Loperamide - generic Imodium
- 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.
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.
If you suffer from a liver condition, have a fever, or have mucus in the
stool, check with your doctor before using this medication. Too much
loperamide may cause drowsiness and/or dizziness. You should exercise
extra caution while driving or performing tasks requiring mental
alertness. Dehydration can be a problem when you have diarrhea. It is
important that you drink plenty of fluids while taking loperamide. Use
special caution when giving this medicament to a young child. Response
to the drug can be unpredictable.
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. |
