What is Loperamide?
There’s a growing concern about the consumption of loperamide, even the FDA pushes for a change in the labeling of the drug. Ordinarily, we’d understand that something must be amiss somewhere along that line for the US Food and Drug Administration to pick special interest in a drug. But what’s with the drug, loperamide, and why has it come under any regulations? Loperamide is actually a generic name for the drug. It comes in various brands, the commonest of which is Imodium. Loperamide is classified as an anti-diarrheal medication, used especially in the management of acute diarrhea. Acute diarrhea includes traveler’s diarrhea, loose watery stools which lasts less than two weeks. [1]
Loperamide works on the symptoms of diarrhea rather than fighting the cause of it directly. It functions by impeding bowel movements for a long while, hence its normal side effects if taken according to prescription are constipation, fatigue, and dizziness. Loperamide is easily available both over the counter and by prescription. Over-the-counter loperamide is likely to be taken by someone who just experiences symptoms of diarrhea for a while. Prescription loperamide is taken at specific times in the day according to prescription. Loperamide is also administered in patients with continuing diarrhea in inflammatory bowel disease. People who have undergone ileostomy are given loperamide to decrease the quantity of discharge. Taking loperamide without precaution can be dangerous and addictive, however. [2]
