be careful when performing potentially dangerous types of work that require an increased rate of psychomotor reactions and concentration, including driving.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms

During the period of therapy with loperamide when driving vehicles, patients should be careful.

Pregnancy and lactation

    I trimester of pregnancy, lactation: therapy is contraindicated;
    II – III trimesters of pregnancy: Loperamide can be used after the doctor evaluates the risk ratio with the expected benefit.

Use in childhood

The use of Loperamide capsules is contraindicated for children under 6 years of age, tablets - under 4 years of age.

With impaired liver function

With liver failure, therapy is carried out under medical supervision.

Drug interaction

Concomitant use with colestyramine may decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
The combination of loperamide with ritonavir or co-trimoxazole increases its bioavailability.

Terms and conditions of storage

Keep out of the reach of children. Store in a dry, dry place at temperatures up to 25 ° C.
Shelf life is 2 years.

Reviews

According to reviews, Loperamide is an inexpensive, affordable, effective and fast-acting drug. Users note that it does not help with diarrhea of ​​an infectious etiology. Side effects are rarely reported.

Terms of sell

You don't need a prescription to buy Loperamide.