No person, including women who have given birth, is immune from bowel disorders. After the birth of a baby, mothers face not only lack of sleep or fatigue, but also diarrhea. And if the first two ailments can be eliminated with the help of proper rest, then it is impossible to get rid of the third without medication. Drugs during breastfeeding, in particular Loperamide, should be taken carefully and after consultation with a doctor.
General description and effect of the drug
During normal functioning of the digestive tract, feces are formed and contain up to 60% liquid. In the case of diarrhea, the intestines cannot fully absorb moisture and leave it in the stool. As a result, loose, unformed stool is observed, which contains up to 90% water. Loperamide for diarrhea has the following positive effects:
When the medicine enters the stomach, its positive effect begins within half an hour. For diarrhea to completely disappear, it should take 4 to 6 hours. The medication is prescribed for both the treatment of chronic and acute forms of diarrhea. Doctors recommend that all patients have this drug in their home medicine cabinet and take it with them when traveling. This will prevent illness and promptly solve an existing problem. The medicine is safe and easily excreted from the body with bile fluid. In adults, complete elimination is observed after 10–12 hours. The main advantage of the drug is its speed. After taking for 60 minutes, the active substance is already completely in the bloodstream and reduces the symptoms of diarrhea. Manufacturers provide two forms of release of the drug:
- capsules, and one package can contain 5, 7 or 10 capsules. The price in Ukrainian pharmacies is on average 8 UAH, in Russian pharmacies - on average 11 rubles per package;
- tablets, one coin contains 10 or 20 tablets. The cost in Russia is from 8 to 55 rubles, in Ukraine 7.50 – 11.50 UAH.
Loperamide: purpose
This remedy helps eliminate diarrhea. But, in essence, Loperamide is an opiate drug. It slows down intestinal motility and reduces its secretion. This is often the case with opiate drugs. The action of Loperamide can provoke a complete cessation of bowel movements for one to three days. As a rule, patients achieve a similar effect. However, from a physiological point of view this is clearly wrong.
The human body is designed in such a way that diarrhea and vomiting during poisoning allow toxic, infected contents to be removed from the gastrointestinal tract. If diarrhea is infectious, then taking Loperamide can be harmful. The poisons contained in the intestines will remain in the organ and will be absorbed into it, poisoning the entire body. It should be understood that Loperamide can only be used in the presence of the following conditions:
If you cannot determine the cause of diarrhea, then you should not self-medicate. It should be understood that Loperamide does not cure at all. It only temporarily eliminates the negative syndrome. As such, this is undesirable as it may complicate subsequent diagnosis.
Indications for use
Loperamide for diarrhea is prescribed for both acute and chronic forms. Regardless of the etiology of the pathological condition. It is prescribed even if diarrhea was caused by an allergic reaction, radiation sickness or drug overdose. In most cases, doctors prescribe it for loose stools caused by poor nutrition, when food of poor quality, as well as stitched, rotten or spoiled food was eaten. The disease can be caused by a violation of the diet. In this case, Loperamide is also able to correct the process of fluid absorption in the intestines and prevent diarrhea. The drug has its contraindications, which include:
Analogs
Loperamide has many substitutes, both structural and those that have similar effects. But most of them cannot be taken while breastfeeding. Popular analogues include: Diara, Imodium, Lopedium.
To eliminate diarrhea, the following safe medications with similar effects are prescribed:
- Polysorb. It has adsorbing and detoxifying properties.
- Enterofuril. An antimicrobial medicine that binds and removes toxins.
- Enterosgel. Fights diarrhea by absorbing harmful substances.
Instead of Loperamide, you can take probiotics during breastfeeding: Linex, Bifiform, Enterozermina, Lactovit. The remedies help restore the balance of intestinal microflora and also eliminate the symptoms of the disorder.
Mode of application
Loperamide for diarrhea is prescribed in different dosages. It depends on the form of the disease. If diarrhea is acute, then adults need two tablets as a “shock” initial dose, and one for children. If the illness does not go away within 24 hours, then after 24 hours you need to take one tablet after each bowel movement. In serious condition, hospital treatment is required. In the chronic form, the initial dose is similar (adults 2 tablets, children 1). Further, the medication should be adjusted for each patient individually. As a rule, in the chronic form, an adult takes no more than 8 tablets per day (this is the maximum dose). When, after treatment, loose stools are not observed for 12 hours, there is no need to take the medicine anymore. The drug has side effects, which should also signal the cancellation of such treatment.
It is not recommended to independently select medications to treat diarrhea. In difficult situations, it is imperative to seek the help of a specialist, both adults and children. Timely therapy will avoid complications. The main thing is to react in time and start treatment.
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During normal functioning of the digestive tract, feces are formed and contain up to 60% liquid. In the case of diarrhea, the intestines cannot fully absorb moisture and leave it in the stool. As a result, loose, unformed stool is observed, which contains up to 90% water. Loperamide for diarrhea has the following positive effects:
In this article you can read the instructions for use of the drug Loperamide . Reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as the opinions of specialist doctors on the use of Loperamide in their practice are presented. We kindly ask you to actively add your reviews about the drug: whether the medicine helped or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, perhaps not stated by the manufacturer in the annotation. Analogues of Loperamide in the presence of existing structural analogues. Use for the treatment of diarrhea in adults, children, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Loperamide is an antidiarrheal agent. Reduces the tone and motility of intestinal smooth muscles, apparently due to binding to opioid receptors in the intestinal wall. Inhibits the release of acetylcholine and prostaglandins, reducing peristalsis and increasing the transit time of contents through the intestines.
Increases the tone of the anal sphincter. The action occurs quickly and lasts 4-6 hours.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption - 40%. Does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Almost completely metabolized in the liver by conjugation. Excreted primarily by the intestines; a small part is excreted by the kidneys (in the form of conjugated metabolites).
Loperamide hydrochloride + excipients.
- symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea of various origins (allergic, emotional, medicinal, radiation: with changes in diet and quality food composition, with metabolic and absorption disorders: as an adjuvant for diarrhea of infectious origin);
- regulation of stool in patients with ileostomy.
Release forms
Instructions for use and dosage
Orally, without chewing, with water.
For adults with acute and chronic diarrhea, 2 capsules (0.004 g) are initially prescribed, then 1 capsule (0.002 g) after each bowel movement in case of loose stools. For acute diarrhea, children over 6 years of age are prescribed 1 capsule (0.002 g) after each bowel movement in case of loose stools.
Maximum daily dose. For acute and chronic diarrhea in adults - 8 capsules (0.016 g); for children - 3 capsules (0.006 g).
After normalization of stool or in the absence of stool for more than 12 hours, treatment with Loperamide should be discontinued.
Side effect
- allergic reactions (skin rash);
- drowsiness or insomnia;
- dizziness;
- dryness of the oral mucosa;
- intestinal colic;
- abdominal pain or discomfort;
- nausea, vomiting;
- flatulence;
- urinary retention;
- intestinal obstruction.
Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to the drug;
- lactose intolerance;
- lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption;
- diverticulosis;
- intestinal obstruction;
- ulcerative colitis in the acute stage;
- diarrhea due to acute pseudomembranous enterocolitis;
- as monotherapy - dysentery and other gastrointestinal infections;
- pregnancy (1st trimester);
- lactation period;
- Loperamide capsules are not prescribed to children under 6 years of age.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contraindicated in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, Loperamide can be prescribed in cases where the expected benefit of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Since small amounts of Loperamide are found in breast milk, use during breastfeeding is not recommended.
special instructions
If there is no effect after 2 days of using Loperamide, you should consult a doctor.
If constipation or bloating develops during treatment, loperamide should be discontinued. In patients with impaired liver function, careful monitoring for signs of toxic damage to the central nervous system is necessary.
During the treatment of diarrhea, it is necessary to replace the loss of fluid and electrolytes.
During the treatment period, care must be taken when driving vehicles and engaging in other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.
Drug interactions
It is believed that when used concomitantly, cholestyramine may reduce the effectiveness of loperamide.
When used simultaneously with co-trimoxazole and ritonavir, the bioavailability of loperamide increases, which is due to inhibition of its metabolism during the “first pass” through the liver.
In case of an overdose of loperamide, naloxone is used as an antidote.
Analogues of the drug Loperamide
Structural analogues of the active substance:
- Vero-Loperamide;
- Diara;
- Diarol;
- Imodium;
- Laremid;
- Lopedium;
- Loperacap;
- Loperamide Grindeks;
- Loperamide-Acree;
- Loperamide hydrochloride;
- Superilop;
- Enterobene.
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Used to treat diseases:
diarrhea, diarrhea
In case of an overdose of loperamide, naloxone is used as an antidote.
Contraindications
Loperamide, like any other medicine, has restrictions on its use. They must be taken into account, otherwise undesirable reactions will appear. Taking an antidiarrheal drug is not recommended for women with:
- individual intolerance;
- intestinal obstruction;
- diverticulosis;
- severe infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Women with liver failure, chronic constipation, bloating, colitis, and Crohn's disease should also not use Loperamide during lactation.
The active components of the medication, if they pass into breast milk, are in insignificant concentrations. Therefore, if taken appropriately by the mother, it will not harm the baby.
Composition and action
Loperamide anti-diarrhea tablets contain loperamide chloride. The drug is available in the form of tablets and capsules. The tablet contains 2 mg of active substance. Auxiliary components included:
- magnesium stearate;
- starch;
- lactose.
Tablets are sold in pharmacies in packs of 10, 20 or more. Capsules - 10, 7, 5 pieces per package.
- reduces the level of fluid in the lumen of the stomach;
- helps increase sphincter tone;
- leads to a decrease in the urge to go to the toilet;
- reduces the level of electrolytes released in feces;
- retains feces;
- promotes the absorption of water necessary for the body by the intestines.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than 7-8 capsules/tablets of medication per day. Otherwise, the patient's condition will worsen due to an overdose. Symptoms:
- A person's coordination of movements is impaired.
- He can't concentrate.
- Dizziness occurs.
- A person quickly gets tired and drowsiness does not leave him.
- He is having difficulty breathing.
- Constipation occurs due to intestinal obstruction.
The first thing to do in case of an overdose is to take an antidote. Also, to alleviate the patient's condition, he can be given activated charcoal.
After this, you should give him an enema to flush out his stomach. This will remove excess active substance of the drug from the body.
Can pregnant women drink?
Pregnant women should take Loperamide for diarrhea in extreme situations when there is no alternative to taking safer medications.
In the description, taking the drug is contraindicated in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
When breastfeeding, doctors do not recommend taking the composition. A small part of the drug "Loperamide" has been detected in the milk of a nursing mother. It is better to choose other alternative means so as not to harm the baby.
A characteristic feature of a cheap capsule medicine is its rapid effect on eliminating diarrhea within 1 hour.
Loperamide during lactation
According to the instructions for this drug, Loperamide is strictly forbidden to be taken during pregnancy and lactation. Even a small proportion of the active substance of such a product, penetrating into milk, can harm the baby.
Scientists conducted a study in which pregnant women took Loperamide. Most of them had no side effects, and the babies were born absolutely healthy. However, in 20% of women taking Loperamide, children were born with a body weight of approximately 200 grams less than the established norms. Therefore, taking Loperamide is allowed only under the strict supervision of a doctor. The period of breastfeeding is no exception. The bodies of mother and child systematically exchange enzymes. Therefore, the effects of toxins that are present in the body of a nursing mother can have an adverse effect on the baby’s body. Children's flora has weak protection, so bacteria can enter the body and cause poisoning. It is important for every mother with symptoms of poisoning to strictly follow the established rules of hygiene.
For intestinal infections, as a rule, antibacterial or antimicrobial drugs are prescribed that can destroy bacteria. But most of these medications are contraindicated during lactation. Taking Loperamide will only make the situation worse. It is important to remember that the body may react negatively to taking this drug. Adverse reactions include the following:
- difficulty breathing;
- redness and itching of the skin;
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue;
- bloating and abdominal pain;
- profuse watery and even bloody diarrhea;
- dizziness;
- constipation;
- feeling tired and drowsy.
The mother's digestive system is theoretically unrelated to the process of breast milk formation. However, the symptoms described above can negatively affect the condition of the baby. He will experience dryness of the oral mucosa, slow breathing, and drowsiness. To avoid such manifestations, it is advisable not to self-medicate. Taking Loperamide is allowed only in the most extreme cases, and then under the strict supervision of an experienced doctor. Breast milk will have to be replaced with a special formula while taking the medication.
Directions for use and doses
Among different age groups, manufacturers recommend using individual dosage and duration of use, which are prescribed by a therapist or pediatrician. Adults and adolescents in the acute period should take, according to the manufacturer's instructions, 4 mg of the drug (2 capsules or 2 tablets) once. The maximum allowed amount of the drug per day is 16 mg, which corresponds to 8 tablets. or 8 caps.
For therapeutic measures in the chronic form of diarrhea syndrome, adult patients are recommended to use 2 caps. or 2 tab. daily. The drug is taken until the number of bowel movements is reduced to one or two times a day.
For elderly patients, a dose is prescribed taking into account a history of diseases and the severity of their course. The duration of treatment, dosage and dosage regimen are recommended by the attending physician.
Stop taking loperamide after normalization of stool consistency or absence of bowel movements for 12 hours. The standard treatment cycle takes from 1 to 2 days. If flatulence occurs during treatment with Loperamide, stop taking the drug. During treatment, there is a need to replenish fluids and microelements lost as a result of frequent bowel movements. Dietary nutrition and medications that normalize water and electrolyte balance are required (for example, Regidron).
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Patients with liver diseases take the drug with extreme caution, under close monitoring of the functioning of the organ. It is also necessary to monitor the condition and pay attention to clinical syndromes of intoxication of the nervous system.
During drug therapy, it is necessary to exclude activities that require:
- concentration;
- concentration;
- composure;
- reaction speed.
Features of treatment during pregnancy
The use of Loperamide during pregnancy should be carried out as prescribed by a doctor. The drug is strictly forbidden to be used in the first trimester. Until the 12th week, the organs and systems of the fetus are actively developing. The ingredients contained in the medicine may adversely affect the development of the child.
From the second trimester, the drug can be used, but this is done in exceptional cases - for example, if diarrhea can lead to dangerous consequences. The dosage should be selected by the doctor depending on individual characteristics.
It is not recommended to use loperamide alone during breastfeeding. It has been established that during breastfeeding, a small amount of ingredients enters the milk. This will lead to their penetration into the child's body.
On a note. It is strictly forbidden to use the drug yourself. Abnormal bowel movements can be a reaction to serious pathologies. If the drug is used uncontrolledly without adequate examination, there is a risk of dangerous consequences.
Characteristics of the drug
The drug Loperamide has established itself as a reliable medicine in the fight against stool disorders. The ambiguity of the results can be caused by an incorrectly determined source of dyspepsia development, or by the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.
The medication is widely used to treat children and adult patients. When it enters the body, the active component is absorbed by 40%, with little penetration into the systemic bloodstream. Metabolism of the drug takes place in the liver, the half-life is 9-14 hours, the remains of the drug are excreted from the body by the intestines and kidneys.
The medication inhibits peristalsis, slowing down the movement of contents through the intestines, and increases the activity of the anal sphincter. The starting price for Loperamide anti-diarrhea tablets in pharmacies is 10 rubles.
Reviews
Reviews from women who took the medicine while breastfeeding are mostly positive. Many managed to get rid of diarrhea in 1 day, and when using small doses of the product. No side effects were observed after using the product.
Those who took the medicine for more than 2 days noted the appearance of sleep disturbances and dry mucous membranes. After stopping therapy, the symptoms immediately disappeared.
Doctors do not advise taking Loperamide during breastfeeding without specifying the reason and agreeing on the use of the tablets with a specialist.
Product effectiveness
The effect of loperamide anti-diarrhea tablets begins an hour after use. The active component, after penetration into the intestine, comes into contact with receptors located on the side walls, causing the synthesis of preganglionic neurons. The drug affects smooth muscle tissue - the rate of contractions and intestinal activity decreases.
The frequency of the urge to defecate is reduced by increasing the time it takes for the intestinal contents to move. Increasing the tone of the sphincter allows you to retain stool and reduce the number of bowel movements. A full strengthening result is achieved in 4-6 hours - the product has a prolonged effect.
Therapy may be insufficient or completely ineffective for the following reasons:
- incorrect identification of the cause that provoked dyspeptic disorder;
- liver dysfunction;
- simultaneous use of antibacterial drugs.
A severe lack of fluid in the body also becomes a source of low effectiveness of the product. The second reason is the age of the patient - in older people, peristalsis dysfunction is associated with age-related changes.
If there is no expected result from taking Loperamide within 48 hours, treatment is canceled. A ban on continuing therapy occurs with increased gas formation and the development of constipation.
Symptoms of diarrhea
In these situations, it will not be enough to just stop prolonged diarrhea: you need to diagnose and implement appropriate therapy, often while in the hospital. Regarding the clinical signs of the disease, they are mild. This refers to ordinary indigestion, when, in addition to prolonged loose stools, there are spastic pain sensations inside the abdomen and dyspepsia (boiling, bloating, flatulence).
In a situation with food poisoning, lethargy, fever, nausea and gag reflex, loss of appetite, and high temperature will be added to the discomfort. Similar symptoms are characteristic of intestinal infections and viral diseases.
Signs of dehydration are considered dangerous symptoms that require immediate attention. Dry skin and mucous membranes, cracked lips, thirst, infrequent urination, dark urine appear during constant debilitating diarrhea; this condition poses a serious threat: the pulse increases, blood pressure decreases, and muscle cramps begin.
Basic information
Loperamide is a drug of the opiate class, similar in structure to cphenylpiperidines and the painkillers fentanyl and pyritramide.
It has an inhibitory effect on intestinal peristalsis (motility), but does not provide a pronounced analgesic effect. Loperamide has been known since 1973 under the trade name Imodium. Later, liquid forms of this drug appeared on the pharmacological market: syrup and drops. Now on pharmacy counters you can see a great many analogs of Imodium: Loperamide, Lopedium, Diara, Superilop, Enterobene, etc.
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In Russia, Loperamide is included in the WHO List of Essential Medicines and is almost the main component of any home medicine cabinet, along with activated carbon and analgin.
