DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Loperamide is a medication that is used for the relief of acute diarrhea and the management of
chronic diarrhea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). The effectiveness of loperamide is comparable to
another anti-diarrheal, diphenoxylate (Lomotil). Loperamide
reduces
diarrhea by slowing the forward propulsion of intestinal
contents by the
intestinal muscles. Although loperamide is related chemically
to narcotics
such as morphine, it does not have any of the narcotics pain-
relieving
effects even at high doses. Loperamide was approved by the FDA
in 1976.
PRESCRIPTION: yes (Imodium). no (all other brand
names)
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: capsules or tablets (2mg); liquid (1 mg
per
teaspoonsful).
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-
86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Loperamide is used for the relief of
acute or
chronic diarrhea.
DOSING: In adults and children 12 years of age and
older, the
usual dose is 4 mg (2 capsules) as a first dose, followed by 2
mg (1
capsule) after each unformed stool. The maximum dose is 16
mg/day. The
dose for children is: age 9 to 11 years, 2 mg three times the
first day;
age 6 to 8 years, 2 mg twice the first day; age 2 to 5 years, 1
mg times
three times the first day. After the first day, children less
than 12
years of age usually receive a dose of 0.1 mg/kg after an
unformed stool.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:Cholestyramine
(Questran) binds to
loperamide in the intestines and prevents its absorption,
thereby reducing
the effect of loperamide. Therefore, there should be at least a
two hour
interval between doses of loperamide and cholestyramine. Some
drugs which
are used to increase propulsion of intestinal contents
theoretically could
counteract loperamide. Such drugs include bethanechol (Urecholine),
cisapride (Propulsid), metoclopramide
(Reglan), and
erythromycin.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of loperamide
in
pregnant women. However, studies in animals receiving very high
doses of
loperamide suggest no important, detrimental effects on the
fetus.
Physicians may use loperamide during pregnancy if its benefits
are deemed
to outweigh the potential but unknown risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known if loperamide is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Loperamide is generally well- tolerated.
The side
effects that have been reported during loperamide treatment
include
abdominal pain, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth,
fatigue,
nausea, and vomiting.
Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency are all symptoms of diarrhea. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common gastrointestinal disorder involving abnormal gut contractions (motility) characterized by abdominal pain,
bloating, mucous in stools, and irregular bowel habits with alternating diarrhea
and constipation, symptoms that tend to be chronic and to wax and wane over the
years. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management to control symptoms. Also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis, nervous colon syndrome.
Microscopic colitis (lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis) is a disease of inflammation of the colon. Microscopic colitis is only visible when the colon's lining is examined under a microscope. The cause of microscopic colitis is not known. Symptoms of microscopic colitis are chronic watery diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramps. Microscopic colitis is diagnosed through biopsies of several areas of the colon. There is no standardized treatment for microscopic colitis; however, eliminating NSAIDs, and treatment medications such as Imodium, Lomotil, Petpo-Bismol, Entocort EC, and mesalamine (Asacol) have been helpful in some individuals.
Travelers should prepare for their trip by visiting their physician to get the proper vaccinations and obtain the necessary medication if they have a medical condition or chronic disease. Diseases that travelers may pick up from contaminated water or food, insect or animal bites, or from other people include malaria, meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio, and cholera.
Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a burning feeling in the chest. Causes of heartburn include dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and medical causes. Treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, OTC medication, prescription medication, and surgery.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The cause of IBS is unknown, however, certain foods, stress, anxiety, and depression may contribute to the symptoms of IBS. There is no cure for IBS in children; however, medications, dietary changes, and stress management may relieve symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common ailments of the
bowel (intestines) and affects an estimated 15% of people in the US. The term,
irritable bowel, is not a particularly accurate one since it implies that the bowel
is responding irritably to normal stimuli, and this may or may not be the case.
The several terms used for IBS, including spastic colon,
spastic colitis, and mucous
colitis, attest to the difficulty of getting a descriptive handle on the
ailment. Moreover, each of the other names is itself as problematic as the term
IBS.
IBS is best described as a functional disease. The concept of functional
disease is particularly useful when discussing diseases of the gastrointestinal
tract. The concept applies to the muscular organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and colon. What is meant
by the term, functional, is that either th...
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