LOPERAMIDE oral

Therapeutic action

• Opioid antidiarrhoeal

Indications

• Symptomatic treatment of persistent diarrhoea in adults with HIV infection, in combination with rehydration

Forms and strengths

• 2 mg capsule or tablet

Dosage

• Adult: 4 mg (2 capsules), then 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose stool, without exceeding 16 mg daily (8 capsules daily).

Duration

• According to clinical response

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not exceed indicated doses.
• Do not administer to children.
• Do not administer to patients with bloody diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea due to antibiotics.
• May cause: constipation, allergic skin reactions, drowsiness, dizziness.
• In the event of overdosage, treat with naloxone.
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• Rehydration is essential and must be adapted to the severity of diarrhoea.
• Loperamide is not included in the WHO list of essential medicines.

Storage