Loperamide
Antidiarrhoeal · Antidiarrhoeal
Indications
Diarrhoea. Pain of bowel colic in palliative care.
Dosage
Cap/Tab: Acute diarrhoea: Adults: Initially 4 mg, then 2 mg at each loose stool (usually 3-4 daily). Max, 16 mg daily. Chronic diarrhoea: Adults: Initially 4-8 mg, daily in divided doses. Pain of bowel colic in palliative care: 2-4 mg four times a day. Children: Not recommended. Syrup: Acute diarrhoea: Children: 2-5 yrs, 5 mL three times a day, total daily dose not to exceed 15 mL. 5-8 yrs, 5 mL four times a day, total daily dose not to exceed 20 mL. 8-12 yrs, 10 mL 3 to 4 times a day, total daily dose not to exceed 40 mL.
Adverse Effects
Rashes. Abdominal cramps, bloating, paralytic ileus, constipation, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, dry mouth.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Not rated. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Acute ulcerative colitis, abdominal distension, ileus, pseudomembranous colitis, conditions where inhibition of peristalsis, invasive bacterial enterocolitis. Precautions: Acute dysentery, hepatic impairment.
Advice to Patient
Take with or without meals. Contact prescriber if diarrhoea remains for more than 2 days. Exercise regularly, avoid foods that cause diarrhoea. There should be safe food preparation and storage. Use of buttermilk, yogurt or boiled milk may help reduce diarrhoea.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Poor. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 9.1-14.4 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Liquid: 2.5 hrs. Capsule: Approx. 5 hrs. Excretion: Faeces.
Unlicensed Use
Children: Chronic diarrhoea: 1 mth-1 yr, 100-200 mcg/kg twice daily, 30 minutes before feeds; up to 2 mg/kg daily in divided doses occasionally required; 1-12 yr, 100-200 mcg/kg (max 2 mg) 3-4 times daily; up to 1.25 mg/kg daily in divided doses may be required (max 16 mg daily); 12-18 yr, 2-4 mg 2-4 times daily (max 16 mg daily). Acute diarrhoea: 4-8 yr, 1 mg 3-4 times daily for up to 3 days only; 8-12 yr, 2 mg 4 times daily for up to 5 days only; 12-18 yr, Initially 4 mg, then 2 mg after each loose stool for up to 5 days (usual dose 6-8 mg daily; max 16 mg daily). Adults: Faecal incontinence: Initially 500 mcg daily, altered according to response. Max: 16 mg daily in divided doses.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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