Acute & chronic diarrhoea, IBS (Diarrhoea predominant).
Loperamide Hydrochloride inhibits the peristaltic activity of the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle in the intestine by interacting with cholinergic and noncholinergic neuronal mechanisms responsible for producing the peristaltic reflex. Loperamide Hydrochloride binds to the opiate receptor in the gut wall, reducing propulsive peristalsis and increasing intestinal transit time. Loperamide Hydrochloride increases the tone of the anal sphincter. This also inhibits electrolyte and fluid secretion in the intestine.
Loperamide Hydrochloride is an orally administered capsule. After administration absorption is more than 65% which occurs at a modest rate, with peak serum levels of 2-3 µgm/litre occurring at about 4 hours later after oral administration. The rest 35% is excreted unchanged in the faeces. Loperamide Hydrochloride undergoes an extensive presystemic first-pass metabolism in the gut wall and in the liver. Loperamide does not act centrally due to its high affinity for the gut wall and its presystemic metabolism. This is why it reaches the systemic circulation in a very minute amount. The route of elimination is 0.63-1.4% in urine as an unchanged drug, 58% is excreted in the bile and 15-23% appears in the faeces.
Acute diarrhoea: The initial dose is 2 capsules for adults & 1 capsule for children older than eight; in addition 1 capsule should be taken at any subsequent loose stool. The daily dose, however should not exceed 8 capsules for adults, for children 4-6 capsules according to age. Chronic diarrhoea Initial dose: Adults: 2 capsules daily. Children: Older than eight: 1 capsule daily.
There are no data available.
It should not be used in children less than 4 years of age.
Paralytic ileus, abdominal cramps & bloating urticaria, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness & dry mouth.
Although studies in animal did not demonstrate any teratogenic Effect of loperamide, it should not be administered during pregnancy. The fraction of loperamide secreted in the human milk is very low, but caution is advised if it is to be administered to nursing mothers.
Overdosage of Loperamide may result in constipation, CNS depression, and nausea.
Keep all medicines out of reach of children. Store in a cool and dry place protected from light.
Each tablet contains 2 mg loperamide hydrochloride
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